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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)

56 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Ms Vardhini Vijay, Dr Sudeep Tanwar and 27 other professionals

4.99

/5

(292 reviews)

Live bookings available

27 years of experience

Essex, IG9 5HX

(+4 more)

56 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Ms Vardhini Vijay, Dr Sudeep Tanwar and 27 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Colonoscopy
160
15
Endoscopy (OGD)
69
13
Gastroenterology
54
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
(450)
Skill Endorsements
(86)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Colonoscopy
160
15
Endoscopy (OGD)
69
13
Gastroenterology
54
9
Heartburn (Acid Reflux)
39
1
Bloating
22
1
Blood Testing and Results Interpretation
19
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
11
5
Stomach / Abdominal Pain
9
5
Gastroscopy
13
1
Bowel Cancer Screening
13
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
10
Constipation
9
Diarrhoea
6
1
Anal Fissure
2
5
Colon Polyps
7
Reflux and Colic
6
Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions (Oesophagus & Stomach)
2
3
Gastrointestinal Cancers
5
Liver Function Tests
4
1
Colitis (Ulcerative Colitis)
3
1
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
Colon Cancer
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
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
Stool Testing
1
Microscopic Colitis
1
Sedation
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
Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
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
Gallstones (Medical Management)
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
  • The PHC
  • National Friendly
  • General and Medical
  • Simply Health (Dental)
  • Saga Health Insurance
  • The Exeter
  • Bupa
  • Cigna
  • Aetna
  • Benenden Health
  • Bupa Global
  • Freedom Health Insurance
  • Allianz Worldwide Care
  • WPA
  • Healix Health Services
  • AXA Health
  • Vitality
  • Aviva Health

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(2,429 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(1,141 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

4.90(161 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

4.86(14 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Paid Parking
View practice profile

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Colonoscopy
160
15
Endoscopy (OGD)
69
13
Gastroenterology
54
9

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
03 Aug 2026

Dr Alan is explained who he was and explained he was doing the procedure, all staff working with him made me feel at ease

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
03 Aug 2026

Procedure was done very professionally with polite staff

5
verified patient
28 Jul 2026

Explained everything clearly, answered any questions I had and was reassuring and straightforward. Brilliant.

5
verified patient
27 Jul 2026

Dr Watson is by far my favourite consultant, he is a life saver. He is so knowledgeable, patient, understanding, caring and humble. I feel I’m in safe hands under Dr Watson’s care. Dr Watson puts his heart and soul into his profession and that is visible through his attentiveness and attention to detail.

5
verified patient
27 Jul 2026

Dr Watson was personable, clear and gentle. Also quicker than my first experience and much less painful.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
27 Jul 2026

Dr Watson Always gives me clear helpful feedback. He is always kind and considerate and has a good sense of humour. He always makes you feel at ease.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
27 Jul 2026

A lovely caring Doctor who is always very supportive and professional.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
17 Jul 2026

Dr Alan Watson and all of the staff at Holly House and the Rivers were totally Professional in their field.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
16 Jul 2026

Dr Watson is incredibly professional, warm and attentive. He made me feel comfortable enough to speak openly about my bowel problems. He investigated my issue thoroughly, provided multiple courses of action and was diligent in following up with me to see how I was progressing. He is the standard of what good healthcare service should be.

5
verified patient
14 Jul 2026

Dr Watson was excellent both pre and post colonoscopy and explained results so that it was clear and concise

Patient seen for:
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Skill Endorsements

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

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
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 292 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