By The Chronicle Staff

Mary Rutan Health is pleased to welcome Michael Wellner, MD, to its medical staff and announces the return of gastroenterology services to the community, along with expanded access to specialized hepatology care for patients with liver disease.

Dr. Wellner brings more than 10 years of medical experience and advanced expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver conditions. His arrival allows Mary Rutan Health to once again provide local gastroenterology care while adding specialized expertise in hepatology, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the community for many digestive and liver health needs.

“Bringing gastroenterology services back to Mary Rutan Health is an important step in continuing to expand access to specialty care close to home,” said Chad Ross, Mary Rutan Health president and CEO.

“Dr. Wellner brings an exceptional level of training and experience to our organization, particularly in the areas of liver and pancreatic disease. We are very pleased to welcome him to Mary Rutan Health and to make these important services available to our patients and communities.”

Dr. Wellner specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, small intestine, colon and rectum.

He provides care for a wide range of conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, swallowing disorders, gastroparesis, peptic ulcer disease, celiac disease, chronic constipation and diarrhea, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, colon polyps, pancreatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatitis.

His advanced training in hepatology also provides patients with access to specialized evaluation and management of complex liver conditions.

“I am excited to join Mary Rutan Health and provide gastroenterology and hepatology services to patients throughout the region,” said Dr. Wellner. “Digestive and liver conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s health and quality of life.

“Having access to evaluation, diagnosis and ongoing specialty care close to home can make an important difference for patients, and I look forward to being part of that care.”

Dr. Wellner earned his Doctor of Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at The Ohio State University. He pursued a Gastroenterology Fellowship at the University of Louisville, followed by a Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at The Ohio State University.

Prior to joining Mary Rutan Health, Dr. Wellner served as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at The Ohio State University. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology.

Mary Rutan Health encourages individuals experiencing persistent digestive symptoms to seek evaluation rather than assuming symptoms will resolve on their own. Changes in bowel habits, abdominal bloating or cramping, frequent heartburn or reflux, unexplained weight loss, ongoing diarrhea, rectal bleeding and difficulty swallowing may warrant further evaluation.

Early diagnosis can help identify underlying conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Mary Rutan Gastroenterology & Hepatology is located in the outpatient department at Mary Rutan Hospital, 205 East Palmer Avenue in Bellefontaine.

To schedule an appointment, call 937-651-6426. ■