John Vargo, MD, MPH
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.444.7000
- Desk:
- 216.444.6521
- Fax:
- 216.444.6284
Treatment & Services
- Advanced Imaging Techniques
- Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC)
- Balloon-assisted Enteroscopy (Single and Double)
- Biliary And Pancreatic Stone Therapy
- Cancer Center
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Colonic Manometry
- Colonoscopy
- Deep Enteroscopy
- Diagnostic Endoscopy
- Double Balloon Enteroscopy
- Endoscopic Cancer Therapy
- Endoscopic Mucosal Ablative and Resection Techniques
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
- Endoscopic Therapy Of Anastamotic And Crohn's Disease Strictures
- Endoscopic Treatment Of Strictures
- Endoscopic Ultrasound
- Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Celiac Block
- Endoscopy
- Enteral Stent Placement
- Esophageal Band Ligation
- Esophageal Dilation
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Foreign Body Removal
- Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Gastrointestinal Exams
- Interventional Endoscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Pancreaticobiliary Endoscopy
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)
- Stents
- Therapeutic Endoscopy
- Wireless Capsule Endoscopy
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Barrett's Esophagus
- Bile Duct Cancer
- Bile Duct Diseases
- Bile Duct Obstruction
- Bile Duct Stones
- Colon Polyps
- Diseases of the Liver Biliary Tract and Pancreas
- Duodenal Polyps
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gallbladder & Biliary Tract Disease
- Gallbladder Disease
- Gallstones
- General Gastroenterological Disorders
- Heartburn
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Pancreatic Disease
- Pancreatic Stones
- Pancreatitis
- Small Bowel Disease
- Stomach Cancer
- Strictures Of The Gi Tract
Insurance
Is Cleveland Clinic Part of Your Insurance?
Review a list of accepted insurance plans for our Northeast Ohio locations or learn more about purchasing a contracted managed care plan.
View All PlansEducation & Professional Highlights
Appointed
1994
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic
Gastroenterology
Cleveland,
OH USA
1990
Residency - Montefiore Hospital/Univ. Health Center of Pittsburgh
Internal Medicine
Pittsburgh,
PA USA
1988
Medical Education - University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
MD
Rochester,
NY USA
1985
Undergraduate - University of Rochester
Biology
Rochester,
NY USA
1981
Graduate School - Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland,
OH USA
Additional Training
- Master of Public Health, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 2003
Professional Highlights
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Career Development Award, 2003
Certifications
- Internal Medicine
Specialty Interests
advanced endoscopy, advanced imaging techniques, biliary tract disease, Capsule Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, CRCP, deep enteroscopy, deep enteroscopy and interventional endoscopy, Diagnostic and therapeutic EGD (upper endoscopy) and colonoscopy, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, diagnostic/therapeutic endoscopy, diseases of the small bowel, double balloon enteroscopy, Double Balloon Enteroscopy i.e DBE ( Antegrade & Retrograde ) and Wireless Capsule Endoscopy, EMR, endoscopic mucosal ablative and resection techniques, Endoscopic Ultrasonography, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endoscopy, Endoscopic cancer therapy, ERCP, Esophageal Cancer, EUS, gastrointestinal endoscopy, general gastroenterology, Pancreatic Cancer, pancreatic disorders, pancreaticobiliary endoscopy, Pancreatitis, stenting, therapeutic endoscopy, Therapeutic endoscopy including difficult colonoscopy and polypectomy
Awards & Honors
- University of Rochester Alumni Scholarship, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y., 1977-1981
- Phi Beta Kappa, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y., 1980
- Nominated for application, Cecil Rhodes Scholarship, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y., 1980
- Marshal, commencement exercises, University of Rochester, Rochester, N.Y., 1981
- BA, summa cum laude, University of Rochester, 1981
- Health Professions Scholarship, United States Navy, 1982-1985
- Certificate of Merit, American College of Physicians, 1993
- Letter of Commendation, Office of the Attending Physician, United States Capitol, 1994
- United States Navy Commendation Medal, 1994
- Poster of Distinction Award, Digestive Disease Week for “Nasopharyngeal Versus Transcutaneous Monitoring During ERCP,” 1998
- Poster of Distinction Award, Digestive Disease Week for “Gastroenterologist-Administered Propofol for Therapeutic Upper Endoscopy,” 1999
- Poster of Distinction Award, Digestive Disease Week for “Graphic Display of Respiratory Activity is Superior to Pulse Oximetry and Visual Assessment in the Detection of Respiratory Compromise During Therapeutic Upper Endoscopy,” 1999
- Reviewer citation, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 1999
- Recognized for editorial excellence, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2001
- Teacher of the Year, Department of Gastroenterology, 2002
Innovations & Patents
- Use of capnography for patient monitoring during gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Use of computer-assisted propofol sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy
Memberships
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American College of Gastroenterology
- American College of Physicians
- Honorary Fellow, Gastroenterology Society of Ecuador
Research & Publications
See publications for John Vargo, MD, MPH.
