Expert Gastroenterology with an emphasis on Fatty Liver Disease and Viral Hepatitis Patient Care and Management

MacArthur Gastroenterology features expanded patient care in a modernized and specialized medical clinic. MacArthur Gastroenterology provides the greater Bay Area community with a medical practice that seeks to improve patient health and wellness through a preventative medicine approach to patient care illnesses utilizing state-of-the-art technology and advanced patient testing and treatment. We aspire to improve the health of those we serve by providing expert diagnoses and patient care for gastrointestinal issues, fatty liver and viral hepatitis diseases thereby promoting health and wellness through quality care for all.

Your Liver. Your Life. Your Choice.

What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

Most people never think about their liver — until something goes wrong. That’s the problem with fatty liver disease. It doesn’t announce itself. No sharp pain. No obvious warning sign. Just a quiet accumulation of fat in your liver that, over time, can lead to serious damage. One in three adults in the United States has it. And 9 out of 10 don’t know.

Your liver is your body’s largest internal organ. It filters toxins, regulates blood sugar, processes nutrients, and supports your immune system. When fat builds up inside it — even without heavy drinking — the liver starts to struggle. This condition is called Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). It affects more than 100 million Americans, and its rates have more than doubled over the past 30 years. Left unchecked, it can progress to inflammation, liver scarring, cirrhosis, and in some cases, liver cancer.

Who's at Risk?

This disease is a “silent killer” affecting over 25% -35% of Americans, yet 90% remain unaware due to its asymptomatic nature. This condition can lead to severe consequences like cirrhosis and liver transplants. It’s crucial to get screened. Screening can catch the disease early, allowing for lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can prevent progression. You don’t have to drink alcohol to develop fatty liver disease. Common risk factors include:

Overweight or obesity
Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
High cholesterol or triglycerides
High blood pressure
Metabolic syndrome
Family history of liver disease
Carrying weight around the midsection
Genetic predisposition

If any of these apply to you, a liver health screening makes sense, even if you feel completely fine.

How We Screen

We use an advanced non-invasive, AI-guided handheld ultrasound system to assess your liver health quickly and accurately. The process is straightforward, comfortable, and gives you clear answers. We accept most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal. You just need to take the first step.

If your results are normal, you leave with peace of mind and a clear picture of your liver health. If we identify a concern, we work with you to create a plan, whether that’s dietary guidance, medical management, or closer monitoring. Early intervention makes a real difference.

What's Next?

Schedule Your Liver Health Screening Today

If you have risk factors for fatty liver disease, or you simply want to know where you stand, we're here to help. Call us at 510-562-7467 option 1 or click below to request an appointment. A 30-minute visit today could protect your liver for decades.

Schedule Now

MacArthur Gastroenterology Services

Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)

EGD, is a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract using a flexible fiber optic video endoscope. The EGD is an outpatient procedure perform by Dr.Peterson to exam the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum( part of the small intestine)

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera on one end, called a sigmoidoscope similar to the colonoscope, to look inside your rectum and lower colon, also called the sigmoid colon and descending colon. For more information visit The National Institute of Health (NIH)

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a procedure in which Dr. Peterson uses a colonoscope, a small flexible fiber optic tube to look inside the Colon(large intestine). The Colon consists of the secum, ascending colon, transverse colon and descending colon. Dr. Peterson’s scoping expertise saves lives.

MacArthur GI HCV Medical Meritocracy

In 2007, Dr. Peterson’s medical clinic started initial testing for HCV to increase the awareness of individuals at risk and to provide appropriate education and referrals. The MacArthur medical facility began HCV treatments in 2013, and Dr. Peterson became the first medical doctor in the California County of Alameda, to write prescriptions (RX) and have patients approved for the first complete treatment for HCV which required taking only a single pill per day.

Doctor / Patient Testimonials

“I appreciate the quality of professional care that my patients receive from Dr. Peterson and his highly qualified staff.”
-Dr. H. Geoffrey Watson – Watson Wellness Center, Oakland, CA.

“I like his professionalism and genuine care with my GI problems. I appreciate his willingness to help me. I feel much better with the treatment I received from Dr. Peterson.”

-Lorena Rodriguez, Loan Officer, Oakland, CA.

Understanding Gastroenterology

“Gastroenterology is a branch of science that deals with the study of disorders of the digestive system. The diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, including various organs from the mouth to the anus, along the alimentary canal, are focused on by this branch of study.

Usually, the people working in this field are said to be gastroenterologists who have completed the eight years of premedical and medical education program, the year long internship; if this is not a part of the residency, three years of an internal medicine residency course, and two to three years in the gastroenterology fellowship.

Understanding Hepatology

“Hepatology is a branch of medicine concerned with the study, prevention, diagnosis and management of diseases that affect the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree and pancreas. The term hepatology is derived from the Greek words “hepatikos” and “logia,” which mean liver and study, respectively. Hepatitis affects millions of individuals globally and is associated with several poor outcomes including liver transplant and liver cancer. In particular, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are major causes of liver cancer, while alcohol abuse has been linked to conditions such as cirrhosis and other serious complications. The conditions hepatologists deal with most frequently are viral hepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease.”
More information on hepatology found at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Hepatology.aspx

About Dr. Ralph Peterson, Medical Director of MacArthur Gastroenterology, Inc.

Over 40 years of professional experience, with more than 30+ years specializing in Gastroenterology (GI) and Internal Medicine (IM)

Over 12 years treating viral hepatitis patients: Achieved a cure rate of over 90% in the treatment of Hepatitis B & C cases.

Dr. Peterson is also a coveted speaker and medical presenter on Colorectal Cancer and cures of Hepatitis B & C.

Recognitions and Awards

Advisory Boards of top pharmaceutical corporations such as Gilead.
Medical Director for UFirst Health Partners, a non-profit 501(c)(3), focusing on awareness and education of Fatty Liver Disease.
Head of Research & Development for NEXT2ME, LLC- 1440
Inventor: 1440 Vibrational Energetic Spray Supplements.
Master’s Track & Field -World Record Holder in 4 X 100 Relay.
Medical Team Leader in Sierra Leone, evaluating medical needs and necessary medicines for numerous provinces to determine the best medical applications that could be initiated throughout the country.
Volunteer, physician in Bohol, Philippines, on instructive procedures and cures for treatment of Gastrointestinal diseases and Hepatitis B&C.
Recognized and presented awards from the American Cancer Society, 100 Black Men of America, 100 Black Men of Bay Area, Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ Recognition for Outstanding Service for Men’s Health.

See your Primary Care Physician for a Referral

Our medical facility provides the greater San Francisco/Oakland/Bay Area and San Jose communities with a specialized medical practice that seeks to improve patient health and wellness through a preventive medicine approach to surgical procedures and follow-up patient care.

All medical services are available for language translation from English to Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Arabic speaking patients.

Physician Referral Process:

Patients may schedule appointments with a referral from their attending physician or by calling their attending physician’s office.

Referral Physician Provides the Following:

Relevant lab work
Medications and progress notes
Insurance information
Phone/Fax numbers of referring physicians

10520 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94605

Office: (510) 562-7467 ext 1
Fax: (510) 227-6895