J. Andy Tau, MD

Meet Dr. Andy Tau

Dr. Andy Tau is a board-certified, fellowship-trained gastroenterologist with a reputation as both a national thought leader and a dedicated local clinician.

After graduating from Harvard University, Dr. Tau trained for 11 years at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where he completed medical school, internal medicine residency, and gastroenterology fellowship. He was honored to serve as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine and Chief Fellow in Gastroenterology, and received the Henry D. McIntosh Award as the best graduating resident, voted on by both faculty and peers.

Since joining Austin Gastroenterology, Dr. Tau has combined clinical innovation with leadership. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as a full-time GI hospitalist and was recognized as the 2021 Travis County Medical Society Young Physician of the Year.

Dr. Tau is a nationally recognized expert in endoscopic hemostasis and advanced tissue closure. He has delivered over 100 invited lectures—from Harvard MGH, Baylor College of Medicine, UT San Antonio, and Thomas Jefferson University to state societies and national stages. In 2025, he delivered the keynote address at Digestive Disease Week (DDW), the world’s largest GI conference, on cutting-edge advances in hemostasis. He has also served as Course Director for the Texas Society for Gastroenterology & Endoscopy, the American College of Gastroenterology’s Leadership Programs, and the ACG Practice Management Summits.

A true innovator, Dr. Tau has been the driving force behind multiple game-changing advances in endoscopy. He conceived and pioneered a novel device to rapidly clear blood clots in patients with life-threatening GI bleeding, then partnered with industry to bring the concept through development and on to FDA approval—a breakthrough now helping endoscopists worldwide manage severe bleeding. He also devised a simple but game-changing modification to a hemostatic powder that markedly improves its efficacy, and he pioneered the use of endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) in Austin to treat perforations and fistulas that have no other recourse. He continues to publish in leading GI journals and teach at the largest U.S. scientific meetings every year.

Locally, Dr. Tau is known for his innovative, patient-first approach. Guided by what he calls the “Mother’s Rule”—treat others as you would wish your mother to be treated—he delivers compassionate care with the highest standards. In clinic, he cares for the full spectrum of GI disorders, with special interests in GI bleeding and anemia, bile duct stones, fistula closure, feeding tubes, and anorectal disease—including painless, office-based hemorrhoidal banding. He also offers after-hours telehealth appointments most nights of the week, giving patients unmatched access and convenience.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Dr. Tau is a first-generation Chinese American whose parents immigrated from Taiwan. He speaks Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. A former college football player, he now enjoys the game as a spectator, but his true passion remains collaborating with colleagues worldwide to develop and advance new endoscopic techniques and devices. Outside of medicine, he treasures outdoor time with his wife and two children on the water around Austin.

Education

Associations

American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)

Locations

Associated Providers

Testimonials

"Highly Recommend. Love Dr Tau's demeanor! He's personable yet respectful~ and very knowledgable discussing my care and concerns about my colonoscopy. I'm confident in his expertise and highly recommend him!" - Roberta W. (Google)