Memorial Division of Surgical Oncology
601 N Flamingo Road
Suite 301
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
Phone: 954-844-9520
Fax: 954-844-9525
Memorial Division of Surgical Oncology
12235 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
Phone: 954-265-9520
Fax: 954-265-9546
About Me
I am a surgical oncologist at Memorial Healthcare System, committed to providing exceptional care for patients with various conditions, including gastrointestinal cancers, melanoma, and soft tissue sarcomas. I have a particular clinical focus on peritoneal malignancies and proudly serve as the Medical Director of the Peritoneal Malignancy Program at Memorial. My expertise encompasses advanced treatment modalities, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), pressurized aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC), Histotripsy, and robotic surgery, allowing me to offer innovative solutions tailored to each patient's unique needs.
My journey into surgical oncology was profoundly influenced by my father's battle with rectal cancer. As a caregiver, I gained invaluable insight into the importance of a strong physician-patient relationship, deeply moved by the compassionate care my father received. I developed immense respect for his physician's ability to communicate both hopeful and challenging news with honesty and empathy. Witnessing my father's struggles made me acutely aware of the profound impact a physician can have on the lives of patients and their families.
To this day, each patient interaction evokes memories of my father and his courageous fight against cancer. These memories motivate me to pursue excellence, honoring his legacy while creating new memories for the thousands of patients who share their journeys with their loved ones.
At Memorial, we believe in a collaborative approach, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan. Our multidisciplinary teams, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and radiology, work closely with patients and their families to identify the best options tailored to each unique situation.
My goal is for every patient to leave our discussions with a clear understanding of our action plan, the rationale behind it, and how they can contribute to its success. I strive to instill confidence in their decision to embark on their treatment journey with the Memorial team and me. Together, we are partners in this experience.
In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I serve as an assistant professor of surgery at Florida International University's Wertheim College of Medicine. At Memorial, I also hold the position of Associate Program Director for the general surgery residency training program, where I actively contribute to advancing surgical research initiatives.
Languages
- Spanish
Areas of Focus
- Bile Duct Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Melanoma/Skin Cancer
- Pancreas Cancer
- Peritoneal Malignancies
- Stomach Cancer
Education
Fellowships
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2011
Residency
- Beth Israel Medical Center, 2009, Surgery
- Maimonides Medical Center, 2006, Surgery
Internships
- Maimonides Medical Center, 2006, Surgery
Medical Education
- Ross University School of Medicine, 2004
Certifications
- American Board of Surgery-Surgery
Awards, Achievements, and More
Professional Organizations
- Society of Surgical Oncology
- American College of Surgeons
- Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association
- American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancy
Presentations
- Breaking bounderies: innovative approaches to metastatic gastric cancer with pressurized aerosolized chemotherapy and histotripsy, Gilda’s Club, 2025
- Cáncer de Páncreas: Ultimas tendencias en el tratamiento quirúrgico y sistemático” Congreso National de Ciruigia, 2024
- Avances en el tratamiento del cáncer gástrico con metástasis peritoneal, Congreso National de Ciruigia, 2024
- Impacto de protocol de recuperacion mejorada despues de gastrectomia para cancer, Congreso National de Ciruigia, 2024
- Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention. City of Ft. Lauderdale, 2024
- Gastric Cancer Surgery Potpourr. Debbie’s Dream Foundation Ask the Expert Cancer Symposium, 2023
- “Colorectal cancer awareness, screening, and treatment”. 3rd Annual Blue Hope 5 K, 2023
- Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Debbie’s Dream Webinar Series, 2021
- Telehealth in cancer care. Debbie’s Dream Webinar Series, 2021
- Colorectal cancer – treatment and prevention, Broward County Library, 2021
- Peritoneal surface malignancies. Memorial Physician Group CME Program, 2021
- “History of robotic surgery”. FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Medical History Interest Group, 2021
- “White coat ceremony”. Ross University School of Medicine, 2021
- “Pancreatic cancer”. Town Hall Physician Lecture Series, 2021
- “Pancreatic cancer”. Memorial Physician Group CME Program, 2020
- “Cancer prevention - Tips, Tricks and Data”. Broward College, 2020
- A chance to cute, a chance to cure - Modern Surgical Management of Gastric Cancer. Gilda’s Club, 2020
- Colon cancer. Break to Educate Series, 2020
- Robotic assisted pancreatic surgery. Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Symposium, 2020
- Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in the Management of GI Malignancies, Baptist Health International, 2019
- Pancreatic cancer: A review of its management and recent advances, Medical Association of the Bahamas (MAB) 45th Annual Scientific Conference, 2017
- Surgical management of gastric cancer, Baptist Health International, 2015
- The evolving role of robotic surgery in the management of gastrointestinal malignancies, Baptist Health International, 2014
- History of robotic surgery and its application in the management of gastrointestinal cancers, Baptist Hospital Cancer Support Group, 2012
- SILS hepatic cyst resection using the SPIDER surgical system. Strategic Laparoscopy for Improved Cosmesis Meeting, 2012
- Utilization and morbidity associated with routine placement of a feeding jejunostomy at the time of gastro-esophageal resection. The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract Annual Meeting, 2011
- Role of intraoperative radiation therapy in the management of locally recurrent rectal cancer. University of North Carolina, Department of General Surgery, Grand Rounds, 2011
- Role of interventional radiology in the postoperative management f patients after surgery for recurrent and locally advanced colorectal cancer. South Eastern Surgical Congress Annual meeting, 2011
- Oncologic outcomes following salvage resection with intraoperative electron radiation therapy in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer. American Society of Clinical Oncology:
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium, 2011. Society of Surgical Oncology 64th Annual Cancer Symposium, 2011
Colonic myotomy for restoration of rectal capacity following low anterior resection. American Society of Colorectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting, 2010
Awards
- Top Doctor Award, 2018
- Patients’ Choice Award, 2012
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine Medical Student Teaching Award, 2009
- Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons Outstanding Laparoscopy Resident Award, 2009
- Beth Israel medical Center Surgical Resident Scholarly Achievement Award, 2008
- Maimonides Medical Center Surgical Intern of the Year, 2005