Dr. William Lois, Chairman, Surgery
Dr. William Lois, Chairman, Surgery

BronxCare’s Surgical Oncology team, led by Dr. William Lois, provides cutting edge care to oncology patients. The latest therapies, along with minimally invasive/ robotic techniques are utilized to provide the best patient outcomes. BronxCare’s board-certified surgeons specialize in the management of colorectal, gastroesophageal, breast, hepatobiliary, and soft tissue tumors, among other cancer-related areas.

The surgical team focuses on the entirety of the cancer process from diagnosis through completion of treatment. Surgical oncology cases are discussed with a diverse group of physicians across multiple specialties to ensure that the best care plan is achieved. The process allows patients to understand everything about their individualized treatment and have their questions and concerns addressed. “Our surgeons are supported by many other care teams all specifically focused and trained in providing the finest cancer care possible,” stated Dr. Lois.

Dr. Ajay Shah, Vice Chairman, Surgery.
Dr. Ajay Shah, Vice Chairman, Surgery.

Breast Surgery

Achieving Successful Outcomes for Breast Cancer through Early Detection and Treatment

Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, with the highest incidence rates occurring in women over the age of 40, as well as those with a family history. The good news is that today, with early detection and advances in the field, breast cancer can be treated successfully. In fact, 98 percent of women whose breast cancer is discovered in its earliest stages and treated appropriately, will lead full and healthy lives. The BronxCare Breast Care Program is achieving successful outcomes for our patients by providing advanced screening and diagnosis, as well as comprehensive, compassionate, and high quality care.

The Breast Care Program, under the direction of Dr. Ajay Shah, provides a comprehensive approach for breast disorders, especially cancer. Cancer treatment options include surgery; chemo, hormone, and radiation therapies; and reconstructive surgery. Surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, pathologists, nurses, and social workers are part of an expert team that understands the needs of women in the Bronx community. Due to its overwhelming success, the Breast Care Center will be recruiting additional breast surgeons.

Dr. Ramesh Babu, Director, Neurosurgery (center), performing Neurosurgical procedure. He is assisted by Neshama Fournier, Physician Assistant, and Victor Sanotsky, RN, Director, Perioperative Nursing.
Dr. Ramesh Babu, Director, Neurosurgery (center), performing Neurosurgical procedure. He is assisted by Neshama Fournier, Physician Assistant, and Victor Sanotsky, RN, Director, Perioperative Nursing.

Neurosurgery

BronxCare’s Neurosurgery team, under the leadership of Dr. Ramesh Babu, Director, Neurosurgery, is staffed with board-certified neurosurgeons performing advanced and highly specialized brain and spine surgery. Patients with serious trauma-related injuries, complex tumors, strokes, aneurysms, vascular malformations, and disc herniation, as well as degenerative spine and nerve disorders, among other conditions, are benefiting from its services. When it comes to brain and spine problems, early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment mean safer and better outcomes, which can resolve symptoms and result in significant improvements for patients.

Dr. Babu has extensive skull base surgery experience. He completed his residency at New York University and a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, as well as a fellowship at Krankenhaus Nordstadt, Hanover, Germany, and neurosurgical training in India. His specialties include cranial base surgery and microsurgery of the spinal cord.

At BronxCare, neurosurgeons work with primary physicians and neurologists, in addition to oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists, to develop a plan of action for the patient. When necessary, surgeries are performed and ongoing follow-up is conducted with primary physicians and staff, including needed physical therapy and rehabilitation. The Neurosurgery Team also depends on imaging technology, such as CT, MRI, and PET Scans, to provide a detailed map of the target area impacted and determine whether it can be addressed by a neurosurgical procedure. This includes tumors affecting the brain and pituitary gland. Tissue removed during surgery can also lead to a clear diagnosis that enables precise treatment.

In addition to Dr. Babu, the Neurosurgery team includes Dr. Simon Morr, a neurosurgeon dual-trained in neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery. He completed his education at the University of Buffalo and pursued neurosurgery at Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Morr focuses on providing comprehensive microscopic neurosurgical and reconstructive orthopedic spinal care, with an interest in conditions of the craniocervical junction and base of the skull.

Dr. John Morrison is another key member of the Neurosurgery team. He performs endoscopic spine surgery, spinal fusions, brain tumor/skull base surgery, cerebrovascular surgery, and peripheral nerve surgery. Dr. Morrison completed his residency at Brown University and the University of Buffalo, as well as pursued a fellowship at the University of Buffalo. Other specialized Neurosurgery team members include Dr. Murat Cosar, Dr. Jose Dominguez, Dr. John A. Grant, and Dr. Debra Petrucci."

“At BronxCare, the Neurosurgery Team is here to provide high quality, state-of-the-art surgical care, with precision, compassion, and success,” stated Dr. Babu.

Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic Surgery is being performed at the highest level by Dr. Brian Housman and Dr. Kimberly Song, board-certified thoracic surgeons. Both these surgeons have incorporated a minimally invasive approach for a variety of chest disorders, such as lung cancer.