Gus Attwell, MD

Professor, Medicine-Gastroenterology


FacultyPhoto
Medical School
  • MD, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Southwestern Medical School (1998)
Undergraduate School
  • BA, Rice University (TX) (1994)
Internship
  • University of Colorado (University Hospital) Program (1999)
Residency
  • University of Colorado (University Hospital) Program, Internal Medicine (2001)
Fellowships
  • University of Colorado (University Hospital) Program, Gastroenterology (2004)
  • Medical University of South Carolina Program, Gastroenterology - advanced endoscopy (2005)
Languages
English, Spanish, French
Department
Medicine-Gastroenterology

Professional Titles

  • Staff gastroenterologist
  • Professor of Medicine

Recognitions

  • Faculty teaching award, Vanderbilt Medical School (2008)
    Outstanding teaching of fellows
  • Twinkle Award, Denver Health Medical Center (2012)
    Exceptional work recognized by a DH peer
  • Peak Performer Award, Rocky Mountain Hospital Medicine (2012)
    Clinical service
  • Star Award, Denver Health Medical Center (2014)
    Exceptional clinical service
  • Twinkle Award, Denver Health Medical Center (2017)
    Exceptional work recognized by a DH peer

Research Interests

Chronic pancreatitis, gallstones, adverse events of endoscopy

Publications

  • Attwell A, Borak G, Cotton P, Hawes R, and Romagnuolo J. Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy for pancreas divisum by using a needle-knife or standard pull-type technique; safety and reintervention rates. Gastrointest Endosc 2006; 645:705-11
  • Attwell A and Hawes R. Surgical clip migration and choledocholithiasis: a late, abrupt complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Dig Dis Sci online, Feb 2007
  • Attwell A, Dee E, Nash R, Russ P, and Shah R. Multiple myeloma involving the porta hepatis and peritoneum causing biliary obstruction and malignant ascites. Dig Dis Sci 2005; 50:1068-71
  • Attwell A and Chen Y. “Endoscopic Ligation in the Treatment of Esophageal Varices” in Wilcox CM, Techniques in gastrointestinal endoscopy, Philadelphia: Elsevier Press, Vol 7 (1): 18-25, Jan 2005
  • Attwell A, Ludkowski M, Nash R, and Kugelmas M. Treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome in a liver transplant unit, the role of TIPS and liver transplantation. Alim Pharm Ther 2004; 20: 867-73

Professional Memberships

  • American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Fellow
  • American College of Gastroenterology, Member
  • American Gastroenterological Assocation, Fellow

Practice Locations

UCHealth Digestive Health Center - Anschutz Medical Campus
1635 Aurora Ct
5th Floor
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-2777

Denver Health
777 Bannock St
Denver, CO 80204
303-436-6000

UCHealth Pancreas and Biliary Multidisciplinary Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus
1665 Aurora Ct
3rd Floor
Aurora, CO 80045
1-855-824-7262

Hospital Affiliation
  • University of Colorado Hospital
  • Denver Health Medical Center
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Internal Medicine, Board Certification
  • Gastroenterology, Board Certification
  • Advanced endoscopy fellowship ERCP, Specialized Training (2005)
  • Advanced endoscopy fellowship EUS, Specialized Training (2010)
Conditions & Treatments
  • Digestive System - Gastroenterology (Stomach, Bowel, General GI Problems)
  • Digestive System - Therapeutic Endoscopy
  • Digestive System
Clinical Interests
My clinical interestes include pancreatic and biliary disease including gallstones, cancer, and pancreatitis; ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound

Care Philosophy
I strive to provide the best care for my patients. I believe in treating the person as a whole, taking not only disease but every aspect of a patient’s body and health, values, culture, and personality into consideration during diagnosis and treatment. I feel strongly about communicating the risks, benefits, and alternatives to treatment and having the patient be active in the discussion or decisions about his/her treatment. I believe that tests or treatment are appropriate when they make patients feel better, save or extend a life, or provide us/family with useful information. But I believe that unncessary, invasive tests or treatments that provide minimal information and do not result in improved quality of life should be avoided.

Personal Interests
Travel, running, swimming, golf, fishing, skiing, crosswords

Volunteer Activities
volunteer physician in indigent clinic/s, volunteer for animal rescue

Public Speaking
Yes
I give 3-4 oral presentations per year.