Intestinal Diverticulitis near San Antonio, TX

Care Philosophy: To provide high quality, affordable gastroenterology and hepatology diagnostic and therapeutic services in a dignified and efficient manner.

Biography: Dr. Joseph Johnson was destined to be a physician. He never thought of doing anything else. He comes from generations of doctors that date back to the 1800s. Dr. Johnson says, "Choosing gastro was an accident. I ended up training under two men who were Nobel Prize in GI, their enthusiasm for the field was contagious."He completed his Doctorate degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, and completed his internship and residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He then accepted a Fellowship at the University of North Carolina. During his career, Dr. Johnson served as Staff Physician at Murphy VA Hospital.Dr. Johnson was also on a talk show in San Antonio. It had a 10-minute part where he helped viewers better understand and care for their health. Although the program is no longer on the air, he still spreads the word about colon cancer.Dr. Johnson is a cancer survivor. He says that his own experience battling it only fueled his passion for the cause. He says to his patients in daily practice, "When you're sick or struggling with your health, the last thing that you want to do is sit in a waiting room or be shuffled from room to room and talk to doctors who are busy. My experience only enhanced the human element that must exist in this practice. I am dedicated to being responsive, on time, and focused on my patient's care. I'm focused during every moment I spend with them."

Biography: Dr. Bullock completed his undergraduate work at Texas A&M. He obtained his Medical Doctorate at Texas Tech School of Medicine. However, it was during the early parts of his medical training as a fellow at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, that he foundhis passion for gastroenterology. He remembers, "It is one of the few fields of medicine where there is a good mix of science and peoplea deeper level of thinking, interacting with patients, and performing procedures." During his career, Dr. Bullock has applied his expertise to other facets of art and science. He contributes as a medical columnist for The Boerne Star. He wonthe Anson Jones Award for excellence in health reporting in 2015. Dr. Bullock leadsthe San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates clinical research team. This team focuses onfindingthe successof new treatment options for patients struggling with Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and other conditions and diseases. As a result, these experiences have led Dr. Bullock to meet very inspiring people. In 2013, he wrotean article with a dying patient. Together they were able to share the important message of living each day to the fullest. He also recounts the story of two patients who were husband and wife. They were diagnosed with cancer within months of each other. He said, "They told me that I inspired them to keep pushing and keep living, and that is why they are alive today, but I say, they inspired me. They pushed me to look deeper, try harder, and do more to go beyond my traditional training. And thankfully, it went well, that story has a happy ending." When asked what he likes about working withmedicine, he says, "Everythingthe patients, the problem-solving, the research. I get to be the guy in the middle of the action. As doctors, we sometimes see 30, 40, 50 patients in a day and it can be easy to forget why we are here and do what we do, but when you meet these people and you put yourself in their shoes, you realize you have to do whatever you can to fix the issue. Being involved in research opens even more doors to help more patients." WhenDr. Bullock isn't working withmedicine, he is spending time with his wife and two sons or exploring exotic placesaround the globe.