Academic Title:
Faculty Member
Primary Appointment:
Medicine
Administrative Title:
Chief of Gastroenterology at the UMMC-Midtown Medical Center; Director, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Outpatient
Education and Training
Gastroenterology Fellowship
2011-2014 Gastroenterology Fellowship, Washington Hospital/Georgetown University, Washington DC
Academic Appointments
2014-2023 Assistant Professor, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
2023-2025 Associate Professor, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
2025-Present Associate Professor, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Director Ambulatory Operations, University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), Chief of Gastroenterology UMMC-Midtown Campus.
Biosketch
Biosketch for Dr. Ekta Gupta, MD, Gastroenterologist
Professional Overview:
Dr. Ekta Gupta, MD, is a highly respected gastroenterologist with over 13 years of experience dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. From a young age, Dr. Gupta knew she wanted to become a doctor. Initially drawn to the profession for the respect it commanded, she has since realized that medicine offers so much more – the profound ability to make a real difference in people’s lives. Over the years, the privilege of listening to patients' stories and helping them navigate their health journeys has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.
Dr. Gupta specializes in the early detection and prevention of colon cancer, the treatment of chronic gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and overall digestive health. She has a strong commitment to health equity, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to life-saving screenings and treatments.
Treatment Philosophy:
Dr. Gupta’s treatment philosophy is centered around prevention, early detection, and personalized care. Colon cancer, being the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is something Dr. Gupta is deeply passionate about. She advocates for early screening and prevention, working closely with her patients to ensure they are aware of the importance of these screenings. Her goal is to catch potential problems before they become serious, as colon cancer is largely preventable with early intervention.
Additionally, Dr. Gupta has a strong focus on gut health, recognizing its critical role in overall well-being. She believes in treating the entire person and not just their condition, fostering relationships built on trust and communication. By focusing on health equity, she works tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to these essential screenings, regardless of their background.
Why Medicine and Gastroenterology?
Dr. Gupta’s passion for medicine stems from a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. In medicine, she found her calling, particularly in the field of gastroenterology. Her specialization in chronic, life-altering conditions such as IBD and colon cancer screening allows her to create lasting relationships with her patients – they are not just patients to her, but family. Over the years, Dr. Gupta has developed a reputation as a compassionate and dedicated provider who is deeply committed to improving her patients' quality of life.
Awards and Recognition:
Dr. Gupta’s exceptional work in the field of gastroenterology has earned her several prestigious awards and honors, including:
- 2017: Emerging Leadership for Women Faculty Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- 2019-2024: Voted “Top Doc of Baltimore” by Baltimore Magazine (5 consecutive years)
- 2024-2025: Gold Leadership Group, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- 2025: Advanced Leadership Cohort, American College of Gastroenterology
Media Engagement and Publications:
Dr. Gupta is also a passionate advocate for public education in gastrointestinal health. As a key GI physician representing the GI Division at Johns Hopkins, she has contributed to several media releases aimed at educating the public on important health topics. She continues to engage in media opportunities, looking for ways to use her platform to raise awareness about gut health, colon cancer prevention, and IBD.
Dr. Gupta actively engages with social media, where she shares gut health tips, debunks health myths, and raises awareness about common misconceptions. She believes in the power of education to empower patients and the public, helping them make informed decisions about their health.
Personal Interests:
When not seeing patients, Dr. Gupta enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and staying active. She is an avid runner and finds peace in the rhythm of long-distance runs. In addition, she has a creative side and enjoys DJing in her spare time – a hobby that provides her with both relaxation and joy.
Why Choose Dr. Gupta and Her Team:
Dr. Gupta and her team are committed to providing exceptional care to every patient, every time. With a focus on early detection, prevention, and personalized treatment, she aims to improve the health and quality of life of her patients. Whether you are seeking a screening for colon cancer or need ongoing care for a chronic gastrointestinal condition like IBD, Dr. Gupta’s extensive experience and compassionate approach ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Her expertise in gut health, combined with her commitment to health equity, makes Dr. Gupta a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of gastrointestinal care.
