A new Colorectal Surgery Institute at Methodist Hospital opened this month on the sixth floor of the medical building at 301 Huntington Drive (Suite 618). The medical specialists there strive to provide world-class treatment for diseases of the colon and rectum. Their comprehensive team approach to patient care includes coordination of care with medical and radiation oncologists as needed for colorectal cancer treatment.
Providing advanced care for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal diseases, the institute’s surgeons and other healthcare professionals are highly skilled in leading-edge treatment for colorectal cancer and other conditions, including polyps and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, as well as a variety of other conditions. “The decision to open the Institute was based on the desire to bring research, education and clinical care focusing on colorectal diseases to one of Southern California’s most respected community hospitals,” said Dan Ausman, hospital president and CEO. “Our patients with colorectal disease now have access to highly advanced diagnostic and treatment options, provided in a caring, compassionate environment by a team of healthcare specialists.” Medical experts practicing at the institute are Dr. Robert Beart, MD, Petar Vukasin, MD, and AnaMaria Garza, MD. Together, the three surgeons and a full team of other professionals now provide leading-edge treatment options in a caring and compassionate environment adjacent to the hospital’s facilities. These board-certified surgeons are pioneers in their field who have developed innovative surgical techniques to address an array of colon and rectal diseases and conditions. Narine Kharikyan, RN, is the institute manager. For appointments, call 626-898-8547.
Robert W. Beart, MD, Colorectal Surgery Institute Medical Director Internationally renowned for his research and advancement of treatment for colorectal disease, Dr. Robert W. Beart is board-certified and recertified in general and colorectal surgery. Throughout nearly 40 years of practice and research, he pioneered many innovations, including the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, the development of laparoscopic colon surgery and the advancement of complex rectal cancer care. Dr. Beart worked at the Mayo Clinic from 1976 to 1992. In the early 1990s, he established the USC Center for Colorectal Diseases at USC University Hospital and USC/Norris Cancer Center. A 1971 graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Beart completed his surgical internship, residencies and fellowship training at the University of Colorado and the Mayo Clinic. His research interests include continence preservation, colostomy avoidance and the management of recurrent colorectal cancer.
Petar Vukasin, MD Board-certified in colorectal surgery, Dr. Petar Vukasin has specialized in the medical practice and research of the field for 20 years. With experience in research, teaching and medical practice, Dr. Vukasin brings his patients highly specialized care for colorectal diseases. A 1990 graduate of USC Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Vukasin completed his internship and residency in general surgery and fellowship training in colorectal surgery at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center. Included among his research interests are HIV-associated anorectal disorders.
AnaMaria Garza, MD Dr. AnaMaria Garza is board-certified in general and colorectal surgery. A 2001 graduate of USC Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Garza completed her internship and residency at USC, her research fellowship at John Wayne Cancer Institute and her fellowship training in colorectal surgery at USC Medical Center. Her specialized training in colorectal surgery allows her to extend the latest, most advanced techniques and research availabilities to the surgical care of her patients. In addition to her work at the Colorectal Surgery Institute, Dr. Garza is committed to her interest in women’s colorectal health and the prevention of colorectal cancer by actively participating in and lecturing at community organizations and meetings.
Moshe Barnajian, MD Dr. Moshe Barnajian is board-certified in general surgery and board-eligible in colon and rectal surgery. His specialized training in colorectal surgery allows him to provide advanced solutions for his patients. A 2007 graduate of Drexel University College of Medicine, Dr. Barnajian completed his internship and residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and his fellowship training in colorectal surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital. His research interests include minimally invasive surgeries such as advanced laparoscopy and trans-anal excision as well as sphincter preservation and complex anorectal cases.
As our community continues to change and grow, Methodist Hospital is working diligently to remain a provider of outstanding clinical services, and to remain a leader in Southern California healthcare. The opening of our GYN Oncology Institute enables Methodist Hospital to enhance the services we offer and reaffirms our commitment to providing high-quality care to the greater San Gabriel Valley.