Administration
Steve Venturatos, M.D. was born in Pittsburgh and received his medical degree from the Tulane University School of Medicine in 1978, after graduating from Tulane University Summa cum laude. He performed his Gastroenterology fellowship at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital from 1981 to 1983. Having received his board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine in 1981, he received his board certification in Gastroenterology in 1983. Dr. Venturatos maintains active membership in many professional organizations including the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana State and Southern Medical Societies, as well as the American Gastroenterology Association.
Dr. Venturatos entered private practice at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates in 1983. The many articles authored by Dr. Venturatos have been published in various professional journals. He regularly attends seminars and workshops presenting the latest information on developments in the field of Gastroenterology.
Dr. Venturatos became President of Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates in 2004 upon the retirement of founding President, Dr. Thomas McCaffery.
Karl Hambacher, Practice Administrator, Westbank Office, is responsible for the overall operations and strategic planning of Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, Inc. and MGA Gastrointestinal and Diagnostic Centers, Inc. Karl joined MGA in 1987 and spearheaded the opening of our three endoscopy centers and accreditation of the facilities. He received his bachelor of science from UNO in 1985. He was a founding member of the Louisiana Medical Managers Association and is currently an active member of the Medical Group Managers Association (MGMA) and a Manager/Administrator Affiliate member of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).
Office Management
Daina Manuel, Metairie Office, has been employed by MGA since 1995. While pursuing a degree at Our Lady of Holy Cross College, she worked as a part-time file clerk at the Uptown office. One year later she was transferred to the Westbank and worked in the Business Office as the Administrative Assistant. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1996 and became a full-time employee. In 1998, Daina was transferred to the newly opened Metairie office and became the office manager. In addition to her supervisory duties, she enjoys assisting the physicians in treatment of their hepatitis C patients.
Toni Tell, Westbank Office, joined MGA in March 2007 as the Westbank office manager. She has been in the medical field since 1987 and in Gastroenterology since 2000.
Shannon Percle, Westbank Business Office, joined MGA in 2003.
Pam Weaver, Uptown Office, was hired to work for MGA in April of 2006. She started out working at the Westbank Endo Center as a LPN, assisting the doctors in the endoscopy rooms. In July 2006, she moved to the Uptown Endo Center. In May 2007, she became the Uptown Office Supervisor. In addition to supervising the office, she assists the physicians in treatment of their Hepatitis C patients, which she enjoys. While working for MGA, she has been inspired to continue her education to become an RN.
