Dr. Leslie Leighton
Primary Care, Internal Medicine
NE Atlanta, GA
45 years experience male
Locations
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
Phone
Insurances accepted
Multiplan PPO
Leslie Leighton, MD
ATLANTA
Office
NE Atlanta, GA
About
Bio
I am a graduate of the University of Virginia and The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. I completed my residency in Internal Medicine at NYU and my fellowship training in Gastroenterology at Harvard Medical School - Brigham and Women's Hospital. I am board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and have been in medical practice in Georgia for over 30 years. I also have a Masters degree in History from Georgia Tech and one from Emory and a PhD in American Studies from Emory. I split my time between patient care and teaching. I enjoy caring for patients and pride myself on very compassionate care. My wife is also in healthcare as a professor in the Geriatrics department at Emory University. My four children are all involved in healthcare
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Internal Medicine
Gastroenterology
Licenses
United States: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Languages spoken
English, German
Doctor Q&A
493 Answers
127 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 34-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Unlikely: It is unlikely to be gastritis. Could be esophageal spasm or achalasia or possibly a shatzki's ring/stricture. You probably need to have an endoscop... Read More
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2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Could be either: Check pregnancy test if sexually active and not using protection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
See gyn: bcp may help your symptoms but best is to consult gynecologist
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Should be fine: Now that you are 30 weeks should be no risk to fetus. Also lactulose is not absorbed so generally safe anyway. Would take as needed but if you need ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Is she pregnant: Would check for pregnancy if that is in question and if negative see physician for evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
443 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Agree with your MD: also you are very young for colorectal cancer. Not unheard of but much less likely
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
No telling: not sure you can predict based on this information but would not blame your wife if your kids are hairy. It may have played no role. Male pattern ba... Read More
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3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Not GERD: If PPIs are not helping and actually making things worse you probably do not have true GERD.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
No: You can have good days as well as bad in pregnancy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Best first thing: It is recommended and best to take first thing in the morning before food
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Hard to say: Maybe your normal sensation with orgasm but if it continues would check with your gynecologist or primary care physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Yes: Be prepared for today. Everyone has a different response to cathartics.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
What kind of cyst?: Would need to know the kind of cyst and why you would have it removed to be able to answer this question.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
See proctologist: You have struggled long enough. After 2 months would recommend you see a colon and rectal doctor to help you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
See a urologist for evaluation and treatment
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Answered Oct 03, 2021
A 62-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Can be the result of a multitude of neurologic problems beyond stroke or TIA and needs full neurologic evaluation.
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Answered Aug 07, 2021
A 39-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Unlikely: It is unlikely to grow back that quickly but you will need to see your gynecologist for evaluation of pain. Probably due to something else beside the... Read More
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149 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
What treatment: Not sure what you mean by heavy. If they have fluid in them what we call edema you need to see a physician for evaluation
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
217 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Probably muscular: Sounds like musculoskeletal pain but if it persists and continues might ask your doctor about it
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
157 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Spastic bowel?: Could be any number of things including Irritable Bowel, infection or related to ingestion of food product. If symptoms persist would see a doctor to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
166 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
See doctor: If this is new and came on abruptly please seek medical attention sooner than later
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
190 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Unusual: Unusual symptoms related to stopping BCP but may not be abnormal. If symptoms persist would see your primary care doctor or gynecologist for further ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
195 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Should be: I would not worry about this but would discuss it with your doctor when you go for post-operative check up
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
157 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 16-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Would consult a dermatologist for evaluation of the spots and removal if feasible.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Apr 09, 2022
A 31-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Not necessarily normal but not unusual. If it persists would recommend seeing your Gyn or PCP for a pelvic exam to be sure there is not something unu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Apr 23, 2022
A 37-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
If your symptoms have resolved the urine test should resolve with time or may not be a problem. Would follow symptoms and if still having symptoms ma... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered May 14, 2022
A 36-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Sounds like it might be a parasite like Giardia which can present with intermittent recurrent symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Would consult pediatr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Apr 23, 2022
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
It is possibly related to your sexual encounter but it is not normal and if it continues you need to see your PCP or gynecologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Jul 31, 2022
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
After the UTI medication if you get a yeast infection as a result of the antibiotic for the UTI
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Sep 30, 2022
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Discuss with your doctor prescribing the Adderall and consider a second opinion from another Gyn if not the adderall.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Aug 16, 2022
A 75-year-old female asked:
What does a result of occult blood 3+ mean. the sample was taken during an attack of diverticulitis?