Research/Clinical Keywords
Research Interests: Novel Methods of Colon Cancer Screening and Clinical Outcome-Based Research Dr. Gupta's research focuses on advancing the detection and management of colon cancer through innovative screening methods and clinical outcome-based studies. Colon cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, making early detection and personalized treatment approaches essential for improving patient outcomes. Through these initiatives, she aims to contribute to the global effort in combating colon cancer by transforming how we detect, treat, and monitor the disease.
In the News
- “Post-PCI Cardiac Risk Up With Clopidogrel & PPI”, Internal Medicine News, Jan 2010 https://www.mdedge.com/internalmedicine/article/13805/cardiology/post-pci-cardiac-risk-clopidogrel-plus-ppi
- “Cover story- Tough to Stomach”, Patriot Life, April 2015 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/publications/patriot_life/spring_2015/tough_to_stomach
- “Picture This: Visual Tool Makes For Better Bowel Prep. Some people are visual learners—even when it comes to the unsightly.” Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News. July 3, 2018. https://www.gastroendonews.com/In-the-News/Article/07-18/Picture-This-Visual-Tool-Makes-For-Better-Bowel-Prep/50103
- “What Do Probiotics Actually Do for Gut Health?” Baltimore Magazine. Dec 2019 https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/health/what-do-probiotics-actually-do-for-gut-health?fbclid=IwAR3SymaDsCoSGFgBH8UzEnZqyDFSfHPzqkniph-YmSl0teabHEfDOMg0nE8
- “Bowel Preparation Quality: How to Get Perfect Bowel Preparation For Every Patient?” Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News. March 2021. https://www.gastroendonews.com/Review-Articles/Article/03-21/Bowel-Preparation-Quality-How-to-Get-Perfect-Bowel-Preparation-For-Every-Patient/62757
- Clinical Skills in Telemedicine: Abdominal Exam. March 2021.https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/office-of-johns-hopkins-physicians/education-training/telemedicine.html#videos
- “More Tools Available for Treating IBS” ACP Internist. January 2023 https://acpinternist.org/archives/2023/01/more-tools-available-for-treating-ibs.htm
- “What Are the Best Natural Laxatives?”, U.S. News, May 2023. The Best Natural Laxatives to Relieve Constipation | U.S. News (usnews.com)
- Gastroenterologists Recommend 2 New Treatments for Chronic Constipation (verywellhealth.com) June 2nd 2023
- Common Causes of Lower Right Abdominal Pain | U.S. News (usnews.com) Nov 16th 2023
- “Mitigating Colon Cancer Risk in Young Patients”, Ekta Gupta MD, Lifelong learning in clinical excellence, Closer, February 2024. https://closler.org/lifelong-learning-in-clinical-excellence/mitigating-colon-cancer-in-young-patients
- “Nine Health Conditions you should not be embarrassed about” March 2024. https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2024/embarrassing-health-conditions.html , March28, 2024
- “Gut Check : Is Eating Bugs good for your Gut?”, Everyday Health, March 2024 https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/gut-check-is-eating-bugs-good-for-your-gut/
- 9 Health Conditions You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed About (aarp.org) March 28th 2024
- Christina Applegate says she got sapovirus after eating a contaminated salad. Here's what that is — and how to avoid it. (yahoo.com) April 24 2024
- Splenic Flexure: What Is It and Where Is It Located? (healthcentral.com) July 18th 2024
- Travel Constipation: Why Can’t I Poop on Vacation? Causes and Cures (everydayhealth.com) July 2nd 2024
- How to Throw a Party With Ulcerative Colitis Without a Flare-up (healthcentral.com) July 15th 2024
- Tools Gastroenterologists Use to Measure Disease Activity in Crohn’s (healthcentral.com) July 19th 2024
- How to Get Rid of Hiccups: 7 Remedies to Try (today.com) August 29th. 2024