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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)

59 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr Sandeep Pathak, Mr Stuart Graham and 31 other professionals

4.99

/5

(330 reviews)

Live bookings available

27 years of experience

Essex, IG9 5HX

(+4 more)

59 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr Sandeep Pathak, Mr Stuart Graham and 31 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Colonoscopy
176
17
Endoscopy (OGD)
73
15
Gastroenterology
59
10

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.

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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
(503)
Skill Endorsements
(96)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Colonoscopy
176
17
Endoscopy (OGD)
73
15
Gastroenterology
59
10
Heartburn (Acid Reflux)
40
2
Blood Testing and Results Interpretation
23
Bloating
22
1
Gastroscopy
19
1
Stomach / Abdominal Pain
14
7
Bowel Cancer Screening
14
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
11
5
Constipation
10
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
10
Diarrhoea
7
2
Liver Function Tests
7
1
Colon Polyps
7
Gallstones
5
1
Colitis (Ulcerative Colitis)
4
1
Diverticulitis
4
Crohn's Disease
4
Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions (Oesophagus & Stomach)
3
3
Haemorrhoids
3
Sigmoidoscopy
3
Colorectal Cancer
3
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
3
Functional Gut
3
Anal Fissure
2
5
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
Enteroscopy
Cirrhosis
Gastrostomy-Jejunostomy Tube Insertion
Oesophageal Stent Insertion
Autoimmune Diseases
Weight Loss Programme
Gastric (Stomach) Ulcers
Video Consultation
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
Fatty Liver Disease
Chest X-Ray
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
Pyloric Dilatation
Swallowing Problems
Liver Biopsy
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

LSDC Healthcare

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

4.91(22 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Paid Parking
View practice profile

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Paid Parking
View practice profile

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

Phoenix Hospital Chelmsford

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

4.91(193 reviews)

Opening hours

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

Rivers Hospital

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

4.92(1,421 reviews)

Opening hours

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

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital

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

4.90(2,683 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

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Colonoscopy
176
17
Endoscopy (OGD)
73
15
Gastroenterology
59
10

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
10 Nov 2026

Excellent service

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
03 Nov 2026

Alan was a real professional and put my mind at rest across a number of areas. Thank you 🙏🏽

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
03 Nov 2026

Excellent doctor, very kind, professional and caring. I am very happy with his care.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
22 Oct 2026

Dr Watson is professional but with an open, friendly and transparent style.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
20 Oct 2026

Dr Watson was very professional, clear and understanding. Made me feel very comfortable and at ease. I would recommend his services.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
16 Oct 2026

Alan put me at ease straight away, very helpful and a good sense of humour to make you feel comfortable. Explained everything clearly and walked me through the process step by step, checking in at every opportunity and was a seamless procedure. Can’t thank him and his teams enough, well done rivers!

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
15 Oct 2026

I felt very at ease and relaxed. Everything explained clearly . Dr Watson has an impeccable manner.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
13 Oct 2026

I thought my recent visit was very stress free and the doctor was very helpful and polite..

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
12 Oct 2026

The clinic ran on good time and everyone was helpful and nice.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
08 Oct 2026

My experience was nothing but positive from start to finish. Dr watson was professional and understanding.

Patient seen for:
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Skill Endorsements

I have known Dr Alan Watson for many years and can confidently recommend him as an excellent gastroenterologist. He has a broad range of clinical skills and expertise, combined with a highly professional approach to patient care. Any patient under his care would be in exceptionally safe and capable hands, and I would have no hesitation in recommending him.

09 Oct 2026
Endorsed for

DP

Dr Sandeep Pathak

Radiologist
I have referred patients to them

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 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 330 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