Communications Committee

The Communications Committee promotes the mission of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons by engaging diverse audiences through interactive platforms for discussion, information sharing, and education about all aspects of colorectal care. The committee works to: 1. Ensure physicians have access to the resources they need to provide exceptional patient care. 2. Increase public understanding of colorectal diseases and awareness of the highly trained experts available to treat them. 3. Keep ASCRS members informed about the organization’s resources, history, and advancements in technology to support their professional growth and engagement. The committee also oversees the annual presentation of two awards: • The Local Hero Award, recognizing people affected by colorectal disease whose advocacy or public outreach efforts have had a positive impact on their local communities in the host city of the ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting. • The Jagelman Award, honoring an organization that provides service and/or advocacy in colorectal cancer. Through these efforts, the committee reinforces ASCRS’s reputation as the world’s leading authority on colon and rectal diseases. Committee members serve a two-year term, with the option to renew for a second two-year term.

Jill Christina Genua, MD - Vice Chair, Current Term: 2025-2027
Aimal Khan, MD - Vice Chair, Current Term: 2025-2027
Jeffrey Louis Butcher, MD - Co-Chair, Current Term: 2025-2027
Zoi Garoufalia, MD - Co-Chair, Current Term: 2025-2027
Dr. Avinash Bhakta, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Marylise Boutros, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Dr. Leonardo Alfonso Bustamante Lopez, MD, PhD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Ellen Marie Caparosa - Member, Current Term: 2026-2028
Francisco Javier Cardenas - Member, Current Term: 2026-2028
Melissa I. Chang, MD, MSE - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
JC Chen - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Sarah Choi, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
David Jeffrey Droullard, MD, MS - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Dr. Carina Felix - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Michael Finucan, MD - Member, Current Term: 2026-2028
Alexandria Conley Glenn, MD - Member, Current Term: 2026-2028
Kristina Go, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Henry Robert Govekar, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Wissam Jean Halabi, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Dr. Bethany Wood Harvey, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Christine Hsieh, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Maseray Kamara, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Pridvi Kandagatla, MD - Member, Current Term: 2026-2028
Tessa Mac, PA - Member, Current Term: 2026-2028
Pavel Mazirka - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Erin McAtee - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Dr. Anthony Paul Melillo, DO - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Dr. Lawrence P. Prabhakar, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
James Sahawneh, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Dr. Julia Christine Tolentino - Member, Current Term: 2026-2028
Matthew David Zelhart, MD - Member, Current Term: 2025-2027
Julia Davis - Staff, Current Term: 2022-2040