John Ricci, MD, is the chief of colorectal surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, where he sees patients with cancer of the colon, rectum, and anus. He also treats noncancerous conditions such as colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, anal fissures and fistulas, and pelvic floor disorders. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgery and complex endoscopy. He is also director of a rectal cancer care program that brings the latest chemotherapy and radiation therapy regimens to patients. These treatments are often followed by close surveillance rather than surgery. “If the cancer does return, our doctors intervene early,” he says. Dr. Ricci earned his medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed his general surgery residency at NYU School of Medicine and his fellowship in colorectal surgery at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. “My father had colon cancer before I was born, so I grew up seeing him go to his surgeon for follow-up care,” he says. “This experience influenced my career path.” Multidisciplinary care is central to Dr. Ricci’s approach to his patients. He regularly works with pathologists, radiologists, gastroenterologists, gynecologic oncologists, urologic oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to create personalized, evidence-based treatment plans. He also values a hands-on approach to his work. “When I operate on somebody, I see the patient multiple times that day,” he says. “I then call patients at home to make sure they’re doing well.” Dr. Ricci is also assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgery, and a member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the New York Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Ricci values being able to guide people through a difficult time. “Even if the disease is benign, it can be embarrassing for people, so I work on making them feel comfortable,” he says. He also enjoys developing long-term relationships with patients. “Whether they have cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, I see people regularly for follow-up and have the opportunity of getting to know them over the years.”
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