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Kimberly Matzie, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.

Dr. Matzie was born and raised in Granby, Connecticut. She decided to pursue a career in medicine after undergoing an operation in her freshman year of college. The procedure went well, but the surgeon didn’t have the best bedside manner, and no one on the surgical team explained the process or what to expect during recovery.

Dr. Matzie left the hospital inspired and committed to making interactions with her patients both positive and informative. After earning her undergraduate degree at Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dr. Matzie enrolled at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

There, she earned her Doctor of Medicine before completing a residency in general surgery at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. While there, Dr. Matzie also completed fellowships in clinical research, surgical care, and critical care.

Before entering private practice, Dr. Matzie completed fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston. She received extensive tutelage in advanced laparoscopy for small bowel, colon, and rectal surgeries.

As a colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. Matzie has special interests in Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM), a minimally invasive approach to removing large rectal polyps and early cancers not responsive to colonoscopy excision or other traditional techniques.

When she isn’t at work, Dr. Matzie enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, and their two daughters.

• Colon and Rectal Surgical Fellow, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2009–2010
• Critical Care Fellow, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 2005–2007

• Senior & Chief Surgical Resident, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 2007–2009

• BA, Harvard College, 1998
• MD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 2002

• Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 2002–2005

• Harvard College magna cum laude, 1998
• Harvard Medical School Graduating Class – Best Teaching Resident Award, Nominee 2007
• John Harvard Scholarship & Elizabeth Cary Agassiz Scholarship for academic distinction. Dean’s List. 1994–1998
• Fellow, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgery (ASCRS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• Society of Critical Care Medicine, member
• Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), member
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• Association of Women Surgeons, member
• Chesapeake Colorectal Society
• Medical Society of Virginia

Katherine Khalifeh, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.

Dr. Khalifeh was born and raised in Minnesota. She comes from a family of physicians and knew she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her father and grandfather by pursuing a career in surgery.

Dr. Khalifeh began her professional pursuits at Boston College, earning her Bachelor of Science. After graduation, Dr. Khalifeh earned her Master of Science from Georgetown University in Washington, District of Columbia, and her Doctor of Medicine from Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Before entering private practice, Dr. Khalifeh completed general surgery training at Johns Hopkins and a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at MedStar Washington Hospital Center (formerly Washington Center Hospital) in Washington, DC.

Dr. Khalifeh has specialized training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of disorders affecting the colon, rectum, and anus, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, fecal incontinence, and hemorrhoids.

When she isn’t performing surgery or meeting with patients, Dr. Khalifeh enjoys contributing to professional medical journals. She’s also presented papers at conferences for the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Khalifeh is a member of the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband Marwan, their two young daughters, and their dog, Bisou.

• Washington Hospital Center, 2011–2012

• Johns Hopkins Hospital, 2006–2011

• BA, Boston College, 1996
• MS, Georgetown University, 2001
• MD, Johns Hopkins University, 2006

• Fellow, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• Chesapeake Colorectal Society
• Medical Society of Virginia
• President-Association of Women Surgeons, DC Chapter

Caroline Sanchez, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.

Dr. Sanchez knew she wanted to be a doctor from the time she was a little girl. She was born and raised in Northern Virginia and attended the renowned Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria.

During high school, Dr. Sanchez spent summers working in a laboratory at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland. That experience enabled her to enroll in medical school directly after graduation as part of a combined seven-year BA/MD program at George Washington University in Washington, District of Columbia. 

Dr. Sanchez thrived in the program, earning her Bachelor of Science in biology and graduating magna cum laude. Afterward, Dr. Sanchez remained at George Washington University, earning her Doctor of Medicine with distinction in 2004.

Before joining the team at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, Dr. Sanchez completed a general surgery residency at George Washington University, and a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery, at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  

Dr. Sanchez proudly holds membership in several professional organizations, including the Chesapeake Colorectal Society, the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons. Professionally, Dr. Sanchez has special interests in minimally invasive procedures and new technologies.

When she isn’t meeting with patients or contributing to medical journals, Dr. Sanchez enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and two children.

• UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 2010–2011

• George Washington University, 2004–2010

• BA, George Washington University, 1997–2000
• MD, George Washington University, 2000–2004

• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
• Alec Horwitz Award for Surgery Student of the year
• Fellow, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgery (ASCRS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
• Chesapeake Colorectal Society
• Medical Society of Virginia

K.S. Venkatesh, MD, is the founder and senior member of Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery located in Gilbert, Arizona. He has served the Phoenix metropolitan area for the last 40 years. 

