AnorectalFistula near Hickory, NC

Biography: Dr. Eric Lance, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Lexington, NC. He is 53 years old and has been practicing for 27 years. Dr. Eric Lance, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center.

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: As a surgeon, I have been trained to help people by excising and repairing. However, as a surgical oncologist, the most important part of my job is to determine whether surgery will actually help someone. This is often a balance of risk and benefits, and is different for every person who has their own goals and risk tolerance. Surgery is often a crucial component of an attempt to cure many cancers; however, we are sometimes able to offer surgery to prolong life or improve quality of life, even in the absence of cure. \n I have wanted to be a surgeon for as long as I can remember. My father is a surgeon, which certainly helped inspire and guide my career as a surgical oncologist. I love surgical oncology because I get to build a long-term relationship with a patient. Each patient also may present his or her own unique presentation for which I can work with other oncologic specialties and the most recently published data to come up with a specific treatment plan. \n I have training in complex malignancies, offer minimally invasive/robotic surgery, and value open communication and joint decision-making with my patients. I attend multiple regional tumor boards each week and national conferences yearly. \n I graduated magna cum laude from Purdue University's honors program with Phi Beta Kappa honors. I moved on to Northwestern University in Chicago where I served as administrative chief general surgery resident during my general surgery training there. After completing specialty fellowship training at University of Tennessee, I traveled to Asheville with my wife and three children, where we can hike, and I can fly-fish.

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: Dr. Dipti Patel, MD is a Hospitalist who practices in Matthews, NC. She is 46 years old and has been practicing for 19 years. Dr. Dipti Patel, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center.