2024: A Year of Excellence, Compassion, and Innovation in Care
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Meet Our Team
Emile Bacha, MD
Hiroo Takayama, MD, PhD
Michael Argenziano, MD
Mariano E. Brizzio, MD
Arnar Geirsson, MD
Isaac George, MD
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Job Title at The Company
Colorectal
Our Locations
New York, NY
Milstein Hospital Building
177 Fort Washington Avenue
7th Floor, Room 7-435
New York, NY 10032
Craig R. Smith, MD
Saqib Saeed, MD
Syed T. Raza, MD, FACS
Luigi Pirelli, MD, FACC
David Kalfa, MD, PhD
Yuji Kaku, MD
Henry M. Spotnitz, MD
Koji Takeda, MD, PhD
Our Cardiac Surgeons treat the full range of heart conditions and have high-level experience with all current and advanced cardiac procedures. To meet our team, call (212) 305-2633 or use our online request form to book an appointment today.
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the profound advancements, personal stories, and milestones that defined 2024. This year, we reaffirmed our commitment to pioneering care, fostering community, and inspiring the next generation of medical professionals. From groundbreaking surgeries to transformative education programs, our shared dedication to excellence and compassion continues to drive us forward.
Our heart team has locations across New York, Westchester, New Jersey, and the added convenience of virtual visits. We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your plan when you call to make your appointment.
White Plains, NY
ColumbiaDoctors
15 North Broadway, Suite C
White Plains, NY 10601
Goshen, NY
ColumbiaDoctors
1995 Route 17M
Goshen, NY 10924
Middletown, NY
Garnet Health Medical Center
707 East Main Street
Middletown , NY 10940
Jersey City, NJ
CarePoint Health
1 Journal Square Plaza
2nd Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Teaneck, NJ
New Office
Latest News
Why Robotics? Five Questions with Heart Surgeon Dr. Arnar Geirsson
Cardiac surgeon, Arnar Geirsson, MD, FACS, FAHA, is an expert in the robotic approach to mitral repair. We talked to him about why he’s passionate about robotic surgery and how he views robotic heart surgery now and in the future.
Saving Two Babies’ Lives With One Pioneering Approach to Heart Valve Transplant
In a first-of-its-kind “domino” transplant in infants, cardiac surgeons at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital performed a heart transplant in one baby, and then transplanted valves from her old heart into another infant — saving two lives and paving the way to save more.
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Telehealth/Virtual Visits
We offer convenient telehealth care via video visits with your provider in order to accommodate your schedule.
Columbia University’s Department of Surgery consists of physicians, researchers, and other health care professionals united in their mission to deliver the best surgical care possible.
Colorectal
#1 Heart Hospital in New York
As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian, we pride ourselves on being consistently named one of the top hospitals in the country.
#1 Heart Hospital in New York
As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian, we pride ourselves on being consistently named one of the top hospitals in the country.
#1 Heart Hospital in New York
As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian, we pride ourselves on being consistently named one of the top hospitals in the country.
Surgical Care Reaches New Heights
Advancing Robotic Surgery: A New Era
Robotic surgery at Columbia continues to transform the field of medicine, offering precision and innovation across multiple specialties. In a groundbreaking milestone, Columbia performed its first pediatric robotic heart surgery, demonstrating the potential of robotics to treat even the smallest and most complex patients.
“Robotic surgery is redefining what is possible in minimally invasive care,” says Arnar Geirsson, MD, head of Columbia’s Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program. “By reducing physiological stress and enabling faster recovery, we’re not just advancing technology—we’re improving lives.”
From cardiac and liver surgeries to bariatrics and hernia repair, Columbia’s expertise in robotics ensures that patients receive cutting-edge care. The program’s commitment to innovation reinforces its role as a leader in shaping the future of surgery.
Catherine McManus, MD, is revolutionizing surgical education with a new OR assessment tool designed to set clear expectations and provide real-time feedback. This mobile-friendly, six-item survey helps medical students gauge their performance in areas like anatomy, professionalism, and patient knowledge while receiving immediate input from faculty or residents.
“By blending clear expectations with on-the-spot feedback, we’re helping students build confidence and clarity from day one,” says Dr. McManus. With plans to expand its use across institutions, the tool is poised to standardize surgical training and enhance the learning experience for the next generation of physicians.
Transforming Surgical Training with Innovation
Can AI Step Up to the Medical Challenge?
