John Vargo, MD, MPH
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.444.7000
- Desk:
- 216.444.3423
- Fax:
- 216.444.6284
Treatment & Services
- Advanced Imaging Techniques
- Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC)
- Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy (Double)
- Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy (Single)
- Biliary Stone Therapy
- Cancer Center
- Capsule Endoscopy
- Colonic Manometry
- Colonoscopy
- Deep Enteroscopy
- Diagnostic Endoscopy
- Double Balloon Enteroscopy
- Endoscopic Cancer Therapy
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Endoscopic Therapy of Anastomotic 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
- Pancreatic Stone Therapy
- 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
- Biliary Tract Disease
- Colon Polyps
- Diseases of the Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas
- Diseases of the Small Bowel
- Duodenal Polyps
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gallbladder Disease
- Gallstones
- General Gastroenterological Disorders
- Heartburn
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Pancreatic Disease
- Pancreatic Stones
- Pancreatitis
- Stomach Cancer
- Strictures of the GI Tract
Insurance
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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 School of Medicine
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 10/28/2023, Dr. Vargo has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. 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.
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.
241 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 | 5 | |
Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.9 |
58 Patient Comments
© 2023 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 Nov 13, 2023
Dr Vargo is one of the kindest, professional and knowledgeable doctors I have ever seen. I've seen him twice now and both times he was prepared. He knew why I was coming in and took the time to explain what is going on with me medically and gives me a chance to ask questions.
Reviewed on Nov 6, 2023
Dr was on time for the call. This was my first televisit.
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2023
Dr Vargo is the best
Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023
Dr. John Vargo outstanding provider.
Reviewed on Oct 5, 2023
Dr. Vargo has excellent bedside manner. He is very conscientious.
Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023
Dr. Vargo Is kind, pleasant, listens and responds and communicates very well.
Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023
Dr. Vargo is an excellent doctor. He's very knowledgeable, listens and communicates well and is very caring
Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023
We have never met Dr. Vargo before, and I was very pleasantly surprised, and felt comfortable and safe.
Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023
Dr.Vargo and the nurses and anesthesiologist were all great.
Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023
Could not ask for a better person or Doctor.
Reviewed on Aug 31, 2023
Dr. Vargo is the best! I highly recommend him to all!
Reviewed on Aug 21, 2023
Dr Vargo is very nice. He has excellent b
Reviewed on Aug 14, 2023
My doctor was excellent always explained what he was doing plus that I had no pain and was content
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2023
Dr. Vargo displays compassion, attention to detail, and is excellent at explaining things in a very easy to understand manner.
Reviewed on Jul 20, 2023
Dr John is patient and thorough in his explanations. He explains what he going to do thoroughly, and after the procedure, he explains what was done, and the expected results.
Reviewed on Jul 19, 2023
Dr Vargo always listens well keep us informed about the day and the future includes us in changes of care. He is just the BEST
Reviewed on Jul 10, 2023
Dr.Vargo was wonderful, very understanding and very pleasant to talk to. I felt at ease.
Reviewed on Jul 3, 2023
I appreciate Dr. Vargo's thoroughness and explanations during our session.
Reviewed on Jun 29, 2023
Dr. Vargo has been my doctor for well over 20 years now. He has always shown the utmost care and concern for me and my family. I have complete faith in him and know we don't have to worry if he's involved.
Reviewed on Jun 26, 2023
Dr. Vargo was excellent.
Reviewed on Jun 22, 2023
Dr. Vargo was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable and had great bedside manner. He made me feel comfortable before and after my procedure. I would highly recommend Dr. Vargo.
Reviewed on Jun 13, 2023
Dr. Vargo is kind and caring. He is a really great doctor. I am so glad that he is my doctor. Thank you doctor Vargo.
Reviewed on May 31, 2023
Best doctor at the Cleve. CLINIC.
Reviewed on May 31, 2023
*Dr. John Vargo is the best.
Reviewed on May 16, 2023
Dr. Vargo is the best ... Details everything that will happen...his huddle before procedure A1
Reviewed on Apr 24, 2023
Dr. Vargo was very thorough and confident. This is the first time we met and I am confident he can help me with my pancreatitis.
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2023
I really like working with Dr. Vargo-he listens and explains well.
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2023
Dr Vargo was following the orders of Dr Gabbard. We wanted a more aggressive approach but Dr Vargo said he would only complete the procedure as described by Dr Gabbard.