Dr. Venkatesh received his undergraduate and medical education in Madras, India. He then relocated to the United States and underwent general surgery training at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, followed by colorectal surgery training at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. 

Dr. Venkatesh has been present in Phoenix for the past 40 years and has received numerous awards and honors for excellence in his field and for the exceptional care he provides to his patients. He is board certified in general surgery and colorectal surgery.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Venkatesh or another member of the Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery, call the office or request an appointment online today. Quality care is just a click or a phone call away.

Timothy Plerhoples, MD, MPH, FACS, FASCRS, is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.

Dr. Plerhoples began his professional education at Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, earning his undergraduate degree. After graduation, he stayed in Massachusetts, obtaining his Master of Public Health from Boston University. 

Dr. Plerhoples earned his Doctor of Medicine from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. Then, he moved west to pursue surgical training at Stanford University in Stanford, California. During that time, Dr. Plerhoples authored several journal publications about improving surgical techniques and patient care.

Before entering private practice, Dr. Plerhoples completed a surgical residency at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Annandale, Virginia, and a colorectal surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

When he isn’t in the operating suite or developing custom treatment plans, Dr. Plerhoples enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He’s also an avid guitar player, hiker, fisherman, and grill master.

• Mayo Clinic, 2014–2015
• Stanford University, Surgical Education Research Fellowship, 2009–2011

• Inova Fairfax Hospital, 2012–2014
• Stanford University, 2007–2012

• BA, Harvard University, 2000
• MPH, Boston University, 2003
• MD, New York University School of Medicine, 2007

• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
• John Harvard Scholarship
• Weisman International Internship Grant
• Fellow, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgery (ASCRS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• Chesapeake Colorectal Society
• Medical Society of Virginia

Christina Cheng, MD, is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.

Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Cheng’s passion for medicine began at age 12 when her father passed away from terminal cancer. Her grandfather, a general surgeon in Taiwan, inspired her interest in surgery.

Dr. Cheng obtained her bachelor of arts from Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City, before earning her medical doctorate at Rutgers University’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) in New Jersey. During medical school, Dr. Cheng worked as a scholar researcher at the Crohn’s and Colitis Center of New Jersey, RWJMS.

Dr. Cheng continued her general residency at RWJMS and earned multiple achievements, including the Certificate of Excellence in Teaching, the Recognition of Outstanding Accomplishment in Women’s Health award, and the 2017 Outstanding Laparoendoscopic Resident Award.

After finishing her residency, Dr. Cheng completed her Colorectal Surgery fellowship at the Swedish Colon & Rectal Clinic in Seattle, Washington, where she trained in all aspects of colon and rectal physiology and surgery, including anorectal surgery, abdominal surgery, and endoscopy. 

Dr. Cheng also received extensive training in advanced laparoscopic procedures, including Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) and robotic surgery. She specializes in diagnosing and treating colon cancer, anal pain, Crohn’s disease, and other disorders affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Along with her training, Dr. Cheng has co-authored several published papers and belongs to multiple professional organizations, including the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Medical Society of Virginia, and Chesapeake Colorectal Society.

In her spare time, Dr. Cheng enjoys running, cooking, skiing, and traveling around the world.

• Swedish Colon & Rectal Clinic, 2017–2018

• Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University 2011–2017

• BA, Barnard College, Columbia University, 2005
• MD, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, 2011

• Magna cum Laude
• Outstanding Laparoendoscopic Resident Award, 2017
• Fellow, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgery (ASCRS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• Chesapeake Colorectal Society
• Medical Society of Virginia

Robert Campbell, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a board-certified general and colorectal surgeon at Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona. He joined the practice in 2004, has more than two decades of experience, and is highly skilled in minimally invasive gastrointestinal procedures.

Dr. Campbell received his bachelor’s degree at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his general surgery training at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis.

Dr. Campbell also completed specialty training in colorectal surgery at the Colon and Rectal Clinic of Orlando in Florida. He maintains his advanced medical credentials with continuing education and uses the latest technological advances and procedures to ensure superior patient outcomes and a better quality of life.

In his free time, Dr. Campbell enjoys staying active and spending time with his friends and family. He compassionately welcomes new and existing patients to Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery and looks forward to exceeding their expectations.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Campbell at Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

A board-certified general and colorectal surgeon, Krishna Venkatesh, MD, FACS, FASCRS, joined Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery in Gilbert, Arizona, in 2010. He is highly trained in colorectal procedures and has been practicing for 15 years. 

