Dr. Douglas Pleskow is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Emeritus Clinical Chief of Gastroenterology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), where he has devoted his career to advancing the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy through innovation, education, and mentorship. Since completing his Gastroenterology Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Pleskow has been a driving force in building one of the nation’s premier centers for advanced endoscopic care and training.
In 1998, the Center for Advanced Endoscopy at BIDMC developed its Interventional Endoscopy Fellowship. Dr. Pleskow helped shape and maintain this program for nearly three decades. Over this time, he has trained more than 100 advanced endoscopy fellows, many of whom have gone on to become international leaders, innovators, and educators. In order to ensure a global presence, Dr. Pleskow and his colleagues established the Berenson International Scholarship in Advanced Endoscopy. This is a unique two-month program that brings gastroenterologists and surgeons from around the world to BIDMC for immersive clinical and research experiences. Alumni of this program return home with a deeper understanding of advanced endoscopic capabilities and remain lifelong members of the extended BIDMC Advanced Endoscopy “family.”
Dr. Pleskow’s research career has been marked by innovation across a broad spectrum of endoscopic disciplines. His work includes the development of new techniques in pancreaticobiliary endoscopy, advances in the endoscopic management of GERD and Barrett’s esophagus, cholangiopancreatoscopy, novel imaging technologies, and the design and evaluation of new tools for ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound. His contributions have helped shape contemporary practice and expand the therapeutic reach of endoscopy.
A sought-after expert, Dr. Pleskow has been invited nationally and internationally to demonstrate cutting-edge techniques in ERCP and EUS and is a frequent lecturer at major gastrointestinal courses worldwide. His ability to combine technical mastery with clear, practical teaching has made him a trusted and influential educator across generations of endoscopists.
Beyond his academic and clinical work, Dr. Pleskow has played a pivotal leadership role in professional societies at both the regional and national levels. He served as President of the New England Endoscopy Society for five years and was a founding member and five-year President of the Massachusetts Gastroenterology Association. He was also a founding member of the National Pancreas Foundation, contributing in multiple leadership roles over more than two decades. Dr. Pleskow is a Fellow of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, he has served on numerous ASGE committees, reflecting his longstanding commitment to the organization and its mission.
Clinically, Dr. Pleskow maintains an active consultative practice at BIDMC, caring for patients with complex pancreaticobiliary disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. His practice reflects the same dedication to excellence and patient-centered care that defines his academic work.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pleskow has remained a role model and lifelong mentor to medical residents, gastroenterology fellows, and advanced endoscopy fellows. His mentorship extends well beyond training, with ongoing guidance and support that continues to shape the careers of his trainees long after they leave BIDMC. His legacy is measured not only in innovations and leadership roles, but in the global community of physicians he has inspired.