Emmy Ludwig, MD

I was an English major in college and thought I would return to school for my PhD after graduation. When I started a temporary job in London as a medical secretary, I fell in love with medical language and wanted to understand it better. Shortly thereafter I enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program to complete my premedical requirements, and from there went on to medical school at Columbia. I had a gastroenterologist as a mentor during medical school and residency who inspired me to pursue this field, and was instrumental in teaching me how to become the type of doctor I am now.

I came to MSK for my fellowship, and chose to stay in part because of the intellectual and caring community of colleagues I was able to join. I think you’re only as good as the people around you, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible team of fellow GI physicians in my department, as well as world class oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, among others, all of whom are available to answer my questions and help me take as good care of my patients as I can.

When I meet patients and caregivers, I try to normalize their feelings and ease their anxieties: Sometimes they think there is nothing we can do to help them, and I try to soothe them by sharing we have many ways to help people get better and feel better. My relationships with my patients are of tremendous importance to me and I am always eager to answer their questions or provide reassurance.

When I am not working, I love reading, yoga, baking, and spending time with my two daughters.