Dr. Venkatesh received his undergraduate and medical degrees at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and completed general surgery training at Parkland Health and Hospital Systems in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Venkatesh also completed specialized colon and rectal surgery training at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut. 

He uses minimally invasive procedures and advanced technologies to ensure outstanding, long-lasting results tailored to a patient’s unique needs. Dr. Venkatesh uses superior precision and accuracy during surgeries and maintains his medical credentials with continuing education.

He loves spending time with his family and friends when he’s not caring for his patients, and warmly welcomes new and existing patients to Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Venkatesh by calling the office or using the online booking feature today. 

Lawrence Stern, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.

Dr. Stern knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine since adolescence. His first job was as an emergency medical technician (EMT) at age 16. After realizing that EMTs couldn’t establish long-term relationships with their patients, he decided to become a doctor.

Dr. Stern earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After graduation, he enrolled at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center in Charlottesville. There, Dr. Stern discovered a passion for the technical aspects of surgery and decided to pursue general surgical training.

After obtaining his medical degree, Dr. Stern completed a general surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. He excelled in the program, earning a National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award to conduct two years of specialty research.

Dr. Stern wanted to advance his skills in colon and rectal surgery, so he sought specialized training in the field. At the end of his residency, Dr. Stern moved to Boston, Massachusetts, and completed a Colon and Rectal Surgical Fellowship at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts.

Since joining the team at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, the practice has grown exponentially. Outside the office, Dr. Stern enjoys spending time with his wife and their two daughters.

• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
• Lahey Clinic Medical Center

• University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

• BS, University of Michigan
• MD, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center

• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
• Fellow, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgery (ASCRS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• Chesapeake Colorectal Society
• Medical Society of Virginia

Rebekah Kim, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.

Raised in the greater New York City area, Dr. Kim’s interest in surgery began when she watched her sister undergo multiple procedures as a child. Her family’s trust in the surgeon that cared for her sister was the catalyst that pushed Dr. Kim into medicine. A longtime cellist and pianist, Dr. Kim’s discipline and attention to detail have made her an excellent colorectal surgeon.

After graduating magna cum laude from the College of New Jersey in Ewing Township, New Jersey, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Dr. Kim earned her medical doctorate from the prestigious Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire. 

Dr. Kim later completed her surgical residency at Columbia University, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, in New York City, which drew her toward minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy and robotic surgery. Her interests include the surgical intervention of anal cancer, rectal cancer, anal pain, and other conditions that affect the digestive tract.

Dr. Kim is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. She is also a member of the Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) and has helped train surgeons in Africa. She currently serves on the executive board of the Korean-American Medical Society of D.C. Maryland, and Virginia.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and Korean, Dr. Kim capably serves patients from all backgrounds. In her spare time, she still enjoys playing the piano and the cello.

• Colon & Rectal Surgery, Orlando Regional Medical Center, 2011–2012
• Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Surgery, Orlando Regional Medical Center, 2010–2011

• Columbia University, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, NY, 2005–2010

• BS, The College of New Jersey, 2000
• MD, Dartmouth Medical School, 2005

• Fellow, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgery (ASCRS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• Chesapeake Colorectal Society
• Medical Society of Virginia
• Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons

John Tillou, MD, is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC. He has wanted to be a surgeon since undergoing an operation in high school.

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. Tillou received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he made the Dean’s List, coached high school baseball, worked in a pathology lab, and volunteered at a free medical clinic. 

During his undergraduate studies, he earned the Bioscience Undergraduate Research Mini-grant and received the Comprehensive Chemistry Award and Undergraduate Research Scholar award.

Dr. Tillou eventually returned home to attend medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he received the Dr. Graham Clark Scholarship and the Charles & Bernice McKay Scholarship.

After graduation, Dr. Tillou completed his general surgery residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. He completed an additional colorectal surgery fellowship at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

While completing his training, Dr. Tillou co-authored several book chapters and papers. He also received the highest score on the annual colorectal training exam.

Dr. Tillou has undergone advanced training in minimally invasive, robotic, and transanal colon and rectal surgery techniques. He has a particular interest in the treatment and management of colon cancer, anal pain, and anal cancer.

In addition, Dr. Tillou holds many professional affiliations, including the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Medical Society of Virginia, and Chesapeake Colorectal Society.

Outside of work, Dr. Tillou enjoys hiking, skiing, playing guitar, and spending time with his family.

