Antonio Nathan Villamor III, M.D., colon and rectal surgeon, is now seeing patients at Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists-Pasadena and Pearland. Dr. Villamor discusses what he hopes to see regarding the development of robotic surgery and how it will benefit patients, and the most memorable place he's ever visited.
What do you enjoy most about colon and rectal surgery?
I appreciate colon and rectal surgery for the variety of disease processes and the exciting new technologies which allow us to perform major surgical procedures on patients and get them back home within a week.
What is one surgical advancement you hope to see in your time practicing medicine?
I hope to see further development of the robotic surgery platform, which minimizes the impact of surgery on patients and increases efficiency in the operating room. Ideally, these advancements will help patients get back to their normal routine quickly, as I believe a patient heals better at home.
If you could tell prospective patients one thing, what would it be?
I would tell them that my team and I will be there to take care of them and guide them every step of the way. Whether it's getting through complex cancer care or persistent anorectal problems, we will be there to help.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My family traveled to and from the Philippines quite a bit when I was a child, and I remember wanting to be a pilot. As a surgeon, I've developed a similar mindset as a pilot in the operating room. Instead of taking charge of a plane full of passengers flying to and from various locations, I lead my team through complex surgeries as we care for our patients.
Where is your favorite place you've ever visited?
I had the best time on my visit to Thailand. It was a memorable experience to indulge in the culture during the Songkran Water Festival, a multiple-day celebration of a new year, featuring the splashing of water which symbolizes washing away the old year and welcoming the new one. This ultimately culminated in entertaining, city-wide water fights in which we were welcomed to participate.
How do you unwind from a stressful day?
I've always enjoyed stories, whether they come in the form of books, movies, shows, podcasts, or video games. I like to binge-watch the latest Netflix hit, work out while listening to a podcast, or boot up the newest Bethesda game and craft my own story.
Do you prefer winter or summer?
I prefer summer. I grew up partly in the Philippines and some of my fondest memories are of the summer rain and all the sounds associated with it.