Dr. Ethan Bortniker completed the 7-year BA/MD program at Boston University, followed by internal medicine residency at Boston Medical Center. After a year as a hospitalist at Boston Medical Center, Dr. Bortniker pursued a Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Connecticut, where he stayed on as faculty for three years, actively participating in teaching and research activities in colon cancer prevention, serving as director of the motility program, and earning an MBA from UConn.
In 2019, life brought Dr. Bortniker to the sunshine of Southern California, where he joined faculty at UCSD and the San Diego VA. He is affiliated with Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Dr. Bortniker practices general Gastroenterology with an interest in motility, disorders of the brain-gut axis, prevention of GI tract cancers, liver disease, and general endoscopy including colonoscopy, EGD, and capsule endoscopy.
Dr. Bortniker is passionate about preventive care and early detection of gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer. He encourages all eligible adults to get screened and stay proactive about their digestive health. To learn more about why colon cancer screening is so important — and how to get started — visit our Colon Cancer Screening Resource Page.
- Motility
- Disorders of the Brain-Gut Axis
- Prevention of GI Tract Cancers
- Liver Disease
- Colonoscopy
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Undergraduate + Medical School: Boston University — 7-year BA/MD program
- Residency (Internal Medicine): Boston Medical Center
- Hospitalist: Boston Medical Center (1 year)
- Fellowship (Gastroenterology): University of Connecticut
- Faculty: University of Connecticut (3 years) — teaching, colon cancer prevention research, Director of Motility Program
- MBA: University of Connecticut
- Additional training: Medical hypnotherapy for gastrointestinal patients
- Faculty: UCSD (joined 2019)
- Faculty: San Diego VA (joined 2019)
- Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology (2015)
- He is affiliated with Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Ethan Bortniker, MD
What conditions does Dr. Bortniker treat?
Dr. Bortniker treats GERD, IBS, IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), liver disease, colon polyps, and GI motility disorders.
Is Dr. Bortniker accepting new patients?
Yes, Dr. Bortniker is currently accepting new patients at both the Encinitas and Rancho Bernardo offices. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Does Dr. Bortniker perform colonoscopies?
Yes. Dr. Bortniker performs colonoscopies for colorectal cancer screening and to diagnose symptoms like rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
What hospital is Dr. Bortniker affiliated with?
He is affiliated with Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
What can I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit, Dr. Bortniker will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and recommend appropriate testing or treatment.
What GI procedures does Dr. Bortniker offer?
He offers colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), capsule endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and pH testing.
What insurance plans are accepted?
Unio Specialty Care accepts most major PPO insurance plans, Medicare, and select HMOs. Please call the office to confirm coverage.