Strength in Every Story
Shanise’s Journey as a New Mom
After severe postpartum discomfort, Shanise needed complex treatment of a combined hernia repair and abdominoplasty. With a personalized approach, surgery restored her health, confidence, and joy as a new mom.
The robotic cardiac surgery team stands together with Michael R LaLonde, MHA, PA-C, Director of the Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program; Arnar Geirsson, MD, Director of the Surgical Heart Valve Program, and Craig R. Smith, MD, Chairman of the Department of Surgery, in the middle from left to right.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, and we’re exploring its potential in healthcare with the new “Dr. AI” video series. We put ChatGPT to the test, answering real medical questions posed by surgeons who rate its responses for accuracy, reliability, and thoughtfulness.
“Dr. AI” isn’t just about AI—it’s about sparking dialogue on the future of medicine and technology. Episodes tackle a range of topics, from thyroid cancer to weight-loss medications, offering insights into how AI could complement surgical expertise.
Follow Columbia Surgery on Instagram to catch bi-weekly episodes and be part of the conversation shaping the future of healthcare.
Weight Loss Surgery Today: A State of the Union
"Technology is revolutionizing surgery, and GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy are game changers," says Abraham Krikhely, MD, Chief of Minimal Access/Bariatric Surgery. While these medications offer a non-surgical option to combat obesity, they come with limitations, including cost and the potential for weight regain once treatment stops.
"Bariatric surgery remains the most effective long-term solution," Dr. Krikhely notes. Advances like robotic surgery and hormonal interventions continue to refine outcomes. "Each tool has its place—medications, surgery, and endoscopic procedures together expand treatment options and improve quality of life for patients."
Save the Date: IG LIVE on Ozempic
Stay tuned for a live Instagram chat with our Weight Loss Experts in January, 2025!
Transforming How We Treat Our Tiniest Patients
We are advancing the science of pediatric transplantation with bold efforts in xenotransplantation—the use of genetically modified pig organs to address the critical shortage of baby-sized hearts for infants with severe heart disease.
By modifying pig organs to lower the risk of rejection, researchers like Megan Sykes, MD, and Andrew Goldstone, MD, PhD are working to ensure that life-saving options will soon be available for the youngest patients. Backed by groundbreaking research and collaborative efforts between clinicians and researchers, Columbia is poised to lead the field in pediatric cardiac xenotransplantation, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in neonatal care.
For Thyroid Nodules, New Non-Surgical Ablation Techniques Continue to Lead the Way
Thyroid nodules are so common that 65 percent of people will have one in their lifetime. For the past four years, Jennifer Kuo, MD, has led Columbia's Interventional Endocrinology Program, pioneering non-surgical techniques like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation. These methods allow patients to avoid surgery while effectively treating benign and cancerous thyroid nodules.
"Our goal is to provide patients with the best, least invasive treatment options," says Dr. Kuo. "With new techniques like microwave ablation, we’re improving outcomes and expanding access to care." Columbia remains at the forefront of these advancements, training teams all over the world, and offering a range of innovative treatments tailored to individual patient needs.
Bridging Borders to Improve Care
Kieran Kelly’s Journey with a Rare Tumor
After nearly two years with a growing 59-pound tumor, NYC carriage driver Kieran found life-saving surgical oncology care—and now he’s back in the box seat doing what he loves.
Mary Ann Returns to the Spotlight After Two Cancer Diagnoses
After facing leukemia and lung cancer, actress Mary Ann reclaimed her passion for the stage with the help of her expert care team, or “Earth angels,” as she calls them.
La’Nayah’s Triumph Over Osteosarcoma
At just 13, competitive swimmer La’Nayah overcame a rare bone cancer with a groundbreaking surgery that preserved her leg—and she's back in the pool, cancer-free.
Transforming Medical Care Amid a Migration Crisis
Surgical resident Alexandra Sansosti, MD, used one of her research years to address the critical medical needs of migrants arriving on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. With support from a Fulbright grant, Dr. Sansosti has helped implement new protocols to triage pregnant women, manage chemical burns, and diagnose rare conditions like methemoglobinemia. Her work highlights the challenges and resilience of Lampedusa’s medical teams, whose efforts have improved both migrant care and access to local healthcare.
“This humanitarian crisis demands more than promises—it needs action,” says Dr. Sansosti, who hopes to expand these initiatives into global models for care.
The Modern Surgical Mission Starts Local
Through research training and a commitment to publishing local surgeon-led studies, SHARE is shaping a new paradigm for global surgical missions.
