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Dr Alan Watson

MA MB BChir PHD RCPathME FRCP

Gastroenterologist

Live bookings available

27 years of experience

Essex, IG9 5HX

(+4 more)

57 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Stuart Graham, Ms Vardhini Vijay and 29 other professionals

4.99

/5

(315 reviews)

Live bookings available

27 years of experience

Essex, IG9 5HX

(+4 more)

57 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Stuart Graham, Ms Vardhini Vijay and 29 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Colonoscopy
170
16
Endoscopy (OGD)
71
14
Gastroenterology
55
9

Contact

Book online


Expert in:

About Dr Alan Watson

Thank you for considering me to assist with your medical care. My aim is to ensure you receive excellent care, with kindness, expertise and great communication. This is backed up by my full time private office, regular clinics and easy access to all you might need.

---

Dr. Alan Watson is a highly respected senior Consultant Gastroenterologist, specialising in the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract and liver. He has advanced skills in endoscopy and colonoscopy and is an accredited bowel cancer screening expert.

He has practiced as a Consultant at Barts Health for 15 years and has deveopled a thriving private practice for over a decade, offering expert care to a wide range of patients.

Dr. Watson graduated with distinction from Cambridge University and completed his training in leading teaching hospitals in the UK, Europe and the USA.

With extensive experience in performing advanced endoscopic examinations, Dr. Watson ensures minimal discomfort for patients, using techniques to resolve issues that once required surgery. His expertise in gastroscopy and colonoscopy allows him to provide highly effective, non-invasive treatments that improve patient outcomes. Dr Watson is a specialist in endoscopy and colonoscopy, with specialist accreditation as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

His commitment to medical excellence extends beyond clinical practice—he also contributed to groundbreaking research during his PhD Fellowship at Cancer Research UK, publishing in prestigious medical journals such as *Nature Medicine* and *Nature*. He continues to be active in research, teaching and clinical audit.

On a more personal note, Dr. Watson's passion for challenge and perseverance shines through in his remarkable achievements. At Cambridge University, he competed in and won the prestigious Boat Race. He has also raised significant funds for charity by rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and ultra-marathon running. His dedication to others, both in and out of the medical field, reflects his genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

Dr. Watson’s combination of professional expertise, compassionate care, and personal determination makes him a truly exceptional doctor who always goes the extra mile for his patients.

--


Subspecialties

  • Neuro-Gastroenterology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease
  • Hepatology
  • General (Internal) Medicine
  • Pancreaticobiliary Medicine (Bile Ducts & Pancreas)

