Executive
Leadership

Our Executive Leadership team works hard to build a future for better GI care. They bring years of experience and know the importance of digestive health well. Their decisions help us care for our patients better every day. They also improve daily operations and build strong teamwork. This keeps everything running smoothly. As a result, our medical team can focus on our patients in the best way possible.

Most importantly, they lead with purpose and a clear plan. To achieve this, they value different ideas and always look for ways to grow. This helps us provide personal and professional care at the same time. Thanks to their leadership, we continue to raise the standard of digestive care across Illinois.

Portrait of Manish Bhuva, MD. Gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Specialists, a division of GI Partners of Illinois

Manish Bhuva, MD

President

Dr. Manish Bhuva likes to keep patients informed every step of the way. He likes to explain conditions, procedures, and treatments in simple terms. His approach is rooted in listening with empathy and treating each patient with kindness and compassion.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. Then, hr completed his residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center. After that, he completed his fellowship at the University of Chicago. With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Bhuva brings deep knowledge and dedication to GI health.

Dr. Bhuva treats all GI conditions. However, he takes an interest in inflammatory bowel disease, Barrett’s esophagus, celiac disease, colon polyps, GERD, and endoscopy.

Additionally, he is a proud member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).

Portrait of Charles Berkelhammer, MD. Gastroenterologist at Southwest Gastroenterology, a division of GI Partners of Illinois

Charles Berkelhammer, MD

Dr. Charles Berkelhammer began his medical journey at the University of Toronto. He later completed his residency at the University of Chicago. Alongside his clinical work, he serves as a clinical professor at the University of Illinois. His passion for teaching has led him to publish over 50 articles.

Known for his GI knowledge and compassionate care, Dr. Berkelhammer is known as a leading GI expert. As a result, he has earned a spot on Chicago Magazine’s “Top Doctors” list in 2001 and every year from 2021 through 2025. This reflects his clinical excellence and the trust he has earned from the community.

Over the years, he has received 15 “Teacher of the Year” awards. This shows his strong commitment to training the next generation of doctors. Dr. Berkelhammer holds multiple board certifications. This includes the American Board of Gastroenterology, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the Royal College of Physicians of Canada, and the National Board of Medical Examiners.

While he treats all GI conditions, he has a special interest in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, celiac disease, and disorders of the esophagus. With his years of experience and patient-first approach, Dr. Berkelhammer makes a lasting impact in gastroenterology.

Portrait of Rockford Yapp, MD. Gastroenterologist at Digestive Health Services, a division of GI Partners of Illinois

Rockford G. Yapp, MD

Dr. Rockford Yapp is a board-certified gastroenterologist. He combines expert GI knowledge with a patient-first approach. As a result, his patients feel cared for. He also helps them find the best treatments. In addition, he guides them through digestive health challenges.

Dr. Yapp has trained at the best medical centers in the world. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. After that, he trained at Cornell University and Cook County Hospital. He also worked at Shiprock Northern Navajo Medical Center in New Mexico. Later, he gained more experience in Nairobi, Kenya. Then, he finished his residency at Northwestern University in Chicago. To deepen his knowledge, he completed fellowships in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Yale University. Furthermore, he holds a Master’s degree in Public Health. This shows his strong focus on research and proven treatments.

Dr. Yapp treats all GI problems. However, he has special interests in key areas. These include colon cancer screening, liver disease, and advanced endoscopy. He also focuses on hard-to-treat esophageal conditions and IBD. GI cancers are part of his work as well. Because of his global training and research background, he provides personalized care. Most importantly, he tailors his approach to the patient’s needs.

Portrait of Jonathan Erlich, MD. Gastroenterologist at GI Solutions of Illinois, a division of GI Partners of Illinois

Jonathan Erlich, MD

Dr. Jonathan Erlich is a well-respected gastroenterologist known for treating complex digestive issues with great care. His approach is personal and centered around the needs of each patient. Many people know him for his work on inflammatory bowel disease. Moreover, he has written several research papers on it.

He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Chicago. After that, he trained in Gastroenterology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. His advanced training shows his strong focus on learning and improving GI care. He stays at the forefront of GI progress through his research and clinical work.

Dr. Erlich treats all digestive diseases. However, he has a special interest in GERD (acid reflux), GI bleeding, colon cancer screening, and anemia. He is also a proud member of the American Gastroenterological Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society. These roles help him stay updated with new ideas and treatments in the field.

Portrait of Sean Lee, MD. Gastroenterologist at Northshore Center for Gastroenterology, a division of GI Partners of Illinois

Sean Lee, MD

Dr. Sean Lee is a skilled and caring gastroenterologist. He believes that, above all, good digestive health is important for living well. Because of this, he focuses on treating stomach and gut problems. At the same time, he helps patients feel better and live healthier lives. As a result, every visit shows both his medical knowledge and his kind approach.

He started his studies at Northwestern University. After that, he earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois. He then finished his residency in internal medicine. Later, he completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the same university. During this time, he learned both basic and advanced digestive care.

Dr. Lee is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. In addition, he is known for his skills in liver care and special treatments like ERCP and ReShape weight loss balloon therapy. He treats all digestive problems. However, he is especially interested in IBD, endoscopy, and liver issues. Through his work, he continues to improve the lives of his patients.

Why Choose Us?

Patient-Centered Care

Each year, about 70 million people are affected by gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. As a result, our doctors, nurses, and advanced practice providers understand the critical importance of prevention. That’s why they work closely with patients and their families. Together, they focus on maintaining health and preventing GI-related illnesses. They guide patients toward routines that reduce the risk of digestive conditions. Most importantly, they ensure that no one faces this journey alone.

Leading Expertise

As the largest independent, physician-led GI group in Illinois, we bring together a team of top board-certified gastroenterologists. Moreover, our specialists are recognized nationwide for their expertise. No matter how serious or complex your health challenge may be, we are here to help. Our experts collaborate closely to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Then, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored just for you.

The Right Answers, the First Time

We take pride in our in-house pathology lab which ensures faster and more accurate diagnoses. As a result, our physicians can make quicker, well-informed decisions for effective treatments. Additionally, our gastroenterologists have a long history of recognizing and treating tough medical problems that go undiagnosed elsewhere.

Safe, Efficient Care — All in One Place

Our nutrition service line, MyNutritionRx, offers personalized dietary guidance. This helps patients manage symptoms, improve overall health, and prevent future issues. Meanwhile, our innovative medical research wing keeps us at the forefront of new treatment methods. It brings the latest advancements in GI care directly to our service units. Therefore, we consistently offer the most up-to-date treatment options. You won’t wait weeks or even days for answers. You get the personalized attention and individual care.

Innovation to Impact

We’re focused on today and tomorrow. Our focus on research and offering the latest options means you can find new treatments and therapies for the world’s most challenging and complex medical issues.