Meet the Providers of Gastro-Intestinal Associates

The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with each provider's training, professional credentials and work experience.

Mark Leifer, MD

• Gastroenterologist since 1985
• Fellowship trained at University of Alabama in Birmingham
• Board Certified in Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology
• Fellow, American College of Gastroenterology (FACG)
• Fellow, American Gastroenterological Assoc. (AGAF)

 

Howard Solomon, MD

• Gastroenterologist since 1993
• Fellowship trained at Western Pennsylvania Hospital
• Board Certified in Gastroenterology

 

Robert Neidich, MD

• Gastroenterologist since 1995
• Fellowship trained at Washington University
• Board Certified in Gastroenterology
• Former Chief of Staff, St Rita’s Medical Center

 

Tariq Sheikh, MD

• Gastroenterologist since 2000
• Fellowship trained at University of Mississippi Medical Center
• Board Certified in Gastroenterology
• Former Chief of Gastroenterology, St Rita’s Medical Center & Lima Memorial Hospital

 

Jayde Kurland, MD

• Gastroenterologist since 2005
• Fellowship trained at Naval Medical Center, San Diego and Beth Israel/Harvard Medical
• Board Certified in Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine
• Fellow, American College of Physicians (FACP)
• Fellow, American College of Gastroenterology (FACG)
• Fellow, American Gastroenterological Association
• Chief of Gastroenterology at St Rita’s Medical Center & Lima Memorial Medical Center

 

Scott Rinesmith, MD

• Gastroenterologist since 2007
• Fellowship trained at The Ohio State University
• Board Certified in Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine

 

Sheena Patel, MD

• Fellowship trained at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
• Board Certified in Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine

 

Laurie Knippen, CNP

• Registered Nurse since 1984
• BSN from The Ohio State University
• MSN from University of Toledo
• Specialized in Ostomy, Continence and Wound care
• Board Certified in Adult Family Practice

 

Nichola Warnecke, CNP

• Registered Nurse since 1999
• BSN from Indiana Wesleyan University
• MSN from Indiana Wesleyan University
• Board Certified in Adult Family Practice

 

Denise Ware, CNP

• Registered Nurse since 2001
• BSN at Ohio Northern
• MSN at University of Toledo
• Board Certified in Adult Family Practice

Tammie Mericle, CNP

• Registered Nurse since 1992
• BSN at Ohio State University
• MSN at Wright State University
• Board Certified in Acute Care

Stacy Miller, CNP

• Registered Nurse since 2003
• BSN at Ohio State University
• MSN at Ohio University
• Board Certified in Adult Family Practice

Pat, Office Manager