I am a colorectal surgeon who specializes in the evaluation and management of patients with cancer of the colon, rectum and anus. I prioritize good surgical technique to assure that patients get the best cancer outcome and preserve quality of life. With the use of minimally invasive surgery approaches, patients spend less time in the hospital, recover faster and with less pain, and return to normal activities more quickly than traditional incisional surgery. Along with treating cancer, I strive to prevent cancer before it develops. This includes providing timely cancer screenings. I have a specialized interest and expertise in caring for patients and their families who are at increased risk of developing colorectal or other cancers as a result of a particular family history or inherited condition. This includes Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis — conditions that without intervention will almost certainly result in colorectal cancer. In addition to my role as the director of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, I work closely with certified genetic counselors as the medical director of Clinical Cancer Genetics to provide education and recommendations for genetic testing and screening tests. One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to know patients and their families, and being able to help them through what can be a very difficult time. As a member of the Cancer Biology Program at the OSUCCC – James, I also strive to understand the underlying causes of why some patients and cancers respond better to certain treatments. My basic science research laboratory is supported by the National Cancer Institute and focuses on identifying genetic pathways or proteins that help prevent the development of cancer or enhance the treatment effect of chemotherapy and radiation. We recently identified a protein present in rectal cancers that is correlated with radiation resistance and also provides a potential target to increase patients’ response to radiation. My ultimate goal is to provide meaningful research that changes the way we care for cancer patients. I have published more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts in such high-impact journals as New England Journal of Medicine, Science, Nature Communications, JAMA Oncology, Gastroenterology, Journal of Clinical Oncology and Annals of Surgery. I am also a member of several prominent professional organizations, including the American Surgical Association, the Society of Clinical Surgery, the Society of Surgical Oncology, and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Additionally, I have consistently been named to the Castle Connolly and U.S. News and World Report lists of “Top Doctors” since 2011. I love the collaborative approach to patient care at The James, from the multidisciplinary team discussion that leads to a care plan, to the tumor genetics evaluation that might drive personalized treatment trials or research, to the support services that care for the whole patient — physical, spiritual and emotional. Everyone prioritizes the patient and works together to make sure they receive top-notch care.