Gastroenterologist Dr. Jason Bratcher Joins BMC Practice

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Health Systems announced the appointment of Jason Bratcher, a board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, to the medical staff of Berkshire Medical Center and the physician staff of Gastroenterology Professional Services of BMC, where he is partnered with Dr. Jeffrey St. John, Dr. Rangan Murali, and Richard Woller, PA.

Bratcher specializes in the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), an advanced, minimally invasive technology that allows for the examination of deeper tissue layers of the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. EUS allows for the evaluation of tissue and organs that are not visible with traditional endoscopy, such as the liver, biliary tree, and pancreas.

During the EUS procedure, fine needle aspiration can be performed to assist in the diagnosis and staging of various GI malignancies, including esophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. He also is trained in ERCP, a technique that allows for treatment of hepatobiliary disorders that can cause blockage of the biliary tree, liver, and pancreas. EUS and ERCP are often used in conjunction for complicated GI disorders.

Bratcher most recently worked in a private gastroenterology practice in New York with Dr. Jerome Siegel, a pioneer in the development of ERCP. He was affiliated with the Center for Digestive Health at Mount Sinai/Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, and also served as a voluntary physician with Englewood Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center, both in New Jersey.

He is board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine, and fellowship-trained in gastroenterology at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City, and in advanced therapeutic endoscopy at Beth Israel Medical Center/St. Vincent’s Hospital. Originally from New Mexico, he received his medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and completed his residency and served as chief resident in internal medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Bratcher is accepting new patients in need of comprehensive gastroenterology care. For an appointment, ask a primary-care physician for a referral, or call Gastroenterology Professional Services of BMC at (413) 499-8590.