Dr. John Christian Southerland

Dr. Southerland is a world class gastroenterologist. If there is something wrong in the digestive system he's on it immediately. However, if the digestive system is okay, he doesn't waste patients' money or time by exaggerating some sort of condition. And if there's a minor problem like bloat or constipation he is just as likely to make sure to fix the problem and make sure the patient is healthy and without pain or sickness.

By far Dr. Southerland is one of the kindest and smartest gastroenterologist I have had the pleasure of having as part of my healthcare team. I have had GI issues since my early 20’s, and he is the BEST! He is compassionate about what he does and genuinely cares about his patients. Try finding a specialist with such knowledge, kindness and a great staff to back him up! He looks you in the eyes when he speaks to you, and takes a lot of time to answer all questions. I was in healthcare for over 20 years, Dr. Southerland is a rarity! Don’t ever retire!

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After 4 years of suffering symptoms that significantly limited my ability to live independently, I visited over 20 doctors in a variety of fields and remained undiagnosed. Nobody could explain my cluster of symptoms–episodes of painful bowel movements, upper back & neck muscle cramping and spikes in blood pressure that would literally floor me. I even sought help from holistic doctors, acupuncturists, chiropractor, made diet changes and spent 10 days in hospital. My road towards resolving my problem started with visit to great acupuncturist Dr Shan Liang and realizing he could trigger my symptoms via my bowels. Dr Liang told me that I have some blockage but he was not sure what it was. That confirmed that symptoms to my upper body come from my bowels. I visited my new GI Dr John C. Southerland and finally I was diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction and was sent by him for treatment to Dr Lisa Johnson, an excellent specialist in Pelvic physical therapy. She diagnosed me with pelvic prolapse and strongly recommended to visit regional expert in pelvic reconstruction Dr Lennox Hoyte. I visited Dr Lennox Hoyte who told me that my bowels movements were affected by prolapse and scars . He operated on me and instantly resolved my problems. Dr Southerland played important role in my recovery. He is outstanding GI doctor that listened, very professional, knowledgeable, respectful, open minded, willing to own and resolve problem, honest , friendly, with excellent office environment and staff. He was only GI doctor that took extra effort to help me, he was willing and determine to resolve my problem and guid me to my recovery. Many thanks to Dr Southerland and his stuff. I will be forever grateful. To anyone reading this message, trust your instincts and keep searching until you find doctor that is willing to listen and welcome new challenge. Forever thankful patient. Mara After 4 years of suffering symptoms that significantly limited my ability to live independently, I visited over 20 doctors in a variety of fields and remained undiagnosed. Nobody could explain my cluster of symptoms–episodes of painful … More

After 4 years of suffering symptoms that significantly limited my ability to live independently, I visited over 20 doctors in a variety of fields and remained undiagnosed. Nobody could explain my cluster of symptoms–episodes of painful bowel movements, upper back & neck muscle cramping and spikes in blood pressure that would literally floor me. I even sought help from holistic doctors, acupuncturists, ciropractors, and made diet changes. My road to recovery started acupuncture Dr Shan Liang and my great new GI Dr John C. Southerland who diagnosed me with pelvic disfunction and sent me to PT Dr Lisa Johnson. She determined I had pelvic prolapse and directed me to special pelvic reconstruction surgeon Dr Lenox Hoyte that fixed my problem. Dr John Sutherland is outstanding GI doctor that listened, very professional, knowledgeable, respectful, open minded, honest , friendly, willing to own and resolve problem. Many thanks to Dr Southerland and his stuff. I will be forever grateful.

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Friendly, caring, thorough, good listeners and competent.

