AIG Hospitals credits Dr. Kalapala with pioneering advanced endobariatric techniques, including intra-gastric balloon placement, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, duodenal-jejunal bypass liners, and endoluminal vertical gastroplasty
Published Jun 08, 2025 | 12:05 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 08, 2025 | 12:05 PM
Dr. Rakesh Kalapala appointed associate editor of iGIE journal (Dr. Rakesh Kalapala on facebook)
Synopsis: Dr. Rakesh Kalapala, Director of Endoscopy at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, has been appointed Associate Editor of iGIE Journal, the official publication of ASGE. The role recognises his global contributions to advanced endoscopy and obesity management. AIG Hospitals praised the appointment, highlighting Dr. Kalapala’s rising international stature in therapeutic gastroenterology and bariatric endoscopy
Dr. Rakesh Kalapala, Director of Endoscopy at the Centre for Obesity and Metabolic Therapy, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, has been appointed as the Associate Editor of iGIE Journal, the official publication of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
The appointment marks a significant recognition of Dr. Kalapala’s global contributions to advanced endoscopy and obesity management.
AIG Hospitals lauded the achievement, stating that this editorial role underscores Dr. Kalapala’s growing stature in the international medical community, particularly in therapeutic gastroenterology and bariatric endoscopy.
Originally from a Telugu background, Dr. Kalapala’s appointment has resonated beyond the medical field. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took to social media to extend his congratulations.
“Heartiest congratulations to Dr. Rakesh Kalapala… This recognition honours Dr. Kalapala’s expertise and shines a global spotlight on India’s growing leadership in advanced medical research. His achievement brings tremendous pride to both our Telugu community and the nation,” Naidu wrote on X.
Heartiest congratulations to Dr Rakesh Kalapala, Director of Endoscopy at AIG Hospitals’ Center for Obesity & Metabolic Therapy, on his prestigious appointment as Associate Editor of iGIE, the official journal of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
This… https://t.co/AFdOpEB1AW— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) June 7, 2025
Dr. Kalapala brings more than 15 years of clinical experience to the role, specializing in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy, colonoscopy, Endoscopic Retrograde
Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS). His clinical and research interests include obesity and metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gastrointestinal motility disorders, and endotherapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
According to AIG Hospitals, Dr. Kalapala has played a pivotal role in the development and execution of advanced endobariatric procedures such as intra-gastric balloon placement, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, duodenal-jejunal bypass liners, and endoluminal vertical gastroplasty.
He has also led several clinical trials focused on obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Dr. Kalapala’s academic journey began at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati, where he completed his MBBS in 2000.
He earned his MD in General Medicine from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in 2003 and his DNB in Gastroenterology from the Diplomate of National Board, New Delhi in 2009.
He has received multiple accolades over the years, including the B. J. Vakil Award for Clinical Research from the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in 2008 and the Young Investigator Award from the Asian Neurogastroenterology & Motility Association (ANMA) in 2011.
He was also a recipient of travel grants to international conferences such as ISNM 2007 in Jeju, Korea, and APDW 2010.
Dr. Kalapala has served as guest faculty at various international forums, including the Asia Pacific Pancreatico-Biliary Endoscopy Future Forum in Tokyo, Japan.
He holds fellowships from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE), the Japanese Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Society (FJGES), and the Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (FSGEI).
He also plays active roles in professional bodies including the Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG), the International Bariatric and Metabolic Endoscopy Committee (IFSO), and the Advisory Board of the Association of Bariatric Endoscopy (ABE), ASGE. He also sits on the editorial board of the International Journal of Medical Sciences.
With his latest editorial appointment, Dr. Kalapala is set to influence the global discourse on gastrointestinal endoscopy and metabolic therapies, strengthening India’s presence on the world map of medical innovation.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
