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Meet the Experts at Osceola Medical Center’s Heartburn and Reflux Center

At Osceola Medical Center’s Heartburn and Reflux Center, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and comprehensive care to patients dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other reflux-related conditions. Our dedicated team of experts is here to guide you through every step of your treatment journey. Let’s introduce you to the professionals who will be working closely with you.



Meet Dr. Felix Blanco, MD: Dr. Felix Blanco, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon with a wealth of experience in advanced reflux surgeries. He graduated from the University of San Andres in La Paz, Bolivia, and completed his general surgery residency and a pediatric surgery research fellowship in Washington, DC. Dr. Blanco also trained in transplant surgery at the University of Minnesota. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.


Dr. Blanco believes that the best care is given when patients are actively involved in developing their care plans. He coordinates closely with a patient’s primary care provider and support staff to ensure comprehensive care. His areas of interest include laparoscopy, hepatobiliary surgery, trauma, and vascular surgery. Outside of medicine, Dr. Blanco enjoys spending time with his family, drawing, and handcrafting.


Meet Angela Fjerstad, PA-C: Angela Fjerstad, PA-C, is a physician assistant specializing in gastroenterology. Since graduating in 2008, she has focused on esophageal disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroparesis, and liver disease. Angela’s approach to medicine is very direct, ensuring that her patients understand their conditions and treatment plans clearly.


Angela grew up in Kasson, MN, and has worked in various gastroenterology settings, including Minnesota Gastroenterology and the GI Department at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. She joined Osceola Medical Center in 2022 and appreciates the close-knit community and supportive team. Angela is passionate about providing the best care possible and enjoys cooking pasta from scratch, gardening, and practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu in her free time.


Our Approach to Patient-Centered Care: At the Heartburn and Reflux Center, we believe in a patient-centered approach to care. This means that you are actively involved in developing your treatment plan. Our team listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and ensures you understand every aspect of your care. We coordinate with your primary care provider and support staff to deliver the most effective treatment options tailored to your needs.


Comprehensive Services: We offer a full spectrum of services to manage and alleviate reflux conditions. Here’s what you can expect from our center:


  1. Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation with Angela Fjerstad, PA-C. She will assess your symptoms and discuss lifestyle modifications and PPI medications.

  2. Advanced Diagnostic Testing: We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including EGD, Bravo pH monitoring, esophageal manometry, EndoFLIP, and gastric emptying studies.

  3. Specialized Treatments: For those on long-term PPI medications still experiencing symptoms, Dr. Blanco offers specialized surgical procedures such as TIF and Nissen fundoplication.

  4. Follow-Up Care: We provide ongoing follow-up care to monitor your progress and ensure the best possible outcomes.


Conclusion: Our team at Osceola Medical Center’s Heartburn and Reflux Center is dedicated to helping you find relief from reflux symptoms. If you’re dealing with chronic GERD or other reflux-related conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Schedule a consultation today by calling 715-322-3775 or visiting our website. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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