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I just had my fifth anesthesia-free colonoscopy and my first with Dr. John Southerland. Although none of the other procedures were difficult or painful, this one was by far the most comfortable and, dare I say, pleasant. Because I was wide awake, Dr. Southerland described everything he was doing and explained what he was looking for during the exam. Before, during and after the procedure he was engaging and personable, without a trace of arrogance or condescension. I highly recommend John Southerland, M.D. I just had my fifth anesthesia-free colonoscopy and my first with Dr. John Southerland. Although none of the other procedures were difficult or painful, this one was by far the most comfortable and, dare I say, pleasant. Because I was wide … More

Dr Southerland is a good Dr, but I'm not happy with his office staff , no one answers the phone to schedule an appointment , always have to wait until the next day for them to call you back, same thing with all office personnel, you always have to leave a message,

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Dr.Southerland exelent doctor

Not really thrilled about having to get a colonoscopy, but I was happy with the office staff. They were quite patient with me given that I chickened out twice. Because I have a issue with anesthesia, the procedure was done in the hospital. All went well and as soon as I recovered, Dr. Southerland was rhere, with pictures, to inform me all went well and My colon and I were fine. If I had to do this procedure again, Dr. Southerland would be my only choice. Not really thrilled about having to get a colonoscopy, but I was happy with the office staff. They were quite patient with me given that I chickened out twice. Because I have a issue with anesthesia, the procedure was done in the hospital. … More

I backed out of a colonoscopy twice, but finally agreed to get one done. The office staff was polite and quite accommodating. Dr. Sutherland was friendly and put me at ease with the procedure. As I have issues with anesthesia, the procedure was done in the hospital. After completion, Dr. Southerland met me in recovery to assure me all went well and I was fine. Not that I ever want to do this again, but if I had to, then Dr. Southerland would be my choice.

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I believe Dr. Sutherland is an excellent doctor but his office staff is the worst ever. My husband was a patient of his in the past for a hospital stay and colonoscopy. This time he was in the hospital we called to try to get an appointment as he was an emergency twice and in the hospital 11 days never did Dr. southerland‘s office staff call to set up an appointment after we called four times. He may be a good doctor but he should fire the whole staff. Dr. Sutherland works out of the Sarasota Memorial where my husband was and his staff probably never even told him my husband was admitted there for eleven days. I believe Dr. Sutherland is an excellent doctor but his office staff is the worst ever. My husband was a patient of his in the past for a hospital stay and colonoscopy. This time he was in the hospital we called to try to get an appointment … More

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I am a relatively new patient of Dr Southerland . At both visits I have felt he was interested in hearing from me regarding my concerns. He met my questions and requests with respect, was informative and reassuring in setting up a a treatment plan. I am a relatively new patient of Dr Southerland . At both visits I have felt he was interested in hearing from me regarding my concerns. He met my questions and requests with respect, was informative and … More

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YHou will always receive excellent care from Dr Southerland and his staff.

Unfortunately We didn’t have a good experience - The Doctor and his PA were very nice, attentive seem like they had good intentions at 1st visit.We were refer to Doctor Southerland because My mom (the patient) 71 year old- fighting Bone marrow cancer was now also suffering from uncontrollable vomiting and constipation -she couldn’t eat anything more then a spoonful and she had difficulty moving her vowels the Doctor had my mom get an endoscopy- 7 weeks went by and we hadn’t heard of the results and every time I called we were greeted by an automatic reply to leave a message for the nurse etc- after me insisting to my mother we stop by their office and after a bit of wait while they look into this issue they came back to us and told us that the results were on the Doctor’s desk but had appeared that the Doctor hadn’t gotten to read them yet (7) weeks after imagining was done. A few days went by and they asked us to come back to the office. They gave us the results of the imagining which showed my mom had a small blockage in her small intestine- so they wrote us another script for another test- which was scheduled for (5) weeks after that visit meanwhile they gave my mother pills to control the vomiting and pills to make her to the bathroom ( neither of them work- she kept on vomiting and kept on having constipation ) Long story short- she end up in the hospital before she made it to her second schedule exam - We never return to them , and they have never given us a courtesy call to see why we ever missed the appointment. My mom is now been treated at Moffitt for her bone marrow cancer and for tumor that is blocking her small intestine which keeps her from passing any food from her stomach to her intestine!!! I am pretty sure the signs where there when we saw Doctor Southerland which they were aware of my mom’s cancer history since we brought her entire file to the visit…. Unfortunately We didn’t have a good experience - The Doctor and his PA were very nice, attentive seem like they had good intentions at 1st visit.We were refer to Doctor Southerland because My mom (the patient) 71 year old- fighting Bone … More

