Anorectal Fistula near Winston Salem, NC

Biography: Growing up, I loved science, and I always had a strong desire to study and treat cancer, so I could help people live comfortably and fulfilling lives. Today, I am able to do that in multiple ways through my work treating colorectal conditions, specializing in cancer care and minimally invasive surgical techniques, and through my work with the Novant Health Pelvic Health Center, where I treat benign colorectal and female pelvic health conditions. \n A key part of my approach to healthcare is to ensure that my patients feel knowledgeable about their condition. That understanding can give patients a crucial sense of control over what can feel like an uncontrollable situation, in the case of both colorectal and pelvic conditions. \n Colon cancer is the second most common cancer to die from, but every year, available treatments and outcomes improve. Here at Novant Health, I am a part of a team of leaders trained in minimally invasive colorectal surgery and advanced technology, such as the use of robotics. I have experience treating conditions such as rectal and colon cancer, Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids and more. We offer comprehensive treatment by working as a team. Through collaboration with my fellow physicians, we can give patients the high standard of care they deserve. I also value open communication with my patients so that I can best meet their unique needs. It is an honor to be a part of a field that is growing and seeing successful results. \n At the Pelvic Health Clinic, I work with women who have benign pelvic disorders or conditions. I have found that people do not often express their concerns about pelvic pain, or they just brush it off as a sign of aging. I aim to create a safe and dedicated space centered on open communication to make these topics less taboo and address any conditions that keep patients from living their most comfortable lives. At the clinic, I am part of a multidisciplinary team that works together to address any pelvic health condition with holistic treatments. \n Outside of the office or operating room, I have experience working on clinical trials for advanced surgical techniques and for improving quality of life. For my professional development, I am a member of the medical advisory board for the Colon Cancer Coalition and serve on committees with the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. \n In the community, I am a leader for the annual Get Your Rear in Gear races where participants raise money for colorectal screenings in underserved communities. I am married with two children, and, together, we enjoy traveling to the mountains, hiking and camping. I graduated from Wake Forest University, and you can always find me cheering on the Demon Deacons. And a fun fact about me is that I love playing the guitar - I was even in a band in college.

Biography: Dr. Robinson spent a significant amount of time focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor diseases during his fellowship. He chose colon and rectal surgery because it was focused enough for him to become very skilled yet broad enough to provide professional satisfaction. Dr. Robinson enjoys being able to offer both surgical and nonsurgical therapies, but he always tries to avoid surgery if there is a better, non operative option. While he dedicates much of his time to his patients and his practice, Dr. Robinson appreciates spending time with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, kayaking, vegetable gardening and barbecuing for family and friends.

Biography: As a surgeon, my father modeled a career in medicine my whole life. On a medical mission trip in college, I had the unique experience of assisting him in the operating room. That moment sparked my passion for medicine. Then, while I was in medical school, my family led me to the path I currently walk. My uncle, with whom I was very close, died from severe ulcerative colitis. Witnessing his suffering firsthand helped me hone my focus toward colorectal surgery. \n Today, I am board-certified in general surgery and colorectal surgery. For my professional development, I am also a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. \n Because my surgical career is so close to home for me, I think of each patient as a family member. Developing this close and trusting relationship helps me work with them individually to create the best treatment plan. Many of the conditions I treat are sensitive in nature, so as their provider, I place a strong emphasis on respect, privacy and understanding. \n Outside of the operating room, I am conducting research as part of a clinical trial evaluating new technologies for bowel surgeries. \n In my free time, I love swimming, reading, being an active member of my church and spending time with my family. Together, we love to go on runs, bike rides and nature walks.

Biography: Julio Reyes, MD, loves to see surgery make a radical change in a patient's life and formulate an intervention with measurable results. As a general surgeon, Dr. Reyes treats patients with a variety of conditions, but is especially interested in the treatment of hernias, biliary disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dr. Reyes is also passionate about minimally invasive surgery because of the benefit to patients, including less incisions and shorter recovery time. His goal is to provide remarkable care and getting patients back to their normal activities as quickly as possible. Outside of work, Dr. Reyes' family keeps him very busy. He and his wife spend most of their free time in after-school activities with their three children.

Biography: Dr. Philip Keith, MD is a Critical Care Medicine Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 46 years old. Dr. Philip Keith, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.

Biography: In the decade-plus that W. Scott Berger, MD, has been part of the medical field, he has built a very successful general surgery practice. He loves the variety of cases that general surgery provides but also likes the chance to delve deeper into certain types of surgeries. The areas Dr. Berger enjoys most are thyroid, parathyroid and gastric surgeries. Dr. Berger is dedicated to helping his patients find relief from disorders and discomforts so they can get back to a more enjoyable, active lifestyle. Outside of work, Dr. Berger enjoys staying active with his family. He plays soccer and coaches his children in soccer, baseball and softball.

Biography: Dr. Joel Deonanan, MD is a Vascular Surgery Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. He is 48 years old and has been practicing for 21 years. Dr. Joel Deonanan, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Biography: Even in my early teens, I knew I wanted to be a physician. I was fascinated by anatomy, loved science and was precise at dissection. Surgery was definitely my calling. \n Being the child of first-generation immigrants meant several messages were ingrained in my siblings and me. Our parents expected us to work hard, finish what we started, push to succeed and never complain. \n I had a wonderful mentor during my residency who shared with me his surgical mantra: "Treat every patient like they are your mother." I took it to heart and adopted it as my mantra, too. I believe this wholeheartedly and continue to operate with this thought in mind. \n When it comes to robotic surgery, I was an early adopter. I have performed more than 1,500 robotic procedures. I even test other surgeons on their robotics skills once they have completed training. In my role as a robotic proctor, I travel the country and evaluate and "sign off" on surgeons who have completed robotics training. \n I have founded two bariatric centers and built them into established Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence (BSCOE). The BSCOE designation helps patients identify surgeons who provide the safest and most effective treatments. The robotic center in High Point I founded was awarded the first robotic epicenter in North Carolina by the Intuitive Surgical group in 2019. \n I'm a member of the American Board of Surgery and SAGES (Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons) and am a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. \n My hobbies include coaching and helping with my kids' travel sports, playing golf and tennis, cooking, painting and woodworking. I most enjoy traveling - and just hanging out - with my wife.