Improving Community Health Where It’s Needed Most
In partnership with Bank of America, Columbia launched the Community Health Initiative to address systemic inequities in healthcare and enhance community engagement.
Innovating for Tomorrow
Transforming Breast Cancer Care: New Insights from the I-SPY Trial
The I-SPY trial continues to revolutionize breast cancer treatment by refining approaches to lymph node surgery, immunology, and radiation. Roshni Rao, MD, Chief of Breast Surgery at Columbia, highlights a major breakthrough: the ability to safely minimize lymph node removal using clipped node techniques.
“This reduces complications like lymphedema while effectively targeting the cancer,” explains Dr. Rao. The trial’s findings are paving the way for more personalized care, including the potential to safely reduce radiation in patients who respond well to therapy, marking another leap forward in improving outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer patients.
CU-HERE: Inspiring the Next Generation
Through hands-on experiences in clinics, ORs, and labs, CU-HERE is shaping future leaders in medicine—like Emmanuel, a former participant now studying to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
In a groundbreaking study, Columbia’s Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery openly shared technical adverse events in aortic root replacement, sparking praise for an important act of visibility across the surgical community.
Publishing Adverse Surgical Outcomes
Care Within Reach
Excellence Expands to New Local Regions
“Delivering quality care within reach remains at the forefront of our mission,” says Craig Smith, MD. This year, more than 45 Columbia Surgery physicians were recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors, featured in New York Magazine’s annual list of the best in healthcare. This honor highlights the peer-nominated excellence and dedication of Columbia’s surgeons across a wide range of specialties, from abdominal organ transplantation to vascular surgery.
As Columbia Surgery continues its mission to provide exceptional care, the expansion of services into New Jersey and Westchester ensures that even more communities will benefit from world-class expertise. These new offices are set to increase access to top-tier surgical care while upholding Columbia’s tradition of innovation and patient-centered treatment.
Columbia Surgery is proud to announce the opening of its new surgical outpatient location in Teaneck, New Jersey, at Glenpointe. This state-of-the-art facility expands access to top-tier care for New Jersey residents, offering expert evaluations, second opinions, and comprehensive follow-ups in a convenient location.
Columbia’s Cosmetic Surgery Program has established a dedicated center in Westchester, directly across from NYP Westchester. This state-of-the-art facility allows patients to access expert care in facial rejuvenation, breast and body contouring, and non-surgical procedures, all delivered with the excellence and innovation of our world-class plastic surgeons.
Care in New Jersey
Care in Westchester
Columbia Launches Global Center for Integrated Colorectal Surgery & IBD Interventional Endoscopy
This year, we unveiled the Global Center for Integrated Colorectal Surgery & IBD Interventional Endoscopy, a pioneering initiative for treating severe colorectal conditions and surgery-related complications.
Led by colorectal surgeon Pokala Ravi Kiran, MD, and IBD interventional gastroenterologist Bo Shen, MD, the center focuses on preserving patients' quality of life through innovative, life-altering treatments. “Our mentality is different from most surgical practices,” says Dr. Kiran. “We make thoughtful decisions to ensure that quality of life is maintained, even for the most complex cases.”
40 Years of ECMO: Transforming Care for the Most Vulnerable
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Columbia’s groundbreaking use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to save lives. First pioneered by pediatric surgeon Charles Stolar, MD, and his team in the 80s, ECMO revolutionized care in infants for conditions like congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), turning a diagnosis with nearly 100 percent mortality into a survivable condition for most patients.
“ECMO has fundamentally changed how we approach care for the sickest patients,” reflects Dr. Stolar. The advancements made at Columbia have not only improved neonatal outcomes but also expanded ECMO's life-saving applications across adult respiratory and cardiac care worldwide. Today, we remain at the forefront, refining ECMO technology and extending access to regional and global communities.
Dr. AI: I have a diagnosis of breast cancer. Should I get genetic testing? with breast surgeon, Dr. Roshni Rao
Kieran Kelly poses with one of his horses in Central Park.
Mary Ann Conk reclaims her life and passion for acting after battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lung cancer.
The plastic surgery team poses together at the hospital in Kigali, Rwanda.
Migrants arriving at the port of Lampedusa. Photo by Alexandra Sansosti
Columbia leads research in xenotransplantation, offering hope for pediatric patients.
The original ECMO cart used by Dr. Charles Stolar and Dr. Peter Dillon.
The 2024 cohort of students stands in front of the "In The Heights" mural with program director Dr. Lisa Wiechmann.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Pokala Kiran, Dr. James Church, Dr. Bo Shen.
