Doctify logo
For providers
Provider Login

Dr Alan Watson

MA MB BChir PHD RCPathME FRCP

Gastroenterologist

Live bookings available

27 years of experience

Essex, IG9 5HX

(+4 more)

42 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr Henry Grundy-Wheeler, Dr Ali Mohammed and 20 other professionals

4.98

/5

(235 reviews)

Live bookings available

27 years of experience

Essex, IG9 5HX

(+4 more)

42 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Dr Henry Grundy-Wheeler, Dr Ali Mohammed and 20 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Endorsements
Colonoscopy
117
11
Endoscopy (OGD)
60
11
Gastroenterology
49
6

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
(360)
Endorsements
(76)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Colonoscopy
117
11
Endoscopy (OGD)
60
11
Gastroenterology
49
6
Acid Reflux (Heartburn)
33
7
Bloating
16
1
Blood Testing and Results Interpretation
16
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
8
4
Gastroscopy
11
1
Stomach / Abdominal Pain
7
4
Bowel Cancer Screening
11
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) or Reflux
9
Constipation
8
Reflux and Colic
5
Heart Burn
4
1
Anal Fissure
1
4
Liver Function Tests
4
1
Colon Polyps
5
Colitis (Ulcerative Colitis)
3
1
Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions (Oesophagus & Stomach)
2
2
Gastrointestinal Cancers
4
Diarrhoea
3
1
Crohn's Disease
4
Diverticulitis
3
Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
1
2
Barrett's Oesophagus
1
2
Colorectal Cancer
3
Functional Gut
3
Haemorrhoids
2
Sigmoidoscopy
2
Pancreatic Disorders
2
Food Intolerance
1
1
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
2
Colon Cancer Screening
1
1
Diverticular Disease
1
1
Gallbladder Polyp
2
Bile Acid Malabsorption
1
1
Hepatitis
1
Hiatus Hernia
1
Gallstones
1
Weight Loss
1
Pancreatitis
1
Oesophagitis
1
Oesophageal Spasm
1
Faecal Incontinence
1
Bowel Cancer
1
Jaundice
1
Liver Disease
1
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
1
GORD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
1
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
1
BRAVO Capsule
1
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
1
Gallbladder Disease
1
Nausea and Vomiting
1
Hepatitis (Viral)
1
Alcohol Related Liver Problems
1
Cholecystitis
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
Coeliac Disease
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
Liver Screening (Risk Stratification)
Bile Duct Diseases
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
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

Consultation fees

  • New appointment: £299
  • Follow-up appointment: £225

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

Location

All locations for Dr Alan Watson

Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital

4.88

(2117)

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

4.93

(840)

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

4.86

(114)

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

0

(0)

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

4.89

(9)

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

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Dr Alan Watson is a friendly, professional, and reassuring specialist who offers clear explanations. He conducts thorough examinations and listens carefully, ensuring patients feel at ease. Dr Watson provides expert care for colonoscopy and endoscopy, common procedures in his gastroenterology practice.

5.0
verified patient
17 Mar 2026

I underwent an endoscopy and Dr Watson was extremely gentle

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
16 Mar 2026

I would highly recommend Dr Watson for any gastrointestinal problems. From the first meeting with Dr Watson he was very professional and knowledgeable while showing great empathy and understanding. I immediately felt comfortable talking about my problems even though the subject can be embarrassing, he made me feel it was just a normal everyday conversation. I choose to see Dr Watson on his past reviews and I can honestly say they were all right and I made the right choice.

5.0
verified patient
16 Mar 2026

Today I have had a colonoscopy procedure done by Dr Alan Watson, and his team - nurse Clare McGeady and other nurses sorry I could not remember all your names. And I want to say that I was very thankful and pleased for everything they have done for me. First I want to say I was taken into the procedure room so quickly - did not have to wait. They spoke so calm and nice making me feel relaxed and comfortable even if it was a bit of pain but I could bear with it because of their attitude . Thank you one more time for looking after me.

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
16 Mar 2026

The team was friendly, provided explanations and were professional. Procedure went well.

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
13 Mar 2026

Highly professional team in all areas, from preparation of procedures prior to Gastroscopy examination, this really helps in establishing confidence in the competence and trust that makes the procedure so much easier and less stressful.

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
13 Mar 2026

Was put at ease from booking in to meeting Dr Watson

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
13 Mar 2026

All of the staff were extremely accommodating and lovely, they all Went out of their way to make me feel at ease, comforted and the whole experience that I had been extremely anxious for was great. They were very informative and listened to my concerns thank you so much!

5.0
verified patient
13 Mar 2026

First class personable experience, thorough investigation and concise delivery of findings.

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
13 Mar 2026

When I developed a GI problem at the beginning of the year, which Dr Watson later diagnosed as post-infectious IBS, one of my family members enthusiastically recommended Dr Watson to me as they had also had a superb experience with him previously. It is clear that from both Dr Watson's experience listed online, and the manner in which he conducts himself, that he is an expert in his field. Yet, the thing that I appreciated the most is how kind and compassionate Dr Watson is. He is happy to listen to everything that you have to say as a patient, and answer an endless stream of questions! In terms of my health issue, Dr Watson gave me a diagnosis based on my history and a comprehensive set of pathology tests. I appreciated that he did not immediately jump to overly "invasive" tests. Dr Watson explained in great detail to me how to proceed with recovery through diet and recommended a specific probiotic for my case. Dr Watson was also very reassuring, which gave me a lot of confidence. I only have the highest praise for him, and cannot recommend him highly enough!

5.0
verified patient
10 Mar 2026

Dr Watson was extremely helpful and he explained everything to me in a way that I understood. He was very good at putting me at ease and he was very reassuring. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone who needed to see a gastroenterologist.

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews.
Learn more here

Endorsements

I have referred patients requiring specialist gastroenterology input, as well as broader general medical opinions, to Dr Alan Watson for many years. He is an outstanding consultant who consistently provides the highest standard of care to his patients.

14 Jan 2026
Endorsed for
Gastroenterology
Gastrointestinal Cancers
Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions (Oesophagus & Stomach)

Dr Henry Grundy-Wheeler

Dr Henry Grundy-Wheeler

General Practitioner
I have looked after their patients

Dr Watson is an excellent gastroenterologist colleague who I worked over 10 years time. Dr Watson has very sound and reliable opinion in all gastrointestinal problems.

19 May 2025
Endorsed for
Reflux and Colic
Anal Fissure

Dr Ali Mohammed

Dr Ali Mohammed

Respiratory Doctor
Is a colleague

Dr Watson is a highly experienced gastroenterologist to whom I refer patients regularly. He is highly regarded by patients and colleagues alike. Strongly recommended.

06 May 2025
Endorsed for
Reflux and Colic
Anal Fissure

Mr Max Whittaker

Mr Max Whittaker

ENT Surgeon
Is a colleague

20 Apr 2025
Endorsed for
Reflux and Colic
Anal Fissure

DB

Dr Daniel Broman

Sport & Exercise Medicine Doctor
I have referred patients to them
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 4.98 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 235 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