From treating patients across the nation to serving rural communities like Excelsior Springs, Dr. Gary Cornette brings over 20 years of experience as a gastrointestinal physician to Excelsior Springs Hospital (ESH).
Dr. Cornette began by explaining that his medical journey started at Des Moines University in Iowa, where he laid the foundation for his career. After graduating, he moved to Staten Island, New York, for his internal medicine residency.
At the beginning of his education, Dr. Cornette aspired to become a cardiologist. However, his path shifted when he had the opportunity to work closely with two gastroenterologists in New York.
“I was going to be a cardiologist when I went there, but it was ridiculously hard with little to no sleep on the cardiology service. Then I worked with the two full-time gastroenterologists at this hospital, twice, resulting in two rotations, and I just loved it,” he said.
From there, he pursued a gastroenterology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, where he mastered the complexities of digestive health. Following his fellowship, he moved to Kansas City to join a practice affiliated with Kansas City University after receiving an invitation from colleagues.
In 2000, he transitioned his career, relocating to Arizona to work at a hospital in Payson. He later relocated to northern Indiana, where he helped establish a gastrointestinal department for Indiana University Health, with a focus on cancer treatment.
After a decade, he returned to Arizona to be closer to his family, continuing his work for another 11 years. However, health complications related to COVID-19 forced him to leave the high-altitude climate, ultimately leading him back to Kansas City, where he joined St. Luke’s Health Services and also lent his expertise to ESH.
Today, Dr. Cornette remains dedicated to his patients, performing procedures such as screening colonoscopies, which he notes comprise 60–70% of his local workload. He also treats gastrointestinal issues that require scopes, driven by factors like age, family history, or previous colon polyps.
Each Wednesday, he sees up to 12 patients at ESH for clinical visits. Additionally, he works in partnership with Dr. Jessica Winn, who assists gastrointestinal patients twice a month with extra procedures.
Most patients, he noted, receive all their treatment needs locally. Yet, those with moderately complex conditions are referred to St. Luke’s or other nearby and gastrointestinal-affiliated facilities.
“We can keep the routine easy, stuff at ESH, and we can do it efficiently,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Cornette explained that he thoroughly enjoys working at ESH. He joked, saying, “The staff here is wonderful – even the fact that they put up with me.” Beyond his sense of humor and years of experience, he appreciates teamwork, the efficiency of care, and the ability to provide services without requiring long wait times for his patients.
For more information regarding Dr. Cornette, Dr. Jessica Winn, and the gastrointestinal services offered by ESH, visit https://www.eshospital.org/services/
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