🏆 Award‑Winning

Our FDA‑approved, MD‑supervised Weight Loss Program is now available to patients of the practice.

Board‑Certified Gastroenterologist · Tarzana, CA

Compassionate, non‑surgical care for lasting digestive health.

Dr. Joel A. Sach treats every patient like family — combining advanced diagnostics with mind‑body medicine to get to the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Book an Appointment(818) 344‑7224
  • 27+Years of experience
  • MultipleדSuper Doctor” honoree
  • 4.7★Patient‑rated care

Board‑Certified & Proud Member Of

  • American Board of Internal Medicine
  • American College of Gastroenterology
  • American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • American Gastroenterological Association
Dr. Joel A. Sach, MD

Meet Dr. Sach

A physician who listens first, then finds answers.

Known to patients as an exceptional diagnostician and a great listener, Dr. Joel A. Sach is a gastroenterologist recognized multiple times throughout his years in practice with the “Super Doctor” designation and honored by the American College of Gastroenterology. His research at UCLA's Center for Neuro‑Visceral Sciences focused on the brain‑gut axis — how stress shapes digestion — and that whole‑person perspective guides every visit.

Patients come to Dr. Sach for thorough, unhurried care and for non‑surgical solutions that many practices overlook. Whether it's stubborn weight gain or the inability to maintain a desired healthy weight, persistent reflux, an eating disorder, or a hemorrhoid that won't quit, the goal is the same: real relief, delivered with dignity.

“We treat each and every patient as if they were members of our own family.”

Credentials

Education & awards

A foundation of top‑tier training and peer‑recognized excellence.

Education & Training

  • Fellowship — GI & HepatologyUCLA Five‑Hospital Combined GI/Hepatology Fellowship Program2001 – 2004
  • Residency — Internal MedicineCedars‑Sinai Medical Center1998 – 2001
  • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)University of Southern California School of Medicine1998
  • Bachelor of SciencesUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)1994

Awards & Honors

  • Patients' Choice Award2010, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2025
  • ACG / Wyeth Award“Best Gender‑Based Research Abstract”2002
  • GlaxoSmithKline Fellowship Research Training Award2001 – 2004
  • UCLA Solomon Scholars Research Award2000 & 2001
  • Summa Cum LaudeDepartmental & College Honors, UCLA1994

Clinical Research

Advancing tomorrow's treatments

As a Principal Investigator with Valiance Clinical Research, Dr. Sach helps develop the next generation of therapies for digestive and liver disease — bringing leading‑edge care to the community.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  • Multiple Phase 2 & Phase 3 induction and maintenance trials in moderate‑to‑severe ulcerative colitis
  • Phase 3 induction & maintenance trials in moderate‑to‑severe Crohn's disease
  • Oral colon‑delivery therapy for active ulcerative colitis

Liver Disease — NASH / MASH

  • Phase 2 & Phase 3 studies in compensated cirrhosis due to NASH / MASH
  • Studies evaluating safety, efficacy & pharmacokinetics in NASH

Acid Reflux

  • Study of investigational therapy for non‑erosive reflux disease (NERD)

Gastroparesis

  • Gastroparesis screener study

Obesity

  • Study of investigational therapy for the treatment of obesity

Ongoing Trials — Now Enrolling

Enrolling Now Dr. Sach · Principal Investigator

Fatty Liver with F4 Fibrosis

Compensated cirrhosis (F4) due to NASH / MASH — a clinical research study

An investigational treatment study for adults living with fatty‑liver–related (NASH/MASH) cirrhosis. If you'd like to be considered, leave your contact details below and our team will reach out to complete a confidential pre‑screening by phone.

Request a confidential screening

Leave your contact details and our team will reach out to complete a confidential pre‑screening by phone — no medical details are collected here. Prefer to call now? (818) 344‑7224.

What We Offer

Advanced services, minimally invasive approach

Comprehensive gastrointestinal care under one roof.

Endoscopy & Colonoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, and wireless capsule endoscopy — plus non‑invasive breath testing for H. pylori, all with gentle sedation.

