​Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a valuable non-invasive, radiation-free modality for objectively assessing and monitoring inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity. It offers a real-time, high-resolution evaluation of the bowel and adjacent structures to assess luminal inflammation as well as complications including strictures, fistulae, and abscesses without the need for fasting, contrast, or bowel preparation. IUS has comparable accuracy to magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and computed tomography enterography (CTE) in evaluating IBD when performed by a well-trained practitioner. Its integration into outpatient clinics allows for point-of-care assessments, enabling timely decision making and more rapid adjustments to therapies when indicated.


Dr. Aaron Balinski is a gastroenterologist with specialized training in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). He graduated summa cum laude from Temple University in 2011 with a degree in Biochemistry. He subsequently earned his medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in 2015 through the U.S. Navy’s Health Professions Scholarship Program.

​Following medical school, he became an active-duty servicemember in the United States Navy and completed his internship at Naval Medical Center San Diego in 2016. He then served as a Battalion Surgeon with 1st Tank Battalion and as a Medical Officer for 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in Twentynine Palms, California from 2016-2018. During this time, he deployed to Iraq with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 17.2, where he served as the task force Medical Officer. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Dr. Balinski returned to Naval Medical Center San Diego to complete his internal medicine residency from 2018 to 2020. He subsequently served as a staff internist and faculty member at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth from 2020-2022, where he practiced both inpatient and outpatient clinical medicine. He separated from the military at the rank of Lieutenant Commander with an honorable discharge.

After completing his military service, he pursued fellowship training in gastroenterology at Temple University Hospital from 2022-2025. He subsequently pursued an advanced fellowship in inflammatory bowel disease at the University of Pennsylvania, which he will complete in June 2026. His clinical and academic interests include reducing healthcare disparities in IBD, advancing LGBTQ+ health, and incorporating intestinal ultrasound (IUS) into clinical practice. He has completed advanced training in IUS and will be integrating this technology into patient care upon joining the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania in the summer of 2026.