During my fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, I learned from experts in the field of surgical oncology about clinical trial design, experimental therapeutics and the importance of bench-to-bedside research to progress the fight against cancer. I encountered patients with very complex problems, and the greatest lesson I learned was there are always treatment options, utilizing all different types of techniques including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

My clinical surgical oncology fellowship at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida has provided me with an extensive understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with cancer. One of the greatest benefits of a cancer center like Fox Chase is the close knit group of expert physicians from all specialties that are constantly interacting and providing the highest level of care using the most innovative strategies to treat all aspects of cancer. I have developed a particularly strong interest in the surgical and multimodal treatment of patients with gastrointestinal and soft tissue malignancies (including melanoma and sarcoma), using traditional surgery, regional therapies, and minimally invasive techniques. I have the surgical skills to perform many of these complex procedures using laparoscopic or robotic techniques and have had training in using in using the newest techniques.  I am an expert in the treatment of colorectal cancer including;  sphincter sparing and nerve sparing resections, and treating patients with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.

I performed one of the first SILS (single incision laparoscopic surgery) colectomies at Fox Chase and in the region and have continued to use this technique for both colon resections and other types of procedures.   This makes Fox Chase one of the only hospitals in the region that provides Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) for patients undergoing colon removal.

Most importantly, I hold my patients as my number one priority. I will spend as much time as necessary educating, answering questions and providing guidance for each individual patient to help them throughout each stage of treatment. I believe in candid discussions, where both the patients and families goals and expectations are openly communicated. We will work together as a team to formulate a treatment plan. My personal goal is to treat and care for every patient with the same compassion and honesty as if they were a friend or family member.

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