(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.
To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.
As of 12/1/2020, Dr. Vargo has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Consulting and/or Speaking. Dr. Vargo receives fees of $5,000 or more per year as a paid consultant, speaker or member of an advisory committee for the following companies:
- Exact Sciences Corp.
Royalty Payments. Dr. Vargo receives or has the right to receive royalty payments for inventions or discoveries commercialized through the companies shown below:
- Medtronic plc
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
132 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.
| Overall | Star Ratings | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.9 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.9 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.9 |
44 Patient Comments
© 2021 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be altered, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Cleveland Clinic.
Reviewed on Mar 11, 2021
very explanatory before and after the procedure. made an appointment to keep my GI dr.
Reviewed on Mar 2, 2021
Dr. John Vargo is the BEST.
Reviewed on Mar 1, 2021
Dr Vargo is one of the finest physicians I've ever had! His bedside manner is exemplary! While I expect intelligent, experienced caregivers at the Cleveland Clinic, he goes far far beyond expectations. He is truly one of your finest, and my hope is that the institution fully appreciates him and shows their appreciation to him!
Reviewed on Mar 1, 2021
Dr. Vargo was very thorough, empathetic, and compassionate. He took his time gathering history and explained everything very well. All staff we encountered were pleasant and helpful.
Reviewed on Feb 22, 2021
Doc seemed genuinely interested and concerned about me as a person and a patient. He's incredibly personable and easy to talk to. This was only our first visit, but he exudes confidence and capability.
Reviewed on Feb 22, 2021
Great experience! Dr Vargo spent an hour with me making sure he completely understands my conditions. He also took the time to explain my options going forward.
Reviewed on Feb 5, 2021
Dr. Vargo is very kind, compassionate & detail oriented.
Reviewed on Feb 1, 2021
Dr Vargo was the most amazing doctor. most professional I have worked with in 83 yrs
Reviewed on Jan 25, 2021
I felt very comfortable with Dr Vargo from the beginning of my visit to the end. I am confident I am in the best hands to treat my condition.
Reviewed on Jan 18, 2021
Dr. John Vargo is excellent! One of the best gastroenterologist currently practicing. I appreciate that he is at the Cleveland clinic and that I have access to his tremendous expertise.
Reviewed on Jan 8, 2021
Dr. Vargo is very professional and compassionate. Took the time to answer all questions.
Reviewed on Jan 4, 2021
Dr. was well prepared and answered questions about the issue.
Reviewed on Jan 4, 2021
Dr was excellent, objective, professional, addressed the whole person.
Reviewed on Dec 22, 2020
first class hospital, staff super friendly, Dr. Vargo is the best Dr I have ever had, truly a professional as is all your staff
Reviewed on Dec 15, 2020
dr vargos bed side manner was extraordinary
Reviewed on Nov 10, 2020
Dr. Vargo is very professional and is personable and caring. I feel very confident in his treatment and care.
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2020
He is very professional , friendly and knowledgeable. He made me feel comfortable and I am so happy that he is my Doctor.
