Dr. Paul K. Lerer, M.D.

Expert Publications

• Predicting the outcome of corticoid therapy for acute ulcerative colitis. Results of a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
• Coronary arterial anatomy in bicuspid aortic valve. Necropsy study of 100 hearts.

Media Releases

Get to know Gastroenterologist, Dr. Paul K. Lerer, who serves patients in New Jersey.

A board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Lerer, treats a full spectrum of general gastroenterology disorders. Throughout his professional journey in gastroenterology, he has developed a clinical interest in liver disease, IBS, and celiac disease. He is highly regarded as an expert in the endoscopic screening of gastrointestinal cancers. In practice at Medical Diagnostic Associates in Westfield and Summit, New Jersey since 1985, Dr. Lerer remains an attending gastroenterologist at Overlook Medical Center of Summit, New Jersey, and the GastroSurgery Center of Mountainside, New Jersey.

“The GastroSurgi Center of New Jersey is a state-licensed, Medicare-certified, AAAASF accredited ambulatory surgery center providing gastrointestinal endoscopy and colorectal surgery services. We are dedicated to delivering optimal health care with state-of-the-art medical practices and the highest nursing standards. Surgeons utilize the latest in technology and medical equipment. The team at GastroSurgi Center is heavily focused on preventive and diagnostic services and tests”, states the official website of GastroSurgery Center.

In addition to holding hospital privileges at Atlantic Health and Horizon NJ Health, Dr. Lerer is a preceptor for gastroenterology and endoscopic procedures for medical students and physician assistant students. Throughout the past ten years, he has mentored students from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Seton Hall University. 

After graduating with his medical degree in 1980 from Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, dr. Lerer completed his internship at Boston University medical Center (1981), followed by his internal medicine residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital –  Columbia Campus (1983). Upon discovering his passion for gastroenterology, he conducted a two-year fellowship in gastroenterology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (1983-1985). Dr. Lerer received his undergraduate education in pre-medical studies at Yeshiva University in 1976.

Licensed to practice in the states of New Jersey and New York, Dr. Lerer is board-certified in internal medicine and the subspecialty of gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. A gastroenterologist is a physician who has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, liver, pancreas, and biliary system.

In his free time, he enjoys swimming and cycling.

Recommended Articles

• What Causes Colon Cancer?

  As with any cancer, genetic factors play a role in colon cancer as well. However, greater than 75% to 90% of the population develops colon cancer with little or no genetic risk. This means that genetic factors play only a minor role in colon cancers.What are the genetic factors that predispose you...

• Staten Island Chef Is Doing Big Things for Celiac Patients

  There are so many limitations to a gluten-free diet, especially when going gluten-free is a matter of living a healthy or a not so healthy life. Anyone who can’t rely on traditional staples like bread, cereals, and pasta can feel at a loss when trying to figure out what to cook or how to cook it....

• Celiac Disease and Type I Diabetes Patients at a Higher Risk for Fractures

  From time to time, patients may develop what is known as a comorbidity, which is essentially a word used to describe a situation wherein the subject is simultaneously diagnosed with two diseases or conditions.  This can occur for a multitude of reasons, one being that the first condition may very...

• Antidepressants and Psychotherapy May Ease IBS Symptoms

  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that consists of abdominal pain, bloating and gas, diarrhea, and constipation. To date, IBS affects 3-20% of the U.S. adult population. It accounts for over 3.5 million doctor visits in the United States on an annual basis, making it one of...

• What Is Autoimmune Hepatitis?

  Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver, and when the immune system of our body turns against our liver cells, autoimmune hepatitis occurs. The immune system normally protects the human body from external viruses, bacteria, or infection, which can cause serious...

• Black Stool: What Does It Mean?

  What does a black stool indicate?A black or dark red-colored stool is called tarry or bloody stools. However, passing dark-colored stools is not always caused by serious problems. One of the most common causes of black stools is the consumption of iron supplements, particularly in people who have...