New Name Better Reflects Full Range of Services

This week, Island Health announced that Island Surgeons has a new name: Island General Surgery and Gastroenterology. The new name reflects real growth—two new physicians joined the practice this year, giving patients throughout the region faster access to both general surgery and digestive healthcare, close to home.

Joining the team this year are gastroenterologist Dempsie Morrison, DO, and general surgeon Mohini Dasari, MD, MS. With their addition, the practice can now get patients on the schedule more quickly for everything from routine screenings like colonoscopies to urgent surgical care.

“Colon cancer rates are rising among younger adults, so it’s important that we remove as many barriers as possible to ensure our communities can be easily screened. While the best colon cancer screening test is the one that gets done, colonoscopies remain the gold standard because they allow for both prevention and early treatment through the removal of precancerous lesions,” said Colin Walker, Island Health’s Chief of Ambulatory Services.

What the General Surgery Team Treats
Island General Surgery and Gastroenterology’s general surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including gallbladder disease, hernias, and breast and colon cancer. The team also places ports for medical treatments. Both general surgeons and the practice’s gastroenterologist perform colonoscopies, which help patients get scheduled sooner. Every patient receives attentive, personalized care.

Why a Local Gastroenterologist Matters
A gastroenterologist treats conditions across the entire digestive system, from routine screening colonoscopies—typically starting no later than age 45—to more complex conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Early detection and healthy lifestyle choices remain some of the most powerful tools against colon cancer. Colon cancer is on the rise among younger adults and is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in that age group, making screening more important than ever.

Know the Warning Signs of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer symptoms can be easy to miss. Watch for:

• Changes in bathroom habits, including long-lasting diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in the stool
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Losing weight without trying
• Fatigue or low iron levels

Anyone noticing these signs shouldn’t wait—they should call their doctor and talk about what they’re feeling.

Scheduling an Appointment
Island General Surgery and Gastroenterology is located at 1213 24^th Street in Anacortes and can be reached at 360.293.5142 to schedule an appointment or ask about services.

About Island Health
Island Health is a public hospital district serving Fidalgo, Cypress, Guemes, and Sinclair islands, and a convenient option for patients from north Whidbey Island and La Conner. We also operate a primary care clinic on Orcas Island, where we’re the closest acute care hospital for many San Juan Island residents. With three primary care clinics and eight specialty care clinics, Island Health strives to be the best healthcare partner for those we serve so patients don’t have to travel far to receive exceptional healthcare. Learn more at www.islandhealth.org.