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I could not ask for a better experience. They called me back the next day and were able to get me in from a cancellation the very next day. The nurse PA was very comforting and patient with me, listening to ALL my medical issues. I felt so at ease and important to them. They went out of their way to help me find affordable Rx, made sure I understood everything and was relaxed through the whole visit. I may still have my aches and pains physically, but mentally I was feeling fantastic. They are a bunch of awesome people who work there, from the receptionist, to the nurses, to the assistants and I haven’t even met the doctor yet. I can’t wait for that!!!!  I could not ask for a better experience. They called me back the next day and were able to get me in from a cancellation the very next day. The nurse PA was very comforting and patient with me, listening to ALL my medical issues. I felt so … More

Wish I could actually get in to see him. I have a referral. It's been a week - no call from them to make an appointment and I've called them twice with no call back. May ask for a referral to another doctor if I don't hear from them soon.

The staff was nice but I waited 4 days for a phone call back to finally getting sick of waiting and go into the office. I got squeezed into a appointment for 2 weeks away, normally it would’ve been a month and for someone with GI issues who would wanna wait a whole month?! Finally the day came and I wait an 1hr 45 to see Dr. Sutherland. This office is absolutely terrible and if I would’ve known I would’ve waited that long I would scheduled another appointment. When I booked my appointment after having to come in to finally speak to someone they said they were a week back logged in phone calls and “were trying to catch up”. This office is absolutely ridiculous, go somewhere else if given the option The staff was nice but I waited 4 days for a phone call back to finally getting sick of waiting and go into the office. I got squeezed into a appointment for 2 weeks away, normally it would’ve been a month and for someone with GI issues who … More

Best GI in town, highly recommend!

Dr Southerland and his whole team were totally outstanding. From first appointment to the follow up after surgery the team runs like a well oiled machine. I would recommend him to everyone.

Excellent doctor. He took time to listened to me and offered solutions to my issues. He spent several minutes with me and answered every question I had. I'm feeling better because of Dr. Southerland's knowlege and experience. Highly recommend him.

Doctor Southerland did my colonoscopy on March 4th early morning and did an awesome job. Was recommended by sis in law Doctor Joelle Vlahakis and she was right on. Doctor Southerland and staff were organized caring and his nursing staff was well detail oriented. Jethro was funny because I told him that I will not be knocked out by the anesthesia and he said try to count to 5 lol and was knocked after counting to 1 lol. I highly recommend his staff. 5 stars from me. Doctor Southerland did my colonoscopy on March 4th early morning and did an awesome job. Was recommended by sis in law Doctor Joelle Vlahakis and she was right on. Doctor Southerland and staff were organized caring and his nursing … More

Never had a chance to get an appointment - nobody called me to schedule the appointment after my Doctor referred me. Then, when I called, they don't answer, you have to leave a message for them to call you back. Never happened, so after several attempts, I finally gave up and asked my Doctor to send me to a different practice. This is not acceptable!

Dr. Southerland is wonderful! Why he tolerates incompetent, non professional office staff I don't understand. He was my gastroenterologist for many years. I had an emergency and was told by his staff - took it all the way up to the office practice manager - that it would take 2+ months for an appointment because I hadn't been seen in over a year and was a "new patient." It is a shame because Dr. Southerland's practice could be number on in our area if he was as good at hiring staff that cared about his patients.

Office staff is very inept. Great difficulty making an appt, rude and over talks me. Does not return calls. dr is very good but it is difficult to tolerate the office staff.

Terrible experience You decide: I needed a colonoscopy asap for a cancer diagnosis-was told they wouldn't do it for 3 months. Another doctor of mine called them to say it needs to be done now in the hospital outpatient unit with an anesthesiologist because I was on a blood thinner. They refused to make the changes. After weeks of going back and forth, they tried twice to schedule me the day before the procedure even though it takes two days to safely get off the blood thinner. They did it again and then finally said they would schedule me with an anesthesiologist but in their clinic, not the hospital. Getting desperate, I agreed. I went to the clinic and was then told there will not be an anesthesiologist. Because of another complication, they ended up having to send me to the outpatient hospital setting to have the colonoscopy done, which is what was requested in the first place. These are highlights. There was plenty more. I will never go back there.

