Dr Kurt Sanford

Gastroenterologist

Kurt undertook his medical training in Michigan, USA. He has practised Gastroenterology in many clinical settings, including public and private practice in urban and rural health locations.

Kurt has practiced in New Zealand since early 2020. Now permanent residents of New Zealand, Kurt and his wife and 2 sons have settled happily in Wanaka. Kurt also has a third son who is lives in Michigan.

During Kurt’s 30 years as a Gastroenterologist, he has participated in several academic training programs, is Board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and works with patients experiencing a wide variety of gastroenterological symptoms.

Based in the Wanaka - Queenstown Lakes District, Kurt practices as a Gastroenterologist and provides several subspecialty services including patient consultations, endoscopic examinations of the upper and lower GI tracts and small bowel capsule endoscopy.

Approach to patient care

Kurt strives to provide exceptional patient care, and through experience has developed a collaborative care approach. Using this approach Kurt works in partnership with patients, families, and relevant health providers. Kurt understands the importance of the social and cultural needs of patients and ensures consideration is also placed in these aspects. 

Gastrointestinal health is complex and involves insight into disease processes, nutrition, lifestyle, and behaviour. Due to the complex nature of detection, treatment and prevention of disease, Kurt’s collaborative approach may include input from a multidisciplinary team. This team could consist of dieticians, physiotherapists and other specialist care providers. A central part of Kurt’s philosophy is to not only treat the immediate symptoms, but to also educate the patient and ensure that the link to support systems and the primary health provider are in place to assist with ongoing wellness.

Professional memberships & appointments

  • Consultant Gastroenterologist Intus Lakes Medical Specialists

  • Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Michigan State University, USA

  • Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians (FRACP), in process

  • Member, New Zealand Society of Gastroenterology

  • Vocational Internal Medicine certification, Medical Council of New Zealand

  • State of Michigan, USA, active licenses in internal Medicine and Gastroenterology

Special clinical interests

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)

  • Endoscopy (Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy)

  • Colon polyp and cancer detection and prevention

  • Motility disorders - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Dyspepsia, and Sub-acute Abdominal Pain

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease and associated diseases

  • Liver Disease – comprehensive evaluation and care

  • Subspecialty and Surgical referrals available as needed