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
(492)
Skill Endorsements
(92)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Colonoscopy
170
16
Endoscopy (OGD)
71
14
Gastroenterology
55
9
Heartburn (Acid Reflux)
40
2
Blood Testing and Results Interpretation
23
Bloating
22
1
Gastroscopy
19
1
Stomach / Abdominal Pain
13
6
Bowel Cancer Screening
13
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
11
5
Constipation
10
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
10
Diarrhoea
7
1
Liver Function Tests
7
1
Colon Polyps
7
Gallstones
5
1
Colitis (Ulcerative Colitis)
4
1
Diverticulitis
4
Crohn's Disease
4
Haemorrhoids
3
Sigmoidoscopy
3
Colorectal Cancer
3
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
3
Functional Gut
3
Anal Fissure
2
5
Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions (Oesophagus & Stomach)
2
3
Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
2
3
Colon Cancer Screening
2
1
Coeliac Disease
2
Pancreatic Disorders
2
Gallbladder Polyp
2
Liver Screening (Risk Stratification)
2
Barrett's Oesophagus
1
2
Food Intolerance
1
1
Diverticular Disease
1
1
Bile Acid Malabsorption
1
1
Hepatitis
1
Weight Loss
1
Pancreatitis
1
Faecal Incontinence
1
Jaundice
1
BRAVO Capsule
1
Bile Duct Diseases
1
Gallbladder Disease
1
Nausea and Vomiting
1
Hepatitis (Viral)
1
Alcohol Related Liver Problems
1
Cholecystitis
1
Stool Testing
1
Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
1
Microscopic Colitis
1
Sedation
1
Gallstones (Medical Management)
1
Reflux and Colic
6
Gastrointestinal Cancers
5
Bowel Cancer
4
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
4
Liver Disease
2
Colon Cancer
1
Hiatus Hernia
1
Oesophagitis
1
Oesophageal Spasm
1
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
1
Swallowing Disorder (Dysphagia)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Blood in Stool / Rectal Bleeding (Haematochezia)
Oesophageal Cancer
LPR Reflux
Gut Health
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastroparesis
Gut Microbiome
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
Swollen Stomach
Pyloric Stenosis
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Haemochromatosis
Gluten Intolerance
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Functional Bowel Disease
Gallbladder Cancer
Gastritis
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Colonic Stent
Cirrhosis
Enteroscopy
Gastrostomy-Jejunostomy Tube Insertion
Autoimmune Diseases
Oesophageal Stent Insertion
Gastric (Stomach) Ulcers
Weight Loss Programme
Video Consultation
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
Chest X-Ray
Fatty Liver Disease
Enteral Feeding
Tiredness (Fatigue)
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
Allurion Gastric Balloon
Pneumatic Dilatation
Chest Infection
Nasojejunal (NJ) Feeding Tube
Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test
Acute Liver Failure
Nasogastric (NG) Feeding Tube
Underwater Colonoscopy
Liver Biopsy
Pyloric Dilatation
Swallowing Problems
Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test
Polyposis Syndromes
Gallbladder Disease (Medical Management)
Gastric Premalignant Conditions (GPMC)
Balloon Dilatation
Achalasia

Registered with

General Medical Council

No. 4583761

The Royal College of Pathologists

No. 4583761

Royal College of Physicians

No. 4583761


Education

University of Cambridge

Neurophysiology

Graduated 1996

University of Cambridge

Medicine

Graduated 1998

University College London, University of London

Cancer stem cell biology

Graduated 2009


Qualifications

MB BChir 1998 University of Cambridge with distintion.

Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) Universty College, London

Specialist Registration in Gastroenterology & Generlal (internal) medicine.

Elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians

Elected Member of the Royal College of Pathologists


Languages spoken

  • English

Insurers

  • Bupa Fee Assured
  • AXA Health
  • Bupa
  • Freedom Health Insurance
  • WPA
  • The Exeter
  • Simply Health (Dental)
  • Allianz Worldwide Care
  • Healix Health Services
  • Saga Health Insurance
  • Aviva Health
  • Vitality
  • Cigna
  • Aetna
  • The PHC
  • Benenden Health
  • National Friendly
  • General and Medical
  • Bupa Global

Fees

  • New appointment

    £325
  • Follow-up appointment

    £225
*May vary on location

Locations

Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital

High Road Buckhurst Hill, Essex, United Kingdom, IG9 5HX

4.89(2,535 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
13:00 - 16:30
Tuesday
15:00 - 19:30
Wednesday
13:00 - 15:30
Thursday
08:30 - 12:30
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Opening hours

Monday
13:00 - 16:30
Tuesday
15:00 - 19:30
Wednesday
13:00 - 15:30
Thursday
08:30 - 12:30
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Rivers Hospital

High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth, United Kingdom, CM21 0HH

4.92(1,275 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
08:30 - 12:00
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Phoenix Hospital Chelmsford

Essex Healthcare Park, West Hanningfield Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom, CM2 8FR

4.91(175 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
09:45 - 12:30
Saturday
Sunday

Whipps Cross University Hospital

Whipps Cross Road Leytonstone, London, United Kingdom, E11 1NR

0.00(0 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Paid Parking
View practice profile

LSDC Healthcare

23 Widegate St, London, United Kingdom, E1 7HP

4.89(19 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Paid Parking
View practice profile

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Colonoscopy
170
16
Endoscopy (OGD)
71
14
Gastroenterology
55
9

Contact

Book online

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Dr Alan Watson consistently demonstrates a professional, clear, and reassuring approach with patients. He explains procedures and results well, making patients feel comfortable and well looked after from initial consultation to follow-up. Patients commend Dr Watson for being knowledgeable and caring, as he consistently listens and conducts thorough investigations for health concerns. His expertise is consistently highlighted for gastrointestinal procedures, including colonoscopies and endoscopies.