Reviewed on Oct 30, 2020
I will never doctor anywhere else!!
Reviewed on Oct 26, 2020
He is just the very best doctor and human being I have ever encountered.
Reviewed on Oct 12, 2020
He treated my sister who has a disability with such care and compassion it was amazing to see a physician finally provide such great care to her
Reviewed on Sep 24, 2020
Everyone was wonderful. The doctor was caring and explained everything very well before my procedure. I requested him this year after having him last year. I will definitely request him again. He is the best! The care staff was also top notch.
Reviewed on Sep 14, 2020
Dr. Vargo is great.
Reviewed on Sep 8, 2020
Dr Vargo is just the best! not only is his knowledge & skill fantastic, he connects with his pts. He LISTENS and that is everything!
Reviewed on Sep 8, 2020
Dr Vargo was very calming & informatively
Reviewed on Sep 4, 2020
Dr Vargo was very kind and reassuring to me during the whole process.
Reviewed on Aug 20, 2020
great communication from Dr Vargo
Reviewed on Aug 17, 2020
Great experience. Great interaction with Dr Vargo from both a medical standpoint and from a technical standpoint.
Reviewed on Aug 17, 2020
I feel highly confident in the level of care I will receive from Dr Vargo
Reviewed on Aug 10, 2020
Dr. Vargo is the best. He is very personable and caring.
Reviewed on Aug 10, 2020
video chat saved me hours of driving to visit my doctor for just 20 minutes
Reviewed on Aug 10, 2020
Dr. Vargo should serve as a role model for others.
Reviewed on Jul 27, 2020
I was very impressed with Dr. Vargo and his staff. I understood more about my diagnosis, and the options for a different treatment. He was very professional, knowledgeable, and caring. I was glad I made the 61/2 hr. drive to see him.
Reviewed on Jul 21, 2020
Dr. Vargo is the BEST doctor to have provided me care. To me. he should be the face of the Cleveland Clinic. He had another doctor working with him, a fellow, and I told him that he follow everything he does....I have recommended Dr. Vargo to many others,....
Reviewed on Jul 9, 2020
Every doctor and nurses and assistants were very friendly supportive + caring.
Reviewed on Jun 24, 2020
On a scale of 1-5, Dr. John Vargo is at least a 20.
Reviewed on Jun 16, 2020
i loved dr vargo i felt very cared for and confident his team was also great definately want him for my next procedure
Reviewed on Jun 16, 2020
i am speaking of dr vargo and his staff not impressed with my care in prep area as i have made it clear
Reviewed on Jun 8, 2020
Dr. John Vargo is the kindest, most caring man on the planet. I've been a patient of his for 20 years and he is an exceptional Dr. Wish we could clone him.
Reviewed on Jun 4, 2020
Dr. Vargo has shown excellent professionalism and compassion and caring. He has personally called us at home to check on me. He is a 10+
Reviewed on May 21, 2020
dr vargo is very thorough, very informative, and takes special care to ensure all of our questions are answered and we are clear on the next step.
Reviewed on May 12, 2020
Dr. Vargo who is my care provider is a fantastic person and a very knowledgeable and apt Gastroenterologist. He approached my diagnosis and treatment in a very professional manner and is one of the fine doctors in this field. Dr. Vargo has exceptional personality when it comes to dealign with his patient...he is very courteous, tries to fully understand the patient's concerns and shows the due personal concern and professionalism in addressing the patient's concerns. He is great in reaching out the patient personally before or after the procedure. I am glad I have him as my care provider. I will enthusiastically recommend him to anyone looking for a good gastroenterology doctor.
Reviewed on May 11, 2020
Dr. Vargo was very professional and demonstrated care and concern about my medical condition.
Reviewed on May 7, 2020
Dr.Vargo gave detailed answers to my questions which was very reassuring.
Reviewed on Apr 27, 2020
The doctor was professional in listening and explaining his thoughts; he was also patient and kind in his demeanor.