Colon Cancer Prevention

Screening colonoscopy and polyp removal through a dedicated prevention program — the single most effective way to stop colon cancer before it starts.

Medical Weight Loss

MD‑supervised programs including Ideal Protein & Prolon meal plans, the ReShape gastric balloon, aspiration therapy, FDA‑approved medication, and healthy‑cooking support.

Non‑Surgical Hemorrhoid Banding

Quick, in‑office hemorrhoid banding and anorectal care that relieves symptoms with little to no downtime — no surgery required.

Mind‑Body Medicine

Care for the brain‑gut connection through hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acupuncture — treating how stress shapes digestion.

Natural & Alternative Medicine

Holistic options including detox, herbal therapy, digestive‑enzyme support, custom prebiotics & probiotics, and IV therapy (Myers' cocktail).

Conditions Treated

Relief for the problems that disrupt daily life

  • Acid Reflux / Heartburn (GERD)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Gallbladder Dysfunction
  • Pancreatic Disorders
  • Obesity
  • Eating Disorders
  • Gluten Intolerance / Celiac
  • Liver Disease & Fatty Liver
  • Hepatitis B & C
  • Cirrhosis
  • Barrett's Esophagus
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Cancer Prevention
  • Brain‑Gut Imbalance

Recognition

Award‑winning, patient‑praised care

Honored by patients and peers alike.

Patients' Choice Award presented to Dr. Joel Sach
Patients' Choice Award
Most Compassionate Doctor recognition for Dr. Joel Sach
Most Compassionate Doctor
Super Doctor
Named a “Super Doctor” & recognized by the American College of Gastroenterology

Patient Stories

Trusted by the community

★★★★★
Dr. Sach is incredibly thorough and actually listens. He found the cause of a problem two other doctors missed. I finally feel heard.
— Verified Patient
★★★★★
Compassionate, patient, and genuinely caring. He took the time to explain everything and never made me feel rushed.
— Verified Patient
★★★★★
An exceptional diagnostician. His holistic approach to my digestive issues made all the difference. Highly recommend.
— Verified Patient

✦ Exclusive Service

Concierge After‑Hours Care

Enrolled patients enjoy direct, priority access to Dr. Sach beyond regular office hours — personalized attention and peace of mind whenever you need it most.

Ask About Enrolling · (818) 344‑7224

Get in Touch

Ready to feel better? Let's talk.

New patients and telehealth visits are welcome. Call the office and our team will help you find a time that works.

Expedited Scheduling

Share your details ahead of time so scheduling your visit is quick and easy.

For your privacy, we'll collect your date of birth and insurance details securely by phone when we confirm your appointment. Prefer to call now? (818) 344‑7224.

Interested in a Clinical Trial?

Dr. Sach conducts research across many digestive and liver conditions. Share your details and the condition you're interested in, and our team will reach out about matching studies.

Your response goes directly to Dr. Sach's office. Prefer to call? (818) 344‑7224.

Concierge Services

$150

Concierge After‑Hours Access

Direct mobile‑phone access to Dr. Sach after office hours — personalized, priority care whenever you need it most.

  • Dr. Sach's direct after‑hours mobile number
  • Priority attention when the office is closed — evenings & weekends
  • Personal continuity of care with the physician who knows you
  • Peace of mind for you and your family

Please note: your insurance will be billed for the service rendered, and you remain responsible for any applicable copays and deductibles. This fee solely covers the administrative costs associated with the after‑hours service.

$200

Priority Pass

Be the very first patient of the day — Dr. Sach arrives ahead of his usual block time to perform your procedure early, in slots not available to others.

  • Dr. Sach arrives earlier than his usual block time for your procedure
  • Your procedure is performed earlier than standard time slots
  • Be the first patient of the day — first in, first out
  • A more private setting
  • Avoid delays and crowded waiting rooms

Please note: your insurance will be billed for the service rendered, and you remain responsible for any applicable copays and deductibles. This fee solely covers the administrative costs associated with this priority service.