• Washington Hospital Center, 2017–2018

• Harvard University-Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 2012–2017

• BS, University of Utah, 2008
• MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine, 2012

• Dr. Graham Clark Scholarship
• Charles & Bernice McKay Scholarship
• Fellow, American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgery (ASCRS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• Chesapeake Colorectal Society
• Medical Society of Virginia

Anna Kata, MD, MAS, FASCRS is a board-certified general surgeon and colorectal surgeon-October 2024 and proctologist at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC. She serves patients in and around Fairfax, Gainesville, and Lansdowne, Virginia, operating out of FCRS’s Fairfax - Merrifield, Fairfax – Gainesville/Haymarket, and Lansdowne - Loudoun offices. 

Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Dr. Kata recognized her passion for medicine early on while volunteering in the surgical wards of her local hospital. She saw firsthand the impact a thoughtful and well-trained physician could have on the lives of their patients. With this goal in mind, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

After graduation, Dr. Kata moved and enrolled at the University of California, San Francisco’s School of Medicine. There, she cemented her desire to become a surgeon and subsequently completed her surgical training at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. 

Wanting further expertise, Dr. Kata pursued a Colon and Rectal Surgical Fellowship at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. Her training included all aspects of anorectal and abdominal surgery and endoscopy. 

During her clinical training, Dr. Kata developed an interest in the issues surrounding the care of older adults undergoing surgery. To further study this topic, she obtained a master’s in Clinical Research at her alma mater, the University of California, San Francisco. She has authored several publications and presented her research at national meetings. 

When she isn’t at work, Dr. Kata enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and is an avid backpacker and gardener. 

• Lahey Hospital and Medical Center

• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

• BS, Yale University
• MD, University of California San Francisco
• MAS, University of California San Francisco

Dr. Farshid Araghizadeh, MD, MBA, FASCRS, is a board-certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon with Alliance Colorectal Specialists in North Fort Worth (Alliance). He specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgery for a full range of colorectal conditions, including colon and rectal cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, complex hernias, and abdominal wall reconstruction. He also treats all anorectal disorders, such as hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, rectal prolapse, and pelvic floor disorders.

Dr. Araghizadeh earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honor society. He completed General Surgery training at UT Southwestern/Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas and a Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He also holds an MBA from UT Dallas, with a focus on improving surgical care quality and efficiency.

Before joining Alliance Colorectal Specialists, Dr. Araghizadeh served as Professor and Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at UT Southwestern (2008-2019) and later developed a successful private practice with the GI Alliance (2019-2025). He has held multiple hospital leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at Medical City Alliance, and serves on several professional committees dedicated to advancing robotic and colorectal surgery and maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice.

A seven-time D Magazine “Best Doctor”, Dr. Araghizadeh has authored numerous publications, textbook chapters, and lectures both nationally and internationally. He is widely recognized for combining advanced surgical skill with a compassionate, individualized, patient-centered approach.

Dr. Araghizadeh welcomes new patients at his practice in North Fort Worth.

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Meet Dr. Yavrouian

Dr. Robert Yavrouian, MD, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in colon and rectal surgery.  Dr. Yavrouian has been serving the Southern California area for over a decade with offices  in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles and Glendale, California.

 Dr. Yavrouian is a Southern California native who attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering. He earned his medical degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia and completed his general surgery training at San Joaquin General Hospital in Stockton, CA. He then returned to USC to complete his fellowship specializing in colon and rectal surgery.

He is trained to treat all aspects of colorectal health, including both benign and malignant conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus. Dr. Yavrouian’s clinical interests include hemorrhoids, proctology, colonoscopy, anal abscess and fistula, anal fissure, pilonidal disease, diverticular disease, rectal prolapse, colon and rectal cancer, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

He is an attending surgeon at Glendale Adventist Medical Center and White Memorial Medical Center.  Dr. Yavrouian is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Northwest Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons, and Armenian American Medical Society.

Dr. Yavrouian knows that visiting a surgeon for a colorectal problem can be both frightening and embarrassing.  He and his staff are committed to providing patients with the best possible care in a warm, caring, and compassionate environment.  Schedule an appointment by calling the nearest office or booking online today.

Dr. Rolando H. Saenz, MD, is a dual board-certified general and colorectal surgeon. He offers a variety of surgical services to patients of Downtown San Antonio and nearby areas in Texas at his practice, San Lucas Surgical Associates. As one of the leading general and colorectal surgeons in San Antonio, he understands the unique needs of each patient and attends to them in a caring and compassionate manner.

Dr. Saenz completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. He then spent two years as a surgical resident at the Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, Illinois.