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
It means you need to see a doctor for further evaluation. Usually diverticulitis does not cause a positive occult blood. It is a screening test for ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Aug 20, 2022
A 24-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Not entirely sure without seeing it. It is unusual for herpes but if it persists would see your PCP
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Oct 16, 2021
A 26-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Eliquis is used to prevent blood clots and may not always be the correct choice for some patients but generally works quite well in the majority of pa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Dec 12, 2022
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
If you are on treatment the vibrator should not reinfect you. Might stay away from your ex boyfriend unless he again is your regular sexual partner.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Feb 05, 2023
A 36-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Yes: If you take in moderation should be no problem. Antacids typically are not absorbed and pose little iatrogenc risk to pregnancy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Seems unlikely: If sex was protected and he pulled out before ejaculating it would seem most unlikely. If you do not get your period as usual then get a pregnancy te... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Depends: It depends what the spot looks like. Can be benign and the radiologist usually can tell by looking at it. If not might need further evaluation with ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
See PCP or ENT: So many things this could be. Suggest she see her primary care provider or ENT physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
62 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Need to see Gyn: Need to be evaluated for the bleeding and may need a D and C. You need to see a doctor as this may be a serious issue. Would contact your local city... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
55 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Yes: Set up a Healthtap visit for refills of established medicines.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
16 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Should be possible: It should be possible for someone to refill your medications until you get a new PCP in January. If you live in Florida healthtap should be able to f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
24 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old member asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Gastro-colic reflex: Coffee can stimulate what is known as the gastro-colic reflex which causes you to have to evacuate
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74 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Should resolve: would see your primary care physician if it continues for a thorough evaluation
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
848 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Unlikely: If concerned check a pregnancy test and be sure to use contraception when having intercourse
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
817 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Unlikely: With two negative tests unlikely but would use protection and if miss next period have another pregnancy test.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Not sure: lots of causes for loss of appetite. are you taking any new medicines. this could cause it. appetite probably will return shortly. if it does not I wo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
848 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Unlikely: Of course it depends somewhat on the floor it falls on. Cleaning off food that has fallen and then cooking it should protect against food poisoning b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
692 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Postural hypotension: Not sure but I would get checked out. this could represent postural hypotension
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
265 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Sounds muscular: Sounds like a musculoskeletal issue. Need more information. Are you carrying heavy objects? If advil or tylenol do not help would see your PCP for ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
278 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:

Dr. Leslie Leightonanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Don't be embarrassed: Doctors see this all the time and often things much much worse. Would suggest you see a dermatologist if they are only skintags or see your internist... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
433 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
5
Recommendations
336
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Feb 21, 2018
There are not enough words to describe how incredible Dr. Leighton is. He helped me tremendously with being seen urgently and really caring about what I am dealing with. On a 5 star scale? I say 10!
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Leighton is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Leighton is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! Thank you doctor. Not only did you answer my question, you managed to identify what a was really asking. I do appreciate you taking the time to do this. Have a wonderfu...Read More
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thank you so much! I'm temporarily living in a foreign country, and it was frightening not to be able to ask anyone for medical advice. I feel very relieved now.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thank you for the advise. I knew not to take one with a stimulant, but hoping something else might be okay. Oh well! Thanks again.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD
Graduated 1978MD
Awards
Top Gastroenterologist , First Place, Georgia - Summer
2013
Top Gastroenterologist , Second Place, Georgia - Fall
2014
Top Gastroenterologist, Third Place, Georgia - Winter
2015
Affiliations
Georgia State University
Piedmont Hospital
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