Caren S. Palese, MD| Gastroenterology | MedStar Health
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Caren S. Palese

Caren S. Palese, MD
Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

4.4 out of 5 (430 reviews)

Specialties: Gastroenterology

Languages: English, German

877-303-1462

About me

Caren Palese, MD, is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Palese completed her undergraduate studies at Princeton University and received her medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine, followed by a three-year Gastroenterology fellowship at Georgetown University Medical Center.

Since 2014, she has been consistently chosen by her peers to be a Washingtonian Magazine’s Top Doc. She has been awarded the annual distinction of Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2016. In addition, she has received the Castle Connolly Exceptional Women in Medicine Award. She was selected by the Washington Post Magazine to be a Rising Star in 2013.

Dr. Palese uses progressive techniques to diagnose and treat many esophageal disorders, such as GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus. She is an expert in diseases of swallowing.

For the most effective care and optimal outcomes for her patients, Dr. Palese takes a multidisciplinary approach and often works closely with a team of specialists. In addition to her expertise in swallowing disorders, Barrett’s esophagus and gastrointestinal motility disorders, Dr. Palese performs precise screening colonoscopies for detecting colon cancer and flat polyps.

Beyond her passion for her work, Dr. Palese enjoys speaking German, running and skiing.

Clinical areas of focus

  • Enteroscopy
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) In Children
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) With Infection
  • Intestinal Dysmotility
  • Intestinal Stenosis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Stomach Ulcers
  • Upper Gi Endoscopy
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Conditions and procedures

Conditions I treat

  • Abdominal Distension
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Abnormal Stool
  • Achalasia
  • Acute Pancreatitis
  • Alimentary Tract Foreign Body
  • Anal Fissures
  • Anus And Rectum Diseases
  • Aphagia
  • Aphagia And Dysphagia
  • Appendiceal Cancer
  • Benign Neoplasm Of Colon, Rectum, Anus And Anal Canal
  • Biliary Tract Disease
  • Bowel Obstruction
  • Carcinoma In Situ Of Digestive Organs
  • Celiac Disease
  • Choledocholithiasis
  • Chronic Constipation
  • Chronic Diarrhea
  • Colitis
  • Colon Cancer
  • Colon Disease
  • Colon Polyps
  • Colonoscopy
  • Colorectal Malignancy
  • Constipation
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Crohn's Disease [Regional Enteritis]
  • Diaphragmatic Hernia
  • Digestive System Cancer
  • Digestive System Complications
  • Digestive System Diseases
  • Digestive System Symptoms
  • Diseases Of Esophagus
  • Diseases Of Stomach And Duodenum
  • Diverticular Disease
  • Duodenal Ulcer
  • Duodenitis
  • Dysphagia
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Esophagitis
  • Esophagus Diseases
  • External Hemorrhoids
  • Flatulence
  • Functional Intestinal Disorders
  • Gastric Cancer
  • Gastric Varices
  • Gastritis
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) In Children
  • Gastrointestinal Bleeding
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
  • Helicobacter Pylori
  • Hemangioma
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hepatomegaly And Splenomegaly
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) With Infection
  • Intestinal Dysmotility
  • Intestinal Infections
  • Intestinal Stenosis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Liver Encephalopathy
  • Liver Fibrosis
  • Malabsorption
  • Malignant Neuroendocrine Tumors
  • Noninfective Gastroenteritis
  • Pancreatic Diseases
  • Pancreatitis
  • Paralytic Ileus And Intestinal Obstruction
  • Perianal Pain
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease Of The Intestines
  • Polycystic Liver Disease
  • Rectal Cancer
  • Rectal Pain
  • Regional Enteritis
  • Small Intestine Cancer
  • Stomach And Duodenum Diseases
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Stomach Diseases
  • Stomach Ulcers
  • Ulcerative Colitis
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Procedures I perform

  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • Colon Biopsy
  • Colonoscopy With Injection
  • Diarrhea Treatment
  • EGD With Mucosal Resection
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Enteroscopy
  • Enteroscopy With Bleeding Control
  • Esophageal Dilation
  • Esophageal PH Monitoring
  • Flexible Colonoscopy With Biopsy
  • Gastric Manometry
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Test
  • Gastrointestinal Biopsy
  • Gastrointestinal Motility Study
  • Gastrointestinal Tube Placement
  • Gastrostomy Tube Replacement
  • Hemorrhage Control
  • Hydrogen Breath Test
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Lower Gi Endoscopy
  • Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
  • Stent Placement
  • Transrectal Ultrasound
  • Upper Gi Endoscopy
  • Variceal Band Ligation
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Practice locations

Distance from Change Location Enter your Location

3800 Reservoir Rd NW
Main Bldg 2nd Fl
Washington, DC, 20007

202-444-8541
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miles away

Fax 877-303-1462

Insurance

This list represents the major payors accepted by MedStar Health.

NOTE: Payor contracts change and not all plans associated with a payor may be covered. Payors may offer multiple plans. If you have a question related to your insurance, please contact your insurance plan directly. Contact information is located on your health insurance ID card.

*Denotes limited participation. Specific providers and practices may NOT be participating. Please contact your insurance plan directly.

  • List of insurance plans we accept
    • Aetna
    • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield of Maryland
    • Cigna Health Care
    • Kaiser Permanente*
    • MedStar Select (Administered by CareFirst)
    • United HealthCare
    • Aetna
    • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield of Maryland
    • Healthspring
    • Humana
    • Medicare & Railroad Medicare
    • United HealthCare
    • Aetna Better Health of Maryland *
    • Medical Assistance/Medicaid
    • MedStar Family Choice MD
    • Priority Partners *
    • United HealthCare Community Health Plan MD
    • Wellpoint MD
    • AmeriHealth Caritas
    • Health Services For Children With Special Needs (HSCSN)
    • Medical Assistance/Medicaid
    • MedStar Family Choice DC
    • Johns Hopkins Employer Health Programs *
    • Johns Hopkins US Family Health Plan *
    • MultiPlan
    • Private Healthcare Systems
    • Tricare/Humana Military
    • VA Community Care Network (VACCN)

Education

Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology/Gastroenterology

Fellowship: Georgetown University Medical Center GME (2007)

Residency: Georgetown University Medical Center GME (2003)

Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (2000)

Awards

  • Washingtonian Magazine’s Top Doc- yearly since 2014 Castle Connolly Top Doctor- yearly since 2016 Castle Connolly Exceptional Women in Medicine Award- 2019 to 2021 Washington Post Magazine, Rising Star in 2013

Ratings and reviews

  • Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

    4.5
  • Extent to which the care provider listened to you

    4.6
  • Care provider’s discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

    4.4
  • Provider included you in decisions

    4.4
  • Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

    4.5
  • Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

    4.4
  • Jun 8, 2026

    I've been under Dr. Palese's care for quite a few years. She's a wonderful doctor who truly cares for her patients. She listens to your concerns and explains things In a clear and concise manner. She's especially adept at allaying any fears you might have. All this and a great personality too.

  • Jun 4, 2026

    Dr. Palese is a true gem who has always listened intently to my concerns and provided wonderful care.

  • Nov 21, 2025

    Dr. Palese was excellent and knowledgeable. Caring doctor.