Houssam Halawi, M.D.

Houssam Halawi, M.D., is a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he cares for people with complex digestive disorders. Dr. Halawi's clinical expertise focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect gastrointestinal motility and esophageal function. He helps individuals manage chronic symptoms with evidence-based therapies while working closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care.

Dr. Halawi is board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine. His background includes extensive clinical training, a fellowship in esophageal diseases, and dedicated research aimed at improving treatment for motility conditions.

Areas of expertise

Dr. Halawi provides individualized care for people with gastrointestinal motility disorders, with special attention to improving quality of life. His areas of expertise include:

• Esophageal motility disorders: Evaluation and treatment of swallowing difficulties, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and related esophageal conditions
• Disorders of brain and gut interaction: Management of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic abdominal pain
• Opioid-induced constipation: Advanced approaches to diagnosis and treatment of opioid-related gastrointestinal symptoms
• Gastroparesis and gastric dysmotility: Comprehensive testing and therapies to improve gastric motility and symptoms
• Defecatory and pelvic floor disorders: Diagnostic testing such as anorectal manometry and individualized treatment plans

Research and expertise

Dr. Halawi's research centers on gastrointestinal motility, the role gastric motor functions as targetable biomarkers in the management of obesity using GLP-1 receptor agonists, chronic constipation, and disorders of brain and gut interaction. He has published extensively on treatments for irritable bowel syndrome, opioid-induced constipation, and gastric motor function, contributing to peer-reviewed journals and national conferences. His academic roles include Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and active involvement in education and training programs. Dr. Halawi also holds certifications in clinical and translational science and quality improvement.