Rhonda A Cole

Rhonda A Cole, M.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She also serves as the Associate Chief of Endoscopy at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston. Her academic career spans over three decades, with formal training at Yale University (B.A.), Washington University School of Medicine (M.D.), and advanced training at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliate Hospitals (1984-1990).

• Education:
  • B.A., Yale University (1980)
  • M.D., Washington University School of Medicine (1984)
  • Advanced Training, Baylor Affiliate Hospitals (1984-1990)

Research Interests focus on pancreaticobiliary disorders, management of GI bleeding, colorectal cancer screening, and innovations in ERCP. Her work has significantly contributed to optimizing endoscopic treatments for peptic strictures and ulcer rebleeding, improving diagnostic accuracy for H. pylori infections, and advancing colorectal cancer prevention strategies.

Key Research Trends from her publications include:

• Development of objective endoscopic treatment endpoints (1997)
• Comparative effectiveness of H. pylori therapies (1995-1997)
• Improving rapid urease test accuracy (1996)
• Prevention of ulcer rebleeding (1996)
• Colorectal cancer metabolic profiling (2010)
• Barrett's esophagus risk factors (2013)

Clinical Leadership includes directing endoscopy services at both Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, with emphasis on evidence-based procedural innovations and multicenter clinical trials.