Joel Howard Rubenstein, MD
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About
Joel Rubenstein, M.D., M.Sc. is Director of the Barrett's Esophagus Program and Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology at the University of Michigan. He is also a Research Scientist at the Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for Clinical Management Research.
Dr. Rubenstein earned a Bachelors of Science from the University of Michigan, majoring in biophysics. He then earned his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis. After completing his residency training in internal medicine at the University of Chicago, Dr. Rubenstein returned to the University of Michigan, where he completed fellowship training in gastroenterology, earned a Masters of Science in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis, and then joined the faculty of the Division of Gastroenterology in 2004.
Dr. Rubenstein is a recognized expert in the diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous lesion associated with esophageal cancer. His research aims to develop efficient management strategies for identifying Barrett's esophagus and preventing death from esophageal cancer. Dr. Rubenstein's research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, and other sources.
In addition to Barrett's esophagus, Dr. Rubenstein has clinical expertise in other esophageal disoders, including achalasia and eosinophilic esophagitis.
Dr. Rubenstein is the former Chair of the Clinical Practice Section of the American Gastroenterology Association, and current Associated Editor of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Areas of Practice
achalasia, Barrett's esophagus, difficulty swallowing, dysplasia, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal cancer
Expertise
Locations
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Gastroenterology Clinic | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
Floor 3 Reception D
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2435Get Directions -
Medical Procedures Unit | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
Entrance 2, Level 1
Brighton, MI 48116-9416Get Directions -
Medical Procedure Center | East Ann Arbor Ambulatory Surgery & Medical Procedures Center 4270 Plymouth Rd
Entrance 4
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2700Get Directions -
Medical Procedures Services| Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
Floor 1
Northville, MI 48168-9493Get Directions -
Medical Procedures Unit | University Hospital 1500 E Medical Center Dr
Floor 2
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5051Get Directions
Insurance Accepted
University of Michigan Health participates with most health insurance plans.
Education & Training
Medical School or Training
Residency
Fellowships
Board Certifications
Professional Organizations
Research Overview
Clinical and translational research in developing effective strategies of identifying Barrett's esophagus and preventing death from esophageal cancer.
Links
Patient Ratings & Comments
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Patient Ratings
61 Patient Ratings
Patient Comments
January 15, 2026 - "Dr. Rubenstein was exceptional in all respects-showing empathy, providing thorough, clear explanations and empirical evidence about my condition and about future diagnostic and treatment options, and answering my multitude of questions. He drew technical diagrams that helped me understand my condition in ways I never had before. He showed patience and was also generous in the time he spent to allay my anxiety about my condition and to ensure I fully understood his dietary and lifestyle recommendations. My appointment with him was the most informative and helpful I've ever had with a physician. He listened very respectfully and addressed all of my questions In a manner that made me feel any and all questions were valid and Intelligent."
May 8, 2025 - "Dr. Rubenstein is a very capable and caring specialiest. I owe him a lot. No mistake."
May 8, 2025 - "[...] Dr. Rubenstein is a very personable human being who projects genuine care/concern for his patient."
April 4, 2025 - "[...] my specialist, Dr. Rubenstein, is fabulous."
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