The physicians at Lake Charles Memorial Health System have built more than a successful Gastroenterology practice; they have built a culture centered on collaboration, mutual respect, and quality patient care. Each physician brings distinct fellowship training and clinical expertise, allowing the practice to offer a broad range of Gastroenterology services while maintaining a collegial environment where physicians collaborate on complex cases and share a commitment to clinical excellence.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has recognized the team for clinical excellence, one of only seven honorees in Louisiana to receive this distinction.
| Frank Marrero, MD | Sarpreet Basra, MD | Eric Fontenot, MD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Medical Director, Gastroenterology Services | Gastroenterologist | Gastroenterologist |
| Fellowship | Cleveland Clinic | University of Texas Medical Branch | LSUHSC New Orleans |
| Focus | Esophageal Disease and Motility, General GI | Hepatology, Motility, Diagnostic GI | ERCP, EUS, Therapeutic Endoscopy |
| In Lake Charles Since | 2010 | 2015 | 2017 |
Together, the team provides expertise in general Gastroenterology, ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound, hepatology, GI motility disorders, capsule endoscopy, Bravo pH monitoring, high-resolution esophageal manometry, SmartPill motility testing, and hydrogen breath testing.
Medical Director, Gastroenterology Services
| Medical School | University of Massachusetts Medical School |
|---|---|
| Residency | Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic |
| Fellowship | Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic |
| Board Certification | Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, ABIM |
| Clinical Interests | Esophageal Disorders, GI Motility, General GI, Colon Cancer Screening |
Dr. Frank Marrero has served as Medical Director of Gastroenterology Services since 2010 and has played a central role in developing Lake Charles Memorial's Digestive Health program into one of southwest Louisiana's leading community Gastroenterology practices.
After completing his internal medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Marrero served as a staff physician in the Cleveland Clinic's Digestive Disease Institute Swallowing Center before relocating to Lake Charles. His honors include the American College of Gastroenterology's Clinical Research Award and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society Clinical Training Program Award. He has published and lectured on esophageal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, GI bleeding, pancreatitis, and colon cancer screening.
Dr. Marrero serves on the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy practice operations committee and regularly lectures and precepts residents in the Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Residency Program.
Gastroenterologist
| Medical School | Ross University School of Medicine, graduated with highest honors |
|---|---|
| Residency | Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch |
| Fellowship | Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Texas Medical Branch |
| Board Certification | Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, ABIM |
| Clinical Interests | Hepatology, GI Motility, Diagnostic GI |
Dr. Sarpreet Basra provides care in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver conditions, with particular expertise in hepatology and motility disorders. He completed his internal medicine residency and his Gastroenterology and Hepatology fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where he also served as an assistant professor and was recognized as one of the top five internal medicine residents.
Dr. Basra has published research in journals including The American Journal of Gastroenterology and World Journal of Hepatology and has presented at national conferences including the American College of Gastroenterology and Digestive Disease Week. He is trained in upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, SmartPill motility testing, hydrogen breath testing, Bravo pH testing, and high-resolution esophageal manometry. He has practiced in Lake Charles since 2015.
Gastroenterologist
| Medical School | LSU School of Medicine, Shreveport |
|---|---|
| Residency | Internal Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center |
| Fellowship | Gastroenterology, LSUHSC New Orleans, with focus on ERCP and EUS |
| Board Certification | Gastroenterology |
| Clinical Interests | ERCP, EUS, Barrett's Esophagus, GERD, Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
A Lake Charles native, Dr. Eric Fontenot returned home following fellowship training to expand access to complex endoscopic procedures throughout southwest Louisiana. He completed a three-year Gastroenterology fellowship at LSUHSC New Orleans with a focus on ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound, and his expertise in these procedures allows patients to receive specialized biliary and pancreatic care without leaving the region.
In addition to advanced procedures, Dr. Fontenot maintains a busy general Gastroenterology practice and has practiced in Lake Charles since 2017.
| Provider Type | Number |
|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 8 |
| Physician Assistant | 1 |
| Total | 9 |
The APP team is one of the practice's greatest strengths. Working with significant autonomy, they manage independent clinics focused on established patients, evaluate new referrals, coordinate inpatient care, assist with hospital rounding, and triage after-hours calls. Their support allows physicians to remain focused on procedures, complex consultations, and practice growth.
At Lake Charles Memorial Health System, you will join partners who value collaboration over competition and mentorship over hierarchy. With complementary expertise across esophageal disease, hepatology, and advanced endoscopy, experienced clinical support, and a shared commitment to quality, the Gastroenterology team has created an environment where physicians can build a rewarding long-term career.