July 2026

Meet Dr. Brooke Kenneda

We’re happy to announce that Dr. Brooke Kenneda will be joining us at our Anderson and Norwood locations on July 27. We’re so pleased she chose to join Cincinnati GI upon completing her fellowship training in gastroenterology and hepatology at West Virginia University School of Medicine. She also served her internal medicine residency there.

Dr. Kenneda earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at Wright State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating with honors, at Northern Kentucky University. Her research has been published extensively and presented at numerous conferences, and she has been recognized for her research innovation and as an outstanding staff physician at West Virginia University. A native Ohioan, Dr. Kenneda grew up in Bethel.

Since women often experience digestive issues differently than men, Dr. Kenneda will specialize in helping us provide dedicated digestive care for women. From the fluctuating hormones of menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, to conditions like IBS and chronic constipation, these factors can significantly impact gut health.

Digestive Disorders in Women: 6 Conditions and Their Warning Signs

Digestive disorders are common, but women experience them more often than men thanks to a longer digestive tract, increased sensitivity to digestive sensations, and hormonal fluctuations. The result can be bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and changes in bowel habits. 

Here are six conditions more common in women:

Irritable bowel disease – e.g. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis 

Inflammatory bowel syndrome 

Celiac disease 

Constipation 

Dyspepsia – also called chronic indigestion

Gastroparesis 

Learn the symptoms, causes, and treatments for each condition, along with stories from patients who have overcome their digestive disorders.

Symptoms of digestive disorders can worsen or lead to complications if left untreated, which is why it’s important to request an appointment with your Cincinnati GI physician.

Ahhhh, Summertime

Picnics. Pool parties. Fireworks. Acid reflux.

Summer is supposed to be the season of relaxation. Long days. Backyard barbeques. Frozen treats. Vacation cocktails with tiny umbrellas.

Unfortunately, your digestive system may not have gotten the memo.

While spicy ribs, ice cream, and happy-hour margaritas can certainly trigger heartburn, summer heat itself may also play a role. When you’re sweating more than usual, dehydration can occur, potentially increasing stomach acid and making acid reflux more likely.

Over time, repeated bouts of acid reflux can irritate and narrow the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing – a condition known as dysphagia.

Learn how summer heat can worsen acid reflux and dysphagia—and what you can do to keep your digestive system cool, calm, and comfortable.

Gastroenterologist or Hepatologist?

If you’ve been told you need to see a gastroenterologist or a hepatologist, you may be wondering: What’s the difference?

The short answer: Both are experts in digestive health, but one has a more specialized focus.

A gastroenterologist treats conditions throughout the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.

A hepatologist focuses specifically on the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. In fact, they’re often called liver specialists.

Yes, there’s some overlap.

Think of it this way: If gastroenterology is the entire digestive neighborhood, hepatology is the liver’s address.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our team will make sure you’re connected with the Cincinnati GI specialist best suited to your condition.

Want to learn more about liver specialists? Meet Dr. Said Nabhan and learn about hepatology here.