Allen Woods, MD

Dr. Woods is a board-certified gastroenterologist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the digestive system. His expertise includes managing conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver and pancreatic disorders, and gastrointestinal cancers. He also performs advanced endoscopic procedures, including upper endoscopies and colonoscopies, which play a vital role in early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.

Dr. Woods’ passion for medicine began early—at age two, he was pictured examining his father’s abdomen with a toy stethoscope, a gift from his parents. This natural curiosity led him to pursue gastroenterology, a specialty that combines procedural skill with comprehensive patient care. Influenced by his mentor, Dr. Fran Tedesco—later President of the Medical College of Georgia—Dr. Woods completed his medical training at the Medical College of Georgia and returned home to Valdosta in 1988.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Woods enjoys hunting—particularly turkey hunting—and has pursued adventures chasing black bear and elk. He and his wife, Sally, are proud parents of four children—Trey, Travis, Tyler, and Sara Beth—and grandparents to seven grandchildren.

Is your gut trying to tell you something? In this episode of SGMC Health’s “What Brings You in Today?” podcast, Gastroenterologist Allen Woods, MD, joins the conversation to answer some of the most important questions about digestive health—from when to see a GI doctor to why colorectal cancer is on the rise and why early screening matters. We also touch on smoking, probiotics, and GLP‑1 medications, and how they can affect your digestive system. It’s an honest conversation with a seasoned GI pro, packed with practical tips you can use today.