Dr Pushpakaran Munuswamy

Professional statement

Dr Pushpakaran Munuswamy is a leading consultant gastroenterologist with practice in Brentwood and Chelmsford who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders using endoscopic procedures, for conditions including dyspepsia, bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome disease and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. An accredited bowel cancer screening practitioner, Dr Munuswamy is also an expert in colonoscopy procedures, having performed over 5,000 colonoscopies with an adenomatous polyp detection rate double the national target.

Included in his main areas of expertise are also gastroscopy examinations, having performed more than 5,000 gastroscopies, as well as therapeutic procedures for the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, foreign body removal and variceal banding.

Dr Munuswamy originally qualified from Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Med University in India in 1997. He then relocated to the UK, where he undertook his gastroenterology and liver disease training in London at King’s College Hospital, on the South East rotation, acquiring in-depth expertise in complex, acute and chronic disorders of the digestive system. Dr Munuswamy later obtained a post graduate diploma in digital health leadership, NHS digital academy.

Dr Munuswamy is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London. He is a member of British Society of Gastroenterology and the clinical lead for artificial intelligence in gastroenterology, BSG task group.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr Munuswamy is passionate about innovation, and went on to develop a highly commended modern design of a naso-gastric tube for feeding. He also maintains an interest in research that improves the management of gastrointestinal disorders and thus, collaborates at present in several national trials, including the CONSTRUCT study for acute colitis management. He has presented in national scientific meetings, NHS digital meetings and has published in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr Munuswamy has held several management roles and as chief clinical information officer introduced several digital innovations including electronic observations, e-prescribing and electronic records. He was clinical director for gastroenterology and currently is a department lead for gastroenterology.

Awards for his work include the BSG highly commended prize for service innovation and a finalist in HSJ awards.

Patient safety is integral to Dr Munuswamy’s practice. With a gentle and comprehensive approach to care, Dr Munuswamy involves and works together with his patients in the decision-making process of their treatment. Alongside his NHS work at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals, Dr Munuswamy currently sees private patients at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital, Springfield Hospital and Spire Hartswood Hospital.