Dr. Nelson H. Lim, MD

Expert Publications

• TIMP-3 inhibits the procollagen N-proteinase ADAMTS-2.
• In vivo imaging of MMP-13 activity in the murine destabilised medial meniscus surgical model of osteoarthritis.
• In Vivo Tissue Pharmacokinetics of Carbon-11-Labeled Clozapine in Healthy Volunteers: A Positron Emission Tomography Study.

Media Releases

Get to know Gastroenterologist Dr. Nelson H. Lim, who serves patients throughout the State of Arizona.

A top professional in the field of gastroenterology, Dr. Lim sees patients at Arizona Centers for Digestive Health (AZCDH). His clinical expertise encompasses standard endoscopic procedures, video capsule endoscopy, GI bleeds, hepatitis B, and various gastroenterological and liver diseases. He performs procedures such as EGD, single-balloon enteroscopy, therapeutic ERCP, spyglass cholangioscopy, video capsule endoscopy, and colonoscopy. 

With 11 convenient locations throughout the valley including Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek, AZCDH combines state-of-the-art technology and expert patient care to provide patients with the best digestive health care to the entire greater Phoenix area.

As board certified, fellowship trained gastroenterologists, the physicians of AZCDH specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. From diagnosis to treatment, they focus on customized, patient-centered, compassionate care utilizing state-of-the-art medical technology and cutting-edge procedures to ensure optimal outcomes for all of their patients. The team consists of nationally renowned, well published and respected gastroenterologists who are recognized as leaders and innovators in the field of digestive health.

In Arizona, Dr. Lim was pivotal in starting the St. Joseph’s Medical Center Gastroenterology Fellowship Program and GI Residency Teaching Program in Phoenix.   As a staff member he also assisted in establishing the gastroenterology service at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert.  He has served as the Director of Endoscopy at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Banner Desert Medical Center.  He is now affiliated with Banner Desert Medical Center and Banner Ocotillo Medical Center. 

He is the first gastroenterologist to be honored with ‘The Golden Thread Award’ at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, which recognizes physicians who provide ‘radical loving care’ and dedication to patients. 

With a broad educational background, Dr. Lim graduated with Honors in Internal Medicine from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 2002. During his residency, he earned the prestigious “Resident of the Year” award. After his residency, he was appointed as the Chief Resident of Internal Medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center. As a clinical instructor, he supervised numerous resident physicians, interns, and medical students. It was through this challenging experience that he garnered his leadership and clinical skills. 

While completing his fellowship in gastroenterology at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Dr. Lim authored a research screening protocol for hepatitis B in Asian-American communities in Southern California. It raised one of the largest industry supported research grants at that time by a trainee. He was also appointed as chief gastroenterology fellow during his training. 

Subsequent to his education, the doctor attained double-board certification in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology through 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. 

Throughout his line of work, Dr. Lim has served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and Creighton University Medical School.  He is currently a Clinical Supervisor for A.T. Still University.   He is an appointed gastroenterologist for the students, athletes and faculty of Arizona State University.   He has conducted multiple publications in national medical journals such as the American Journal of Gastroenterology, has presented at major national gastroenterology conferences, and has served on national encephalopathy panels. 

Among his professional affiliations, he is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Southern California Society of Gastroenterology and Arizona Medical Board.

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.

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