The Worst Office Staff Everytime I go there I have issues with the staff. Inept, rude, talk back to patients. Screw up appointments. Don't answer phone. Don't call back. Rude to clients. Totally inept at their job. Computer system is inadequate. Only doctors office to ever tell me I didn't have medicare part a & b. Had to go to SS office to get printout proving my insurance. Made appt. @ 11 am - got there @ 10:55 am told me they wouldn't see me. No problem with Dr. Southerland himself except it takes 2 months to see him personally. Never go back again ... EVER !! Trust me. DO NOT GO TO THIS OFFICE !!

Dr Southerland is a good Dr, but his office staff never answers the phone and also doesn't call you back when you leave a message.

Left message on machine for call back twice and never received return call. This is reflective of this practice in a negative way. A doctor's office must be accessible or it is worthless.

This person, kept me on a drug that was black boxed by the FDA during my treatment protocol. I went an saw an independent dermatologist due to the vast arrays of symptoms I was experiencing as a result of the warnings and precautions originally listed about the drug, that doctor was horrified at the toxcity I was exhibiting and actually called mr.southerland and told him what was happening, at 9weeks and several days, he urged me to stay on it. I stopped the drugs and was left uncured and disfigured by toxic rash scars and vericlose vien issues as well as needing to have hair transplants due to the hairloss effect suffered. RUN . This person, kept me on a drug that was black boxed by the FDA during my treatment protocol. I went an saw an independent dermatologist due to the vast arrays of symptoms I was experiencing as a result of the warnings and precautions … More

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I found him to be unprofessional to say the least! I was in Emergency at Sarasota Memorial for Severe stomach pain. I was diagnosed with Colitis and was admitted. He was the Attending GI. l Told him, that I was sure I also had a Hiatal hernia because the pain was the exact pain I had experienced around six years prior and went to Sarasota memorial and was diagnosed with Hiatal hernia and colitis. He proceeded to tell me it wasn't the problem. But was most likely Crohns disease, with persistence and Pleading for an Endoscopy( which he was not happy to do) he decided he would and to his surprise I had one. I told him I knew it. He said he was giving me a bowel cleansing for the Crohns that he was sure I had and never seen him again. In the mean time he had put me on prednisone, which made me irritable anxious and MEAN! I told him I didnt like it , they gave it to me again, Mind you on an empty stomach for 3 days and all kinds of meds, needless to say I was crazy, and they let me leave

I’v been Dealing with a low blood issue for 2 years. Went to him 2 times, just had an endoscopy and they found nothing where my blood is going His nurse is a sweetheart Hinke and he is always so nice. My issue will be taken care of and I thank God I found him. I highly recommend Dr. Southerland.

Difficult to get to speak to anybody on the phone. NO CALL BACK when promised. NO CALL BACK AT ALL. After two days I br about no call back.ought this to the attention of the OFFICE MANAGER, who gave the impression that she couldn't care less about no call back! Poor service to say the least. Probably should be rated with ZERO STARS!

Scheduled for a colonoscopy at 12:15. Asked to be in the office at 11:30. Arrive at 11:28. It is currently12:19. Still in the waiting room. If I didn't ask I would not have known Dr Sutherland is running about 20 mins late!!!!! No one could tell me that????? Now it's one thing to have your dr running late but when you have not eaten since WEDNESDAY at 730pm other than lemon jello it is not cool. And combine that with an immense need for water, definitely not cool. So far not a good experience. Scheduled for a colonoscopy at 12:15. Asked to be in the office at 11:30. Arrive at 11:28. It is currently12:19. Still in the waiting room. If I didn't ask I would not have known Dr Sutherland is running about 20 mins late!!!!! No … More

