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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)

49 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr Sudeep Tanwar, Associate Professor Nirooshun Rajendran and 25 other professionals

4.99

/5

(277 reviews)

Live bookings available

27 years of experience

Essex, IG9 5HX

(+4 more)

49 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr Sudeep Tanwar, Associate Professor Nirooshun Rajendran and 25 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Colonoscopy
148
14
Endoscopy (OGD)
67
13
Gastroenterology
54
8

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
(429)
Skill Endorsements
(93)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Colonoscopy
148
14
Endoscopy (OGD)
67
13
Gastroenterology
54
8
Acid Reflux (Heartburn)
37
7
Bloating
21
1
Blood Testing and Results Interpretation
19
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
11
5
Gastroscopy
13
1
Stomach / Abdominal Pain
7
5
Bowel Cancer Screening
12
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) or Reflux
9
2
Constipation
8
Colon Polyps
7
Reflux and Colic
6
Anal Fissure
1
5
Heart Burn
4
1
Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions (Oesophagus & Stomach)
2
3
Diarrhoea
4
1
Liver Function Tests
4
1
Colitis (Ulcerative Colitis)
3
1
Gastrointestinal Cancers
4
Diverticulitis
4
Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
2
2
Bowel Cancer
4
Crohn's Disease
4
Haemorrhoids
3
Sigmoidoscopy
3
Barrett's Oesophagus
1
2
Colorectal Cancer
3
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
3
Colon Cancer Screening
2
1
Functional Gut
3
Gallstones
1
1
Pancreatic Disorders
2
Food Intolerance
1
1
Liver Disease
2
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
2
Diverticular Disease
1
1
Gallbladder Polyp
2
Bile Acid Malabsorption
1
1
Hepatitis
1
Coeliac Disease
1
Hiatus Hernia
1
Weight Loss
1
Pancreatitis
1
Oesophagitis
1
Oesophageal Spasm
1
Faecal Incontinence
1
Jaundice
1
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
1
GORD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
1
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
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
Liver Screening (Risk Stratification)
1
Microscopic Colitis
1
Sedation
1
Swallowing Disorder (Dysphagia)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Rectal Bleeding
Oesophageal Cancer
LPR Reflux
Gut Health
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastroparesis
Gut Microbiome
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
Reflux
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
Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
Cirrhosis
Autoimmune Diseases
Colonic Stent
Enteroscopy
Gastrostomy-Jejunostomy Tube Insertion
Gastric (Stomach) Ulcers
Oesophageal Stent Insertion
Stool Testing
Weight Loss Programme
Fatty Liver Disease
Video Consultation
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
Chest X-Ray
Tiredness (Fatigue)
Enteral Feeding
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
Pancreatitis
Chest Infection
Acute Liver Failure
Allurion Gastric Balloon
Achalasia

Registered with

General Medical Council

No. 4583761

Royal College of Physicians

No. 4583761

The Royal College of Pathologists

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

Fees

  • New appointment

    £299
  • 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(2327 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

4.93(1017 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

4.89(145 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

LSDC Healthcare

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

4.92(12 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Paid Parking
View practice profile

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Colonoscopy
148
14
Endoscopy (OGD)
67
13
Gastroenterology
54
8

Contact

Book online

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Dr Alan Watson shows a professional, caring, friendly, and reassuring manner with patients. Patients report feeling at ease during procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy, praising Dr Watson's clear explanations and gentle approach. His thoroughness and compassionate care are highlighted, with many appreciating his willingness to listen. These reviews indicate patient satisfaction with Dr Alan Watson's overall approach to gastroenterology.

5
verified patient
23 Jun 2026

Dr Watson has performed my procedure twice now, and both times were carried out with excellent care. He is thorough and professional, making sure you feel safe and cared for. I was able to have my procedure without pain relief or sedation, as he is so highly skilled and experienced. Communication throughout the procedure was excellent, which helped me to feel calm and relaxed, and enabled me to have total confidence regarding the outcome.

5
verified patient
23 Jun 2026

Had a colonoscopy yesterday performed by Dr Alan Watson. He explained very clearly what was going to happen and talked to me whilst the procedure was taking place. He and his team were very reassuring throughout the procedure

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
23 Jun 2026

Dr Watson is a very wonderful Dr, he explains everything fully, he is very thorough and is never rushed. He will never leave or assume anything and put my peace or mind and also found my husband’s cancer when other doctors said he was fine as he went the extra mile.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
16 Jun 2026

I recently had to see Dr Alan Watson due to severe anaemia. As someone who is generally quite apprehensive about hospitals and medical procedures, I cannot express how much Dr Watson helped put me at ease both before and during what was not the most pleasant procedures. Dr Watson is an exceptionally caring and compassionate doctor who takes the time to listen, answer questions thoroughly, and explain everything clearly. I never felt rushed and greatly appreciated his patience and professionalism throughout my treatment. I would highly recommend Dr Alan Watson to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, reassuring, and attentive specialist.

5
verified patient
09 Jun 2026

Dr Watson was friendly and professional and clearly explained what the results of my test meant and the next steps.

5
verified patient
09 Jun 2026

I recently visited the Holly Hospital for a colonoscopy procedure with Dr Watson, and I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent care I received. Dr Watson was incredibly helpful and supportive when discussing the procedure beforehand. During the procedure itself, he was very understanding and reassuring, especially as I was feeling quite anxious at the time. The procedure went smoothly, and I would also like to commend Kevin, the anaesthetist (known as "One Shot Kevin"). I have had difficulties in the past with cannulation, often resulting in multiple attempts, bruising, and discomfort. However, Kevin found the vein on the first attempt without any complications or pain, which was greatly appreciated. Following the procedure, Dr Watson was thorough in explaining the biopsy results, carefully reviewing the images and photographs with me and ensuring I understood everything clearly. Dr Watson is undoubtedly one of the best doctors I have met in a long time. His professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach made a significant difference to my experience. Thank you, Dr Watson, and the team at the Holly Hospital for your outstanding care.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
08 Jun 2026

Hi. this was the best experience I had in a long time the doctor was wonderful 100%

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
08 Jun 2026

Very professional manner. Kind and polite

5
verified patient
08 Jun 2026

Doctor Watson is a very nice man. And was a good listener. He explained everything very clearly about the procedure and the results. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Dr. Watson.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
08 Jun 2026

Information shared both over the phone and by letter was very clear, especially as someone had taken the trouble to insert actual days and times where general instruction said for example "3 days before procedure" was annotated as Thursday. Every member of staff I encountered was professional, friendly and reassuring. I felt a lovely atmosphere in the unit and felt very well looked after and informed.

Patient seen for:
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Skill Endorsements

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

AR

Associate Professor Nirooshun Rajendran

General Surgeon
Is a colleague

Dr. Watson is a highly skilled, experienced Gastroenterologist who always provides an excellent opinion.

16 Apr 2026
Endorsed for
Colonoscopy
Gastroenterology
Bowel Cancer

Dr Debashis Roy

Dr Debashis Roy

Cardiologist
Is a colleague

Excellent colleague and gastroenterologist

16 Apr 2026
Endorsed for
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy (OGD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Mr Samrat Mukherjee

Mr Samrat Mukherjee

General Surgeon
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 277 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