His passion for specialized care led him to open this forward-thinking private practice in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Saenz has operated on thousands of patients during his three decades of general and colorectal surgical practice, with excellent results. He is equipped to perform the latest cutting-edge surgical procedures and is particularly adept at colon cancer surgery.

Dr. Saenz believes in educating patients about their disease and encourages them to follow a healthy lifestyle as they heal. He ensures his patients feel comfortable by helping them understand the disease and how surgical intervention will work.

He is an active member of the San Antonio medical community and is affiliated with the Baptist Health System, Nix Health, Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Northeast Methodist Hospital, and the Metropolitan Methodist Hospital.

He was born and raised in San Antonio, and his equal fluency in English and Spanish allows him to treat patients from a diverse cultural background. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Saenz, call San Lucas Surgical Associates today.

Meet Dr. Santiago

Lourdes T. Santiago, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon at Colon and Rectal Clinic of Tampa Bay in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Santiago specializes in the treatment of colon and rectal cancers, as well as pelvic floor disorders.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and serving as a major in the United States Army, Dr. Santiago relocated to Tampa Bay, Florida, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Science and Chemistry at the University of South Florida.

Dr. Santiago returned to Puerto Rico, graduating with her Doctor of Medicine from the Ponce School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency and colon and rectal surgery fellowship training at the University of South Florida.  

She is a member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the Florida Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (FLSCRS). 

Dr. Santiago has an affiliation with many area hospitals, including St. Petersburg General Hospital in St. Petersburg, Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Largo Medical Center in Largo, and Belleair Surgery Center in Largo. 

An advocate for education, Dr. Santiago gives regular presentations in English and Spanish about colon and rectal cancer throughout the Tampa Bay area. 

In her free time, Dr. Santiago enjoys giving back to the community she serves. In addition to her lectures and presentations, she volunteers at the Health Department, provides care at local free medical clinics, and participates in local toy drives during the holidays. 

Board-certified colorectal surgeon Ren yu Zhang, MD, has dedicated his medical career to helping patients suffering from conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. At his practice in Las Vegas, Nevada, he prides himself on putting his patients first, taking the time to listen to their concerns and goals before offering an individualized treatment plan.

Dr. Zhang hails from the east coast. He graduated from the University of Rochester, majoring in Electrical Engineering and Developmental Biology. He then went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Subsequently, he completed his general surgery training at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester under internationally renowned surgeons, including Dr. Seymour Schwartz.

During his general surgery residency, he spent a year completing fellowship research at Cleveland Clinic, focusing on surgical outcomes in colorectal surgery. Under the guidance of Dr. Victor Fazio, his research projects were presented at various national conferences. Before joining Nevada Surgery and Cancer Care, he completed his fellowship training in colorectal surgery in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Focusing on the care and protection of your colon and rectal health, Dr. Zhang is committed to delivering the highest quality in comprehensive specialty care. Interested in both benign and malignant conditions of the colon and the rectum, he provides management and treatment of a wide range of conditions such as anorectal fistula, abscesses, anal fissure, hemorrhoids, anal/colon/rectal cancers, bowel incontinence, rectal prolapse, diverticular disease, colostomy/ileostomy, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Zhang offers minimally invasive robot/laparoscopic colon and rectal resection to help you with faster recovery and lesser pain in addition to comprehensive care in the cancer field ranging from a screening colonoscopy to a therapeutic colonoscopic polyp removal. Sensitive to your anxieties and concerns with anorectal or colorectal disease, Dr. Zhang will work closely with you to alleviate any physical and emotional stress to achieve the best outcomes for you. He also provides comprehensive care in the field of maintaining colon and rectal health, ranging from screening colonoscopies to therapeutic colonoscopic polyp removal.

Since he completed his training, Dr. Zhang has been in practice in Las Vegas. He looks forward to continuing to provide individualized care to the people of our community.

Gene L. Syn, MD, is one of the skilled physicians practicing at Minimally Invasive Medical Group, which has offices in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Irvine, California. 

He is a second-generation Korean-American who was born in Los Angeles and raised in Orange County, California.  He graduated from the UCLA School of Medicine in 1992.  He then did his general surgery residency at the New York Flushing Hospital Medical Center from 1992 to 1997. He further specialized in colon and rectal surgery at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center from 1997 to 1998. 

Dr. Syn received his board certification from the American Board of Surgery as well as the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. He has been practicing colon and rectal surgery in Southern California for over 20 years.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Syn or another member of the team at Minimally Invasive Medical Group, call the office or request an appointment online today.