Somashekar Krishna, MD, MPH
Physician, Professor
Gastroenterology
Make an appointment
614-293-6255
Accepting new patients
Conditions and expertise
- Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
- Colonoscopy
- Gastrointestinal Cancers
- Pancreatic Cancers
- Pancreatic Diseases
- Pancreatic Cyst
Locations
- Outpatient Care Dublin
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Academics and research
Department: Internal Medicine
About
- Gender
- Male
- Additional languages
- Hindi, Kannada
Biography
As a Professor of Medicine and Director of Advanced Endoscopy at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I specialize in advanced endoscopic procedures, including endoscopic ultrasound, confocal laser endomicroscopy, and novel ablative techniques for pancreatic cystic lesions. In addition, I perform ERCP, luminal stent placement, and endoscopic mucosal resection. My clinical practice primarily focuses on managing patients with pancreatic diseases and gastrointestinal cancers.
I am passionate about translational science and advanced endoscopy. My research centers on improving the early diagnosis and risk stratification of pancreatic cystic lesions, with a particular focus on intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). I lead several clinical trials, including the CLIMB multicenter study on confocal endomicroscopy for pancreatic cyst evaluation and the ERASE trial on EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation for IPMNs.
As a physician-scientist, I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute to clinical research while providing cutting-edge procedural expertise. I'm honored to be part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team at Ohio State's Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Department, where we strive to advance patient care through innovative approaches.
Highlights
- Secured NIH/NCI R01 funding for AI-guided differentiation of pancreatic cysts
- Published over 230 peer-reviewed articles, including in prestigious journals like NEJM and Gastroenterology
- Authored chapters in Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (21st and upcoming 22nd editions)
- Recipient of the 2024 National Pancreatic Foundation Innovation in Science Award
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list
- Editorial board member for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (GIE) since 2016
- Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Conditions and expertise
- Advanced Endoscopy
- Biliary Tract Diseases
- Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
- Choledocholithiasis
- Colonoscopy
- Gallstones
- Gastrointestinal Cancers
- Pancreatic Cancers
- Pancreatic Cyst
- Pancreatic Diseases
- Pancreatitis
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - General Surgery & Cardiothoracic Surgery
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
7/1/2011 - 6/30/2012 - Fellowship - Gastroenterology
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
7/1/2008 - 6/30/2011 - Residency - Internal Medicine
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
12/1/2001 - 11/30/2003 - Internship - Internal Medicine
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
12/1/2000 - 11/30/2001 - Masters of Public Health (MPH)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
8/1/1998 - 6/4/2000 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Bangalore Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
7/1/1992 - 2/22/1999
Certifications
-
American Heart Association National Center
4/16/2025 -
American Board of Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology
10/3/2012 -
American Board of Internal Medicine
8/24/2004
Academics and research
My research focuses on developing and improving minimally invasive endoscopic techniques to better diagnose and treat pancreatic cysts and tumors. I am working on the use of advanced imaging tools, such as endoscopic ultrasound and microscopic imaging, inside the pancreas, along with artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify which cysts are risky and which are not. I am also studying endoscopic ablation, a technique that uses special needles and radiation or medication to destroy precancerous tissue inside the pancreas without surgery. The goals of my work are to make diagnosis and treatment more precise, to reduce the need for unwarranted major surgery and to improve long-term outcomes for patients.
I lead clinical trials on EUS-guided ablation, including radiofrequency ablation (ERASE trial), chemotherapy-based ablation, and pulse-field ablation, aimed at destroying precancerous pancreatic cysts without removing the pancreas. Additionally, I direct the CLIMB multicenter study, which evaluates CLE for improving cyst diagnosis.
With more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, and authorship in Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, my goal is to translate research directly into clinical care. At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I work with a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, surgeons and oncologists to provide personalized, evidence-based care.
Current Projects
I am currently leading projects that evaluate the diagnostic performance of AI-assisted imaging in detecting early pancreatic cancer, curate an extensive nCLE endomicroscopy video library for research and training, and investigate EUS-guided therapeutic interventions, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), pulsed electric field (PEF) ablation and chemoablation of pancreatic cysts.
Our research has identified distinct endomicroscopic papillary morphologies in IPMNs that correlate with dysplasia grade. These findings are advancing risk stratification and precision management of pancreatic cysts and have informed the development of multimodal diagnostic protocols for clinical application.
We are conducting prospective studies on EUS-guided ablation techniques, are evaluating long-term outcomes of minimally invasive treatments for high-risk PCLs and are exploring the integration of AI-driven predictive models into routine clinical decision-making.
I aim to expand the application of AI and advanced imaging in early pancreatic cancer detection, to refine personalized, minimally invasive therapies for pancreatic cysts and to develop multicenter collaborative databases to accelerate innovation and improve patient outcomes in pancreatic disease.
Research interests
- Carcinogenesis
- Chemoprevention
- Education
- Gastrointestinal Neoplasms
- Pain
- Pancreatic Cyst
- Pancreatitis
- Polyps
- Surgery
- Thyroid Neoplasms
- Biliary Tract Neoplasms
- Genetic Markers
- Therapeutics
Endowed Professorship in Internal Medicine Research (2025–2029) – Recognized by The Ohio State University College of Medicine for sustained excellence in research, leadership, and innovation in gastroenterology.
NIH/NCI R01 Award (1R01CA279965-01 as PI, 2023) – Secured major federal funding to lead transformative research on pancreatic cystic lesions and early detection of pancreatic cancer.
National Pancreatic Foundation Innovation in Science Award (2025) – Honored for groundbreaking contributions to understanding and managing pancreatic cysts, with a significant impact on patient care locally and nationally.
Gastroenterology Research All-Star, Becker’s Healthcare (2024) – Recognized as top 1% of U.S. gastroenterologists for procedural volume, peer-reviewed publications, and overall impact in the field.
Academic information
- Department:
- Internal Medicine
- Division:
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Leadership titles
- Director, Advanced Endoscopy
More about my research
News and media
My news coverage
Ratings and reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
60 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
Patient Comments
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Dr. Krishna has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Great very detailed
Listen to my new concern and ordered a test
Very good
Listened well to my description of my health and asked relevant questions. I didn't need any new intervention.
He took the time to send me a message immediately after a scan to reassure me as he knew I would be worried, instead of waiting till my upcoming appt to discuss.
Extremely attentive and answered all of our questions
Wonderful care. Kind and considerate. Answered all my questions and gave suggestions on what to do
Dr. Kristina and his resident both provided excellent care. Seemed concerned about my health.
Very understanding and took his time to address all my questions and concerns. Made a treatment plan to assure my health issue was treated and taken care of.
Excellent at explaining everything
Dr. Very knowledgeable and covered what to expect.etc..
Took time to explain things and gave options
Explain things and answered all my questions. Did not feel rushed.
Provider and assistant very knowledgeable
The best.
Dr K is fantastic
He was excellent. Very informative, understood the reason to not wait for treatment to begin sooner than later.
Goodgood
Dr Krishna is kind and respectful, explaining the options of care in a language' that I can understand. He's patient and listens carefully to my questions.
He was concerned about my health
Dr Krishna is an excellent clinician, diagnostic specialist & just a wonderful person! He is up to date on all studies, new treatments and cares so much for his patients. I am so grateful I have him as my doctor.
He is kind, knowledgeable and caring. Dr Krishna takes his time with each patient.
Caring,explaining, reassuring knowledgeable