Where do you practice?
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery
University of California Davis
Sacramento, California
Why I am a member of ASCRS:
It is like being part of a big family, a close knit group. It is a feeling I had when I went to my first ASCRS meeting in 2013: a sense of belonging to a group who treat serious condition while being down to earth and fun to work with. ASCRS provides great educational opportunities to surgeons and patients and the opportunity to advance the specialty through research and innovation. It is a great opportunity to meet friends and colleagues from all over the world who share the same passion. Meetings are super fun !
Why did you specialize in colorectal surgery?
It is a great specialty that offers a lot of procedural diversity from good old open complex cases to cutting edge minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic cases, anorectal procedures and scopes. The wide range of disease processes you’re treating, the ability to make a difference in your patients lives and be able to see it. During my research years, I had the opportunity of having great mentors who had a lot of influence on my career choices. It is the people you identify with. Most importantly, it is the ability to express your maximum potential not just a surgeon, but as a physician and most importantly as human being.
What do you want your patients to know about you? I like to deliver individualized care, treating the patient as a whole considering their goals, their lifestyles, their social surroundings rather than just their disease process. Individualized care that is evidence-based delivered with a smile and a twist of humor (when appropriate).
What advice do you have for future colorectal surgeons?
Remember the AAA of excellence when starting your career. 1) Availability: “Happy to Help” your patients, colleagues and most importantly your family. 2) Ability: strive to be technically the best you can, be innovative and push the limit safely, and most importantly know when not to operate. 3) Affability: be compassionate, show empathy and always keep a beautiful smile and a good sense of humor. Always call your mentors and friends for medical and personal advice. Don’t feel alone, we have a great opportunity to live in a world where we’re all connected by social media, internet etc… You need a second or a third opinion ? you can get it through social media or by calling friends. The technical aspects of an operation are the easiest part of the whole process. It is knowing who benefits from which procedure that comes with time. An operation does not start in the operating room, it starts when you meet the patient in the office, the ED or in the hospital. It is the preparation for a procedure that gives you the best outcomes. Always be humble: whenever you feel you’re above the clouds, this one case will come and humble you.
Tell us something about yourself that we might not otherwise know:
I love cooking , it is where I can express a lot of creativity! My area of expertise is Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine. Lots of high octane fiber and and garlic, good for your bowels !