Eric Hilgenfeldt, MD

01/20/2022

Honored to be among wonderful colleagues.

We are honored that 58 of our physicians, across all 10 of our specialty areas, have made Business North Carolina’s list of N.C’s. Top Doctors 2021.

11/04/2021

Dr. Scott Smith and I enjoying another great clinic. Working alongside mentors has been just one of the many great things here . He truly embodies the idea of mentorship - “a mentor is not someone who walks ahead of you to show you how they did it. A mentor walks alongside you to show you what you can do.”

10/30/2021

Love it! Research is how we move medicine forward.

A vaccine for respiratory virus RSV doesn't exist. At least not yet. But research at Charlotte's Tryon Medical Partners hopes to change that.

08/13/2021

Keeping each other safe. At the Tryon Endoscopy center where I perform the majority of my cases, we prioritize patient care and safety. This applies not only to the procedures themselves but also utilization of all available best practices regarding COVID-19. These include N95 masks, procedural face coverings, air filtration, and strict regular sanitation. Additionally, Tryon Medical Partners has made a commitment to having a fully vaccinated staff. All of this is in an effort to keep each other as safe as possible.

07/20/2021

We are interested in new partnerships with like-minded physicians. Enjoy the rewards of independence with Tryon Medical Partners.

As an independent practice, Tryon gets back to the core of patient-doctor connections. Explore physician career opportunities ➡️ https://bit.ly/3hGlHEI

06/18/2021

To become a GI doctor I first trained as an internist and even worked in this capacity briefly before pursuing sub-specialized training. With this experience comes a great respect for my fellow internists. I love seeing Tryon Medical Partners expand our ability to care for more patients who need our help.

Another commitment to the vitally important primary care network that serves so many in the Charlotte and surrounding areas has been realized. Proud to be part of a great group.

As we at Tryon Medical believe, better health starts with stronger relationships. Make the change, experience the difference.

Tryon Medical Partners is proud to welcome Gaston Medical Partners - now Tryon Medical Partners Gaston. The doctors of both practices are excited to join forces to offer patients in Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties more choice.

Tryon Medical Partners Gaston patients will now have access to the region’s finest specialists in internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, pulmonary, rheumatology and sleep medicine. Likewise, Tryon Medical patients who live in or near Gaston County, will have options when seeking a practice that specializes in family medicine.

Meet the family medicine physicians of Tryon Medical Partners Gaston ➡️ https://bit.ly/2S3EQpM

05/13/2021

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/advertise/sponsored-content/?prx_t=_rQGARahMASF0PA

Follow the Charlotte Observer for the latest headlines on Charlotte and North Carolina news. Find local breaking news, sports, crime, politics, business, arts, culture, and more.

04/29/2021

Great news from my alma mater. Go Gators!

04/22/2021

How do you get the polyp out? Great question.

01/06/2021

Board certified in GI. Just a small but important part that marks over a decade of education and training.

01/02/2021

Science rules.

11/19/2020

While we’d like to launch headlong into a turkey coma and forget all about the pandemic, we’d be remiss not to mention what it will take to create a safe Thanksgiving in 2020. The doctors of Tryon Medical Partners are here to give you a well-rounded meal of Thanksgiving tips.

11/05/2020

Check out my recent post on all things related to probiotics!

There are approximately 1,000 different species of bacteria in the lining of your gut, some considered “good” bacteria and/or yeast (probiotics), and some considered “bad.” The key is maintaining a balance of the two.

10/29/2020

45 is the new 50.....when it comes to colon cancer screening. Great news for patients! The USPSTF is in agreement with the american cancer society recommendations that colon cancer screening should begin at 45.

The US Preventive Services Task Force -- the nation's leading panel for medical guidance -- is considering a draft recommendation to lower the recommended screening age for colon and re**al cancers to 45.

10/05/2020

The current attack on dietary sugar(atkins, keto, dukane, etc) is ok but FIBER or the lack thereof... is the missing piece to the healthier you!

Most Americans consume less than half the amount of fiber they need, setting themselves up for GI distress.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Eric Hilgenfeldt says we need 25-30 grams each day. Our "good" bacteria need the prebiotic (bacteria food) that fiber is. Without it, the good bacteria will starve and bad ones will thrive.

09/30/2020

Stay safe out there everyone. Flu shots available. Already received mine.

Minimizing the spread of winter respiratory infections will help us fight COVID-19. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk of flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce healthcare resources.

Here’s what you need to know:

1️⃣ According to the CDC, you can have flu and coronavirus at the same time.

2️⃣ Patients age 65 and older should get the higher dose flu vaccine.

3️⃣ It is best to get your flu shot in mid-September to October, but it’s never too late.

Learn more about getting your flu shot ➡️ https://bit.ly/3kLsrzD

09/05/2020

She will be seeing patients sometime in the 2040-50s. Make sure to schedule your appointments today. If you need something a bit sooner, i’m available!

08/29/2020

As you might have heard, Chadwick Boseman, the young and talented actor that played Black Panther in the Marvel films among others has passed away at age 43 from colon cancer. RIP.

08/28/2020

Now the fun part. HOW do I get the fiber I need?

Best Answer: Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits. There are entire books about this exact topic. The one I recommend is "Fiber Fueled" which includes a great fiber diet plan.

Second Best Answer: For those of you out there who do not yet crave fruits and veggies with breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks then you will need to supplement your diet ...and that is OK.

In no particular order of preference here are my go to supplements:
1. Inulin (Fiber Choice): 100% soluble fiber
2. Methylcellulose (Citrucel): 100% soluble fiber
3. Wheat Dextrin (Benefiber): 100% soluble fiber
4. Psyllium (Metamucil): 70% soluble fiber

Most of these come in generic forms as well as brand name, are affordable and have a variety of formulations (pills, chewables, gummies, powders).

