DHR welcomes a fellowship trained gastroenterologist with advanced expertise in therapeutic endoscopy

EDINBURG, Texas: DHR Health is one of the largest physician-owned hospitals in the United States and a leading healthcare provider in the Rio Grande Valley since 1997.

The health system has just announced the latest addition to its team of specialist physicians – Dr. Prateek Suresh Harne. As a fellowship trained gastroenterologist with advanced expertise in therapeutic endoscopy, Harne brings strong clinical experience and academic background to DHR Health’s digestive health services, the health system states.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Harne to the DHR Health family,” said Marissa Castañeda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health. “His dedication to advancing gastroenterology through research, education, and patient care aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing high quality care in South Texas.”

A press release from DHR says Harne completed his most recent fellowship in advanced therapeutic endoscopy at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It says he previously trained in gastroenterology and hepatology through a joint fellowship at UT Health Science Center at Houston and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. It also points out that Harne is also board-certified in internal medicine, having completed his residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Sycracuse, New York.

“Harne’s passion for gastroenterology began during his time at Yale New Haven Hospital, where he saw firsthand how specialists manage complex, life-threatening cases with skill and compassion,” the news release stated. “That experience shaped his approach to care: one that combines medical precision with clear communication, empathy, and shared decision-making with patients and their families.”

Beyond patient-care, Harne is actively involved in research and education. He has contributed to approximately 70 publications with around 290 citations and presented at national conferences like the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Scientific Meeting. His work spans topics such as gastrointestinal bleeding, GI oncology, therapeutic endoscopy, and immune-mediated disorders. He also serves on the ACG Training Subcommittee and as a leadership council member for resident and fellow education.

“Whether it is preventative care such as colon cancer screening, chronic abdominal pain, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or different kinds of gastrointestinal cancers, I am here to put my patients first always and serve the people of the RGV,” said Harne. “My advanced training in complex procedures will help treat patients close to home using the latest technology and knowledge in GI.”

Editor’s Note: Dr. Harne is now accepting new patients at the DHR Health Gastroenterology Institute in Edinburg, located at 5520 Leonardo Da Vinci Drive, Suite 100. To schedule an appointment, call (956) 362-3636. DHR Health accepts a variety of medical insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.

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