Kenneth J. Vega, MD, Joins National Jewish Health as Gastroenterology Chief

Kenneth J. Vega, MD, has joined the nationally renowned National Jewish Health faculty as the Chief of Gastroenterology. Dr. Vega comes to National Jewish Health from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center where he was Professor of Medicine and Director of Research for the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition.
“We are excited to have such an outstanding physician and researcher join us to lead our Division of Gastroenterology at National Jewish Health,” said Richard Martin, MD, Chairman of the Department of Medicine at National Jewish Health. “He brings great expertise in all gastrointestinal conditions, as well as a dedication to research.”

“It is indeed an honor to have the opportunity to lead the Division of Gastroenterology at National Jewish Health,” said Dr. Vega. “The division currently provides world-class clinical care to our patients, and my goal is to continue to provide and expand such outstanding care while increasing research, as well as scholarly activity to levels not seen previously in gastroenterology at National Jewish Health.”

Dr. Vega treats all gastrointestinal conditions including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, peptic ulcer disease, liver disease including viral hepatitis and fatty liver, inflammatory bowel disease, as well as colon cancer screening and surveillance. In addition, he is well versed on the impact of many gastrointestinal illnesses on the lung diseases seen at National Jewish Health. Dr. Vega is the author of more than 55 original articles, reviews and book chapters. He has presented original research at local, regional, national and international scientific meetings. Dr. Vega’s research focuses on gastrointestinal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal stem cells, esophageal motility, epidemiology of gastrointestinal cancers, along with ethnic and gender disparities in gastrointestinal diseases, treatment and outcomes.

Dr. Vega earned his medical degree at Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medical College), completed his Internal Medicine residency at Boston City Hospital, and his fellowship in Gastroenterology at Temple University Hospital in Pennsylvania. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Dr. Vega is president of the Arkansas Oklahoma Endoscopic Society and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians as well as the American Gastroenterological Association. He is an active member of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American College of Gastroenterology and the Association of Academic Minority Physicians. Additionally, Dr. Vega retired from the U.S. Army National Guard with the rank of Colonel in 2013, following three overseas deployments where he provided medical support for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom