William Pfau M.D.

I hope that the patients know when they leave here that we have listened to their concerns, addressed their problems and that they are better for coming in. That’s the bottom line. Listening to people is extremely important, making sure we address the reasons why they came in here in the first place. Not treating them as just a number.

Gastroenterologist in Reno

Dr. William Pfau has always been interested in science. He sought to be practical about what he had learned in biology and physiology, which led him to medicine. He went to medical school at the University of Kansas, did his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR), and completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at UCLA. He said he chose gastroenterology because “those doctors seemed to know the most about how the body functions and about diseases.”

He chose to join Digestive Health Associates (DHA) because when he did his residency at UNR, where he spent time shadowing the practice’s founding physicians. He experienced their reputation for quality firsthand, making it an easy decision to join the team in 2002. Today, he continues this legacy by mentoring UNR students that still come through the practice to learn. He says, “We continue to teach medical students, as well as Internal Medicine residents and family practice residents. We have for the past 25 years.”

Quality Patient Care and Advancements in Colon Cancer Screenings

He relishes being a GI doctor at Digestive Health because “all of the physicians here hold each other to extremely high standards, and we take care of each other’s patients when necessary. I know that every one of my partners cares for my patients, just as much as I do. That is what sets us apart— quality care across the board.” He considers colon cancer screening the biggest technological leap in gastroenterology. “When colon cancer screening began, it seemed like the right thing to do, but we didn’t have a lot of concrete data behind it. Now, we have data to show that removing polyps in screening colonoscopies leads to lower cancer rates. It is very gratifying and fantastic news for patients.” The majority of Dr. Pfau’s cases are general gastrointestinal issues, but he also enjoys treating esophageal motility disorders and the endoscopic treatment of hemorrhoids. When he’s not working, Dr. Pfau enjoys playing the piano, running half marathons, and spending time with his four children.

Education, Memberships and Affiliations

• Bachelor of Science, University of Oregon
• Doctor of Medicine, University of Kansas
• Internship, University of Nevada, Reno
• Residency in Internal Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno
• Fellowship in Gastroenterology, University of California, Los Angeles
• American Board of Internal Medicine – Internal Medicine certification, 1999
• American Board of Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology certification, 2003
• Member, Washoe County Medical Society
• Member, Nevada State Medical Society
• Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
• Gastroenterology Section Chief of Staff, Renown Regional Medical Center, 2010-present