Meet our gastroenterologist: Dr. Kata Sára Mályi

Where did you complete your studies?

I graduated from the Faculty of General Medicine at Semmelweis University in 2012, and in 2024 I became a board-certified Gastroenterologist, also at Semmelweis University.

During my university years, I had the opportunity to gain insight into the medical practice of the United States. It was then that I first realized the importance of practicing medicine through multiple channels—written, spoken, and even visual—in order to reach people effectively. In Hungary, I was fortunate to learn from outstanding mentors in several hospitals and medical centers in Budapest, most of which had a primary internal medicine profile complemented by gastroenterology in varying proportions.

What professional experience do you have?

After graduation, I began working at the 1st Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at Szent János Hospital in Budapest. My career path then led me to the Gastroenterology Department of the Military Hospital (Honvédkórház), where I spent three years. As a high-level referral center, this institution allowed me to immerse myself in the full breadth of gastroenterological science.

Later, I became increasingly involved in Lifestyle Medicine, recognizing that a significant proportion of diseases are closely related to lifestyle—something particularly true in gastroenterology. I have sought to integrate this approach into my work, continuing it at the more close-knit, family-like environment of Szent Margit Hospital and later at my current workplace, the 1st Department of Internal Medicine at Péterfy Sándor Street Hospital. The latter two departments combined internal medicine with nephrology and gastroenterology, where I work as a gastroenterologist. I currently perform both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures.

Beyond hospital work, I have also gained experience in primary care and participated in numerous training programs. I have come to appreciate the value of teamwork and the essential role it plays in healing. While it is well established that no physician works without nurses or assistants in hospitals and clinics, the inclusion of a broader multidisciplinary team—such as dietitians, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and other specialists depending on the medical field—is still less common. This is why I greatly value the opportunity at DokiApp to work as part of a truly multidisciplinary team, including here on the blog. This approach allows for more effective patient assessment, treatment, education, support, and ongoing care.

In what cases can people turn to you?

I could simply say “digestive system complaints,” but that’s too broad. More specifically: disorders of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines; liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic diseases; various forms of abdominal pain; and symptoms such as bowel movement issues, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

Why did you start writing?

It is very common for patients to fully understand everything during a consultation—only for half of that information to fade away the moment they leave the office. Sometimes, things are unclear even during the appointment, but the patient may not feel comfortable asking questions, or time constraints prevent a thorough explanation or repetition of instructions. In these cases, it is extremely useful to provide a written summary—not just a formal medical report, but an easy-to-understand document that the patient can revisit at any time.

I believe that high-quality, reliable medical information should also reach those who are simply searching the internet for answers. My aim is to communicate in plain language while maintaining a high level of professional accuracy. The DokiApp blog provides an excellent platform for achieving this goal.