UT Medicine Gastroenterology Welcomes New Advanced Endoscopy Faculty
The Division of Gastroenterology has recently added 3 new Advanced Endoscopy Faculty members; Dr. Franco, Dr. Ukabam and NP Sharp. Please see below for some additional background information
Dr. Franco is an advanced endoscopist and the Director of Endoscopy at UT Health San Antonio’s Multispecialty and Research Hospital (MSRH). With extensive expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, his practice is centered on third-space endoscopy, including endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), along with other advanced endoscopic techniques including interventional EUS and ERCP, endoscopic therapy for GERD, and bariatric endoscopy.
Dr. Franco completed his training in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, followed by a dedicated year of Advanced Endoscopy training in gastrointestinal oncology at São Paulo Hospital. Seeking further specialization, he pursued an additional year of advanced endoscopy training at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, refining his expertise in complex therapeutic procedures. To expand his mastery of cutting-edge techniques, he engaged in international visiting training at premier institutions, including the Academic Medical Center in the Netherlands and the National Cancer Center in Japan.
Dr. Ukabam is an advanced endoscopist and board-certified gastroenterologist. He is highly skilled in diagnostic and advanced therapeutic procedures including interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), complex endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and minimally invasive procedures in bariatric patients. He has special interests in pancreaticobiliary diseases, gastrointestinal malignancies, and medical innovation. He is fortunate to have been mentored by Dr. Peter Cotton who pioneered and named the ERCP procedure.
Dr. Ukabam received his medical degree from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine where he graduated at the top of his class. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the Medical College of Georgia, Gastroenterology fellowship, and an additional fellowship in Advanced Endoscopy at UT Health San Antonio. He also obtained a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Davenport University.
NP Sharp is currently working at UT Health San Antonio’s Multispecialty and Research Hospital (MSRH) for the inpatient service for Advanced Endoscopy. He also has experience in General GI, and Interventional Radiology services as well as facilitating outpatient care. NP Sharp also has experience in interpret labs, imaging, and other pertinent information to determine appropriate need for procedure for new consults