5
verified patient
23 Sep 2026

Easy to communicate with Dr Watson and his friendly manner makes for a relaxed consultation.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
23 Sep 2026

Dr Alan is always attentive and takes the time to really listen. He is very professional, kind, and genuinely caring. I always feel heard and well looked after.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
22 Sep 2026

Dr Watson was very patient. He explained the condition with all the details. He briefed as to what to look out for. Very pleased with my consultation

5
verified patient
22 Sep 2026

I have seen Dr Watson a few times now in clinic and also in theatre and I would 100% recommend him. As a very nervous patient he makes me feel at ease he is very calm and also very thorough. A very good doctor and a lovely gentleman.

5
verified patient
22 Sep 2026

Dr Watson immediately puts your mind at rest. He speaks in layman's terms.

5
verified patient
18 Sep 2026

Dr Watson has a calming and understanding way of explaining to you procedures and results. Everytime I have visited Dr Alan Watson I walked away total reassured and happy. He is a rare find in Doctors and would highly recommend him.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
15 Sep 2026

Absolutely amazing doctor who is emphatic,kind and has a great sense of humour. He made me feel relaxed and gave a 100 percent service.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
15 Sep 2026

Dr Watson was extremely welcoming and made me feel at ease from the moment I met him. He took the time to ask all the relevant questions, listened carefully to my concerns, and arranged all the necessary tests. His thorough and caring approach gave me great reassurance and made me feel genuinely looked after. I’m very grateful for his professionalism and would highly recommend him to anyone.

5
verified patient
10 Sep 2026

Dr Watson listened to what I had to say m, I didn’t feel rushed and was vey thorough in his diagnosis

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
08 Sep 2026

I have had a couple of consultations and Gastroscopy with Dr Watson for investigation and treatment of EoE, and everything has been great so far. The consultations have been very clear, and the Gastroscopy was handled very well by the Dr and team, with very little symptoms post procedure. I have follow up Gastroscopy and consultations planned for ongoing treatment and I’m very confident I am in the best place for this condition to hopefully progress to a postitive outcome.

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Skill Endorsements

A great Gastroenterologist - Who I would direct my family to see if they had a gut issue

03 Aug 2026
Endorsed for
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy (OGD)
Stomach / Abdominal Pain

Mr Stuart Graham

Mr Stuart Graham

Urologist
I have looked after their patients

Skilled endoscopist

20 Jul 2026
Endorsed for
Colorectal Surgery
Colon Cancer

Ms Vardhini Vijay

Ms Vardhini Vijay

General Surgeon
I have looked after their patients

19 Apr 2026
Endorsed for
Gastroenterology
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Dr Sudeep Tanwar

Dr Sudeep Tanwar

Gastroenterologist

Dr Watson is an exceptional gastroenterologist and endoscopist.

17 Apr 2026
Endorsed for
Reflux and Colic
Anal Fissure

MR

Mr Nirooshun Rajendran

General Surgeon
Is a colleague
Dr Alan Watson logo

Get to know Dr Alan Watson

FAQ

What are Dr Alan Watson's reviews like?

Dr Alan Watson's overall patient rating is 4.99 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 315 reviews.

What languages does Dr Alan Watson speak?

Dr Alan Watson speaks English

Where is Dr Alan Watson located?

Dr Alan Watson primarily practices at Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital, located at High Road Buckhurst Hill, Essex, United Kingdom, IG9 5HX
See more locations

What are Dr Alan Watson working hours?

Dr Alan Watson is working Monday (13:00 - 16:30), Tuesday (15:00 - 19:30), Wednesday (13:00 - 15:30), Thursday (08:30 - 12:30, 08:30 - 12:00), Friday (09:45 - 12:30)

Find where Dr Alan Watson operates today

Does Dr Alan Watson accept new patients?

Dr Alan Watson generally accepts new patients.

Get in touch with this specialist to enquire as a new patient