If you think you have Celiac disease, avoid #3. Although it is gluten free, it contains wheat and thus people who think they have gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease but actually have wheat sensitivity could be affected. Additionally, if you think you have Celiac but aren't sure, please come see me Tryon Medical Partners as it could have long term effects if not identified, treated and monitored.

If you tend to feel bloated, avoid #4 as the slightly lower content of soluble fiber, might lead to a bloating sensation, despite the beneficial early fullness feeling. Btw, I treat bloating too in my clinics.

08/27/2020

How much FIBER should you be eating every day?

Answer: 25-30 grams

This is tough. Most Americans consume less than half that amount and in doing so set themselves up for GI distress. Our "good" bacteria need the prebiotic(bacteria food) that fiber is. Without it, the good bacteria will starve and the bad ones will thrive.

Homework: Calculate how much fiber you have been eating on avererage every day. If you need to up your game, check out these tips from UCSF http://ow.ly/S0ye50Bactu.

08/26/2020

Ok, now that we know that there are two different forms of fiber. What else do we need to know?

1) How about, WHY do we need it?(I also find that knowing why I should do something makes it more likely for me to follow through)

Answer: This one easy, but often overlooked... it makes our bowels more regular. Dietary fiber increases the weight and size of your stool and softens it. A bulky stool is easier to pass, decreasing your chance of constipation. If you have loose, watery stools, fiber may help to solidify the stool because it absorbs water and adds bulk to stool.

In addition to the above, Fiber has impacts in a host of other health conditions, including thyroid disease, obesity, heart disease, and so on...Thankfully Dr B, The Gut Health MD (a gastroenterologist, ie trusted source for gut info) has done the dirty work to determine this and outlines it all so well in his book, Fiber Fueled (an instant NYT best seller).

Bottom Line: Too loose --> add fiber. Too hard --> add fiber. Normal stools--> add fiber.

08/25/2020

Call me biased but I get to work at the best endoscopy center in Charlotte, NC. It's not just that it is new, well stocked, clean or large... it’s entirely because of the wonderful nurses, staff and techs that work there!!! We have been able to safely ramp up our services and are looking to run an additional room! If interested in a change in locations or a completely new experience please apply to join the TMP family. https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/339529

08/24/2020

What is fiber? Answer: Fiber is a group of substances in the food we eat, largely non-digestible, that work to affect digestion of other foods as well as alter bowel movement consistency.

The two types of fiber you should be familiar with are soluble and insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water whereas insoluble fiber does not. Examples of foods that contain soluble fiber include fruits, oats, barley, and legumes. Examples of foods that contain insoluble fiber include wheat, rye, wheat bran and other grains.

As we will explore in future posts, fiber is very important to proper bowel function and overall health.

08/14/2020

Trouble on the toilet? Constipation is a common complaint that may be due to a variety of causes. It can be dietary, medication related, structural and beyond. No matter the cause, having a GI doctor help you get to the root of the problem and treat it accordingly is paramount. A good place to start is always FIBER (more on this to come in future posts).

After consultation with your gastroenterologist , you may be prescribed dietary changes as well as medications such as laxatives that help make it easier to go. Sometimes, a procedure called a colonoscopy is needed. Further testing of the muscles that work in coordinated fashion to have a bowel movement may also need to be evaluated.

Media Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/XatMS2NXIpo
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

08/07/2020

So refreshing to see a medical CEO advocate for patients and price transparency! Perhaps, it is because he is also a remarkable physician who has never let himself forget that caring for the patient is and should remain the primary goal of healthcare.

From the start of the pandemic, Tryon Medical Partners doctors and staff have been on the frontlines, testing more than 12,000 of our patients for the COVID-19 virus in the

08/04/2020

Do you have IBS(irritable bowel syndrome)? A better night sleep might be one way to help(https://www.aboutibs.org/sleep-and-irritable-bowel-syndrome.html).

Check out these great tips for improving sleep hygiene from one of our own wonderful doctors here at Tryon.

No, it’s not about how clean your sheets are. Sleep hygiene refers to sleep habits and patterns.

08/03/2020

Fiber is used as a treatment in several GI illnesses I treat in clinic in Southpark. Personally, I pair my fiber with a source of probiotic!

07/27/2020

It is usually the worst part of the procedure...Try these tips to make it a little better.

https://www.tryonmed.com/resource/colonoscopy-prep-hacks/

Media Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/egqR_zUd4NI

07/17/2020

From pizza to beer to entire dedicated sections in grocery stores, the options for gluten-free foods have skyrocketed in recent years. Rather than being stuck in the salad section of every menu, those who observe gluten-free diets are more likely...

07/07/2020

Excellent work to all. Very proud.

https://www.tryonmed.com/tryon-medical-partners-physicians-awarded-top-doc-honors/

At Tryon Medical Partners, we believe better relationships means better health. That’s why we became an independent medical practice of doctors who put patient relationships at the core of everything we do. We are thrilled to see our doctors on the list of Charlotte’s Top Docs, compiled annually

07/04/2020

Happy 4th of July! Hope you get to spend it with family and friends in the most quarantined way possible.

07/03/2020

https://www.tryonmed.com/resource/what-those-with-inflammatory-bowel-disease-should-know-about-covid-19/

Great and timely topic!

Navigating a world in the midst of a pandemic raises questions and concerns about daily activities we have always taken for granted, from visiting family to picking up prescriptions. For those with ongoing medical issues, these worries are only heightened. If you have a history of inflammatory b

07/03/2020

https://youtu.be/TtwLh8pWrCk

WE ARE TRYON MEDICAL PARTNERS. We moved away from big healthcare to deliver better healthcare. At Tryon Medical Partners, the difference is personal, and the...

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