NO STARS ! Doctor Southerland advised me to continue taking a "step" medication in which I experienced an adverse intolerance/syndrome. From the day I started taking APRISO, I became deathly ill. Prior to taking APRISO I was healthy, and happy. In fact, I was kayaking just a few days earlier. I suffered terribly for 20 days at home before I was given an appointment, even though I called 14x pleading for an emergency appointment. This neglect, resulted in 26 days in the hospital, a perforated colon and an emergency ileostomy. **** I almost died ! "Mesalamine has been associated with an acute intolerance syndrome that may be difficult to distinguish from a flare of your ulcerative colitis. Symptoms include cramping, acute abdominal (stomach) pain and bloody diarrhea, sometimes fever, headache, and rash. Talk to your doctor if you experience a worsening of these problems after you start treatment." **** I reported these symptoms, and yet was still told to continue taking the APRISO. In the hospital Doctor Southerland saw me perhaps 4x in 26 days, although he promised to see me bedside daily. He did not transfer me to the Mayo Clinic which the surgeon advised. Hospital staff had to continuously track him down. Later I discovered my medical records were inaccurate, and untrue. He neglected my care which almost cost me my life. Doctor Southerland is not the Doctor he was years ago. Sad...but true. I have an ileostomy to prove it ! 14 documented phone calls to his office, and he could not pick up the phone and return one call. What a shame! In addition his office manager was insensitive and utterly rude. I was a patient since 2004, and an advocate for healthy, holistic living. Doctor Southerland's negligence caused my family and I considerable pain and suffering. NO STARS ! Doctor Southerland advised me to continue taking a "step" medication in which I experienced an adverse intolerance/syndrome. From the day I started taking APRISO, I became deathly ill. Prior to taking APRISO I was healthy, and … More

I would give Dr. Southerland 5 stars if the issue that I am going to speak about did not exist. However when you have a condition that needs immediate attention and are told by his office that you can see the PA in one month and Dr. Southerland in two months that is not acceptable. I have been a patient of his for 4 years and basically with a schedule such as this I do not have a gastro doctor when I need one. He needs to find a way to make himself more accessible to his patients when they have a condition that needs immediate attention. I was told by the scheduler that she hears this issue many times but there is nothing she can do which I understand. However it makes me feel that there is really not a level of care that I would like to have in any doctor that I see and it is not the case when you actually see him in person. This scheduling issue is giving patients the impression that is not representative of the person that I have known for these years. I hope his office actually looks at these posts and relays them to Dr. Southerland because he is the only one who can correct it. I would give Dr. Southerland 5 stars if the issue that I am going to speak about did not exist. However when you have a condition that needs immediate attention and are told by his office that you can see the PA in one … More

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Great bed side manner

I am very pleased with the care I received. Dr. Southerland very knowledgeable, calm, caring, and sensible. Obviously very busy because he is an excellent physician. Office near SMH with parking in ground floor.

Had an endoscopy & colonoscopy back in March. Dr Southerland was great and so was his PA! Saw their rating was not good which is FAR from my experience and I know quite a few people who have gone to him and have a great opinion of him and his staff.

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Best physician seen yet! Great bedside manner, clear and concise with condition/ailments/how to deal with ailment.

I left a really review on another site which I cannot locate at this time. It was not a good review. I had to Waite much longer than i was anticipating because D4 Sutherland was inning behind. The front desk staff should have advised me. Dr Sutherland’s staff, Dale, Debbie, Judy and Jethro could not have been nicer. Mr Sutherland took time to ask me questions andafter the procedure talked to both me and my husband regarding the results. Very professional.

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This user rated the provider, but did not write a review

Dr.Southerland advised me to continue taking a "step" medication which I experienced,& reported an adverse intolerance/syndrome. The day I started APRISO, I became deathly ill. Prior to taking APRISO I was healthy, kayaking a few days earlier. I suffered for 20 days, called 14x pleading for an emergency appt. He did not return one call. This neglect resulted in 26 days- hospital & emergency surgery, due to a perforated colon. I almost died. My records are inaccurate & false. Medical Negligence!

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Lack of integrity, & the number of patients Dr Southerland has chosen to take, resulted in his inability to provide competent, skillful, & accurate care. HE advised me to continue taking APRISO, a drug that I was experiencing a very serious adverse intolerance/syndrome to. I called him 14x reporting symptoms & pleading for help, yet I was told to continue the APRISO. Under HIS direction I took it for almost 2 weeks. RESULT-I nearly died,my colon perforated, & I have a permanent ileostomy.

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Almost impossible to get on the phone obnoxiously frustrating. Though in the office they are very friendly

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dr southerland is thorough and explains procedure and results clearly and patiently. I definitely recommend him .

So comfortable and he is very cordial I felt like I was in good hands gave me all the information I needed I would certainly go back again to have the procedures c brewster