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2023
Dr Vargo is excellent. Communicates thoroughly and in terms you can easily understand He Is just the best
Reviewed on Apr 12, 2023
Dr cargo is so caring and takes to explain everything. He really goes the extra mile
Reviewed on Apr 10, 2023
My responses in this section apply to the doctors. As always, they are exceptional.
Reviewed on Apr 3, 2023
Dr. Vargo is by far, the very best doctor that is part of my health care team. I've been his patient for 10 years and have received nothing short of excellence from him.
Reviewed on Apr 3, 2023
I would have liked to get an appointment sooner, but I understand that good doctors have full schedules.
Reviewed on Mar 20, 2023
Excellent Doctor! Top Notch!
Reviewed on Mar 20, 2023
I was able to speak to 3 different professionals including the Doctor and they were All very thorough!
Reviewed on Mar 9, 2023
My experience with Dr Vargo was terrific. He was so professional, kind and caring I knew I was in the right place and in the right hands.
Reviewed on Mar 9, 2023
Absolutely the best doctor ever!
Reviewed on Mar 6, 2023
Dr. Vargo showed nothing but professionalism
Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023
Dr. John Vargo was not very good - he was excellent!!
Reviewed on Feb 14, 2023
Dr Vargo is always professional and compassionate. He takes his time and listens to all questions and concerns. It is obvious that he works well with his team.
Reviewed on Jan 23, 2023
I wish I could have met with Dr Vargo in person rather than a virtual visit. This wasn't possible until February.
Reviewed on Jan 19, 2023
Dr. Vargo has always been very kind to my husband and me. He says he gives a great deal of thought to my complex case. He decided to do cryotherapy instead of radio frequency as he said the cryotherapy would mean less pain.
Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023
Dr. Vargo was very thorough and answered all of my questions. He was easy to talk with and genuinely seemed to care about my worries. I highly recommend Dr. Vargo.
Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023
I had some issues with getting scheduled for my much needed procedures; however, in the end all worked out as Dr. Vargo, whom I preferred to have the procedures done by, was able to do them!
Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023
Both my wife & I were exceptionally pleased with the personal pre and post-procedure care, consultations, and information I was given regarding my procedures and the outcome of the procedures by Dr. Vargo and his support staff!
Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023
Although there were a few issues with the scheduling of my procedures, my wife and I were exceptionally pleased with the care I was given by Dr. Vargo, his staff, and the Anesthesiologist prior to and during the procedures! I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for Dr. Vargo's knowledge and understanding of my situation that led to my needing these procedures, along with his caring personal and professional skills, as a Gastroenterologist!
Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023
What I really appreciate of the Cleveland Clinic is how well organized and smooth my appointment was , from making the appointment to my Doctor's visitDr Vargo is so easy to talk with and explained everything ,so was the resident Dr
Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023
Doctor Vargo was very easy to talk with. He listened to me and explained what and how my upcoming procedure would be done. He reassured me when I asked him my concerns. I left my appointment with complete confidence in his judgment and ability. I give him a 10 star out of 10 and will highly recommend him!
Reviewed on Jan 3, 2023
Dr J Vargo is just excellent in every aspect of my care
Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022
Dr. Vargo and his entire team were great!!
Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022
Outstanding experience, especially with Dr. Vargo.Compassionate, courteous, extremely professional, and caring.
Reviewed on Dec 22, 2022
Can't say enough about Dr. Vargo and his team.Nothing could have been improved upon!
Reviewed on Dec 21, 2022
Dr. Vargo is excellent. He is the kindest most empathetic doctor. He helped me out tremendously by doing 2 procedures in one day. He is so nice and down to earth. He speaks to you and laymen's terms and gives you all the time necessary. I had him years ago and thankfully he's still the same. He is absolutely fantastic. He's very humble and Is a fantastic ambassador for the CCF. He has a great sense of humor and puts you at ease. Give him a raise!!!
Reviewed on Dec 21, 2022
Having to go through the procedure is zero fun. Dr. Vargo and his staff made it as pleasant as possible!
Reviewed on Dec 19, 2022
Dr. Vargo was very interested in me and very informative
Reviewed on Dec 19, 2022
We love Dr. Vargo.!!!!
Reviewed on Dec 6, 2022
Dr. Vargo has an excellent presence and thus conveys confidence from the patient.
Reviewed on Nov 28, 2022
Dr Vargo was very professional, courteous and made the experience very comfortable. He listened to all of my questions and concerns and took the time to explain things to me in a way I could easily understand.