LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2024) – CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Gastroenterology in Lexington welcomes Damir Kusmic, MD, into its distinguished gastroenterology team. Dr. Kusmic brings a wealth of experience in internal medicine and a goal of providing exceptional care to the patients he serves daily.
“I always loved science, especially biology and chemistry,” said Dr. Kusmic. “It’s about being able to apply it in a meaningful way and being able to help people, but also having a field that’s challenging, always evolving and keeps you on your toes. You get to do some good at the end of the day.”
Specializing in gastroenterology, a field he describes as “an internal medicine specialty,” Dr. Kusmic highlights the procedure-based nature of his work, with a specific interest in the biliary system and the pancreas. His patient care philosophy revolves around kindness, understanding and diligent work.
Dr. Kusmic strongly emphasizes direct and personal patient communication, making it a priority to personally consult with every patient for whom he performs a procedure. He believes in promptly addressing concerns or worrisome findings and fostering a doctor-patient bond, especially in chronic conditions requiring lifelong therapy, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Understanding some patients’ hesitation toward screenings, Dr. Kusmic stresses the importance of preventive care, particularly in detecting precancerous lesions that can be quickly addressed with routine screenings. He works to create a comfortable and informed environment, highlighting the ease and effectiveness of procedures, even in cases where advanced lesions are detected and prevented from progressing into cancer.
“In some cases, we do find concerning things,” said Dr. Kusmic. “When this happens, the patient becomes a long-term care patient. They become part of my routine clinic checks, and I continue to follow up with them and their health.”
Dr. Kusmic is particularly interested in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) because “it’s an intensive procedure, but it’s very satisfying in that it’s also therapeutic. When people have a bile duct obstruction, you can change the clinical picture and improve pain.”
Dr. Kusmic is a graduate of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green and received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Kentucky. He completed his residency at Marshall University/Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in Huntington, West Virginia, and a Gastroenterology Fellowship at East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Born in Bosnia, Dr. Kusmic moved to the U.S. in 1996, growing up in Bowling Green and eventually pursuing medical education, including med school and fellowship. Fluent in Bosnian–Serbo–Croatian, Dr. Kusmic brings a multicultural perspective to his practice, enhancing his ability to connect with patients.
When he is not in the office, Dr. Kusmic enjoys spending time with his wife, going to the gym together and exploring the Arboretum State Botanical Garden.
Dr. Kusmic is practicing at CHI Saint Joseph Health Medical Group - Gastroenterology in Lexington, located at 160 N Eagle Creek Drive, Suite 202. To schedule an appointment, call 859.263.0022.
About CHI Saint Joseph Health
CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.
About the CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group
CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group is the employed provider network of CHI Saint Joseph Health with 88 locations in 17 communities throughout central and eastern Kentucky.
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CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Gastroenterology in Lexington welcomes Damir Kusmic, MD, into its distinguished gastroenterology team. Dr. Kusmic brings a wealth of experience in internal medicine and a goal of providing exceptional care to the patients he serves daily.
Publish date:
Friday, January 12, 2024
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Mary Branham, Director, Communications
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