In order to continue to provide the best standard of medicine to our patients, two providers have joined the West Chester division of U.S. Digestive Health, Dr. Nasir Akhtar and Dr. Austin Hwang.

Find out more about their experience, what brings them to our community, and what you can expect when meeting them.

Has medicine always been your career goal? What led you to ultimately choose gastroenterology? 

Dr. Nasir Akhtar: Growing up, I always enjoyed math and science. In college, I majored in biomedical engineering. Over time, I wanted a career that would allow me to build relationships with people, and medicine allows that opportunity. However, my fascination with technology and equipment/machines led me to gastroenterology, where I can use technology to diagnose and treat patients firsthand.

Dr. Austin Hwang: I was always interested in medicine – was always curious of how the body works and the actions we can do to improve it. Gastroenterology interested me the most of all the internal medicine fields in that it seemed to incorporate so many of the other fields in its disease processes.

Do you have any personal experiences that keep you passionate about gastroenterology?

Dr. Nasir Akhtar: My passion for gastroenterology originates from a collection of experiences ranging from listening to a patient’s perspective in the office to acutely providing patient relief in emergent situations via endoscopic procedure.

Dr. Austin Hwang: I try to help at least one patient each day. Luckily, at the end of the day when I reflect on how the day has gone, I find that I have helped more than just one person – but I feel that is a good place to start.

How would you describe your bedside manner or your relationship with patients? What’s something you’d like your patients to know about you?

Dr. Nasir Akhtar: I would describe my bedside manner as someone who is interested in listening to a patient, to understand their discomfort and struggles, and to provide empathy.

Dr. Austin Hwang: I attempt to establish a rapport with each of the patients I see – find a common ground. I find that once that is done, it frees up the conversation and strengthens the physician-patient relationship and helps with the healing process.

What is one of the biggest highlights of your career so far?

Dr. Nasir Akhtar: I do not have a single moment I can identify in my career, but to see a patient be provided relief and improvement in their health brings me a lot of joy.

Dr. Austin Hwang: The opportunities that I have had to work in so many different healthcare systems. It really gives you a lot of perspective.

What are you looking forward to most about being a provider at U.S. Digestive Health?

Dr. Nasir Akhtar: At U.S. Digestive Health, I am fortunate to work with a spectacular team of physicians, providers, and staff to focus on patient care. I look forward to continuing to implement this team-focused philosophy.

Dr. Austin Hwang: Providing care that is patient-forward.

What’s one strategy or piece of advice you learned over the years that you always keep with you?

Dr. Nasir Akhtar: Some advice I have leaned back on includes that we are human – it is impossible to know everything, but possible to try our very best.

Dr. Austin Hwang: A wise mentor once told me –  “the definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome.” This has taught me to adapt more to multiple situations and to think more outside the box.

What are some of your interests outside of medicine? What’s a typical day off like for you? 

Dr. Nasir Akhtar: My interests outside of medicine include spending time with my wife, twin boys, watching sports, and leisure reading.

Dr. Austin Hwang: Golf, tennis, basketball, and cooking. I really enjoy putting my AirPods on and shooting hoops in my driveway.

Can you give us an idea of your favorite music, band, concert? Or your favorite guilty pleasure on tv?

Dr. Nasir Akhtar: I enjoy watching reruns of Friends.

Dr. Austin Hwang: I can really listen to any type of music. I have favorite songs from all different genres.

We’re pleased to welcome these esteemed physicians to our community. Call us today at 610-431-3122 to schedule your appointment or click here.