Director, Minimally Invasive Surgery; Director, Resident and Medical Student Education, Gynecology Service
I am a board-certified gynecologic oncologist specializing in gynecologic cancer surgery. I have a special interest in minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) for the treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous diseases of the female reproductive system. My clinical expertise includes minimally invasive and general gynecologic surgery for cancers of the ovary, uterus, and cervix. I also have expertise in a surgical procedure (called radical trachelectomy) that can preserve fertility in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. For selected women with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, such as those with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer, we offer laparoscopic prophylactic oophorectomy, if they desire, to reduce their risk of the disease. Removal of pelvic lymph nodes is an important part of the surgical treatment of uterine and cervical cancers. For appropriate candidates I offer the option of performing Sentinel Lymph node mapping which may help us clarify if the tumor spread to lymph nodes. Obesity is common among patients with endometrial cancer. In selected cases, I collaborate closely with our plastic surgeons to perform reconstructive surgery and abdominoplasty/panniculectomy (procedures that remove the excess skin and underlying fat in the abdominal area) at the same time as surgery to remove the uterine tumor.
My clinical research focuses on surgical therapy of gynecologic cancers and innovative surgical approaches to treat gynecologic disorders. As Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery in MSKCC's Gynecology Service, I am actively involved in the development and improvement of laparoscopic techniques, and I participate in national clinical trials that involve the laparoscopic approach. I currently serve as a member of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Cervix Committee, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Emerging Surgical Technology and Education (CESTE), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Cervical Cancer Screening Panel, Endometrial Cancer and Uterine Sarcoma Panel, and Cervical Cancer Panel.
I spend two full days in the operating room each week. In addition, I see patients in the clinic twice a week at MSKCC's Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion on East 53rd Street (between Lexington & Third Avenues) in Manhattan.
Appointments for New Patients
646-497-9055
Phone
212-639-7051
Education
MD, American University of Beirut
Residencies
Greater Baltimore Medical Center
Fellowships
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Board Certifications
Obstetrics and Gynecology; Gynecologic Oncology
Clinical Expertise
Gynecologic Oncology; Cancers and Tumors of the Cervix, Uterus, Ovary, Vulva, and Vagina; Laparoscopic Surgery; Fertility-Sparing Surgery (Radical Trachelectomy); Prophylactic Laparoscopic Oophorectomy for High-Risk Patients
