Nathaniel Ng, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, colon and rectal surgeon, is now seeing patients at Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center. Dr. Ng discusses the legacy he would like to leave as a surgeon and how he spends his time outside of work.
What inspired you to specialize in colon and rectal surgery?
During high school, I considered becoming an engineer. As I learned more about the field, I was captivated by what was possible in the early days of robotic surgery, and I decided to pursue medicine instead. As a resident, I witnessed firsthand the excellent patient outcomes that result from the use of robotic surgery in colorectal cancer treatment, including shortened hospital stays, decreased pain, and the ability to undergo complex procedures in a minimally invasive fashion.
I pursued a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery to provide my patients with these same positive outcomes.
In addition to treating patients who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, I chose this field to contribute to colorectal cancer prevention through colonoscopy. My skill set also allows me to help patients with benign diseases of the anus, such as hemorrhoids and fissures, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
What are you most looking forward to as cancer treatment continues to evolve?
I am looking forward to the day when every patient will be able to receive personalized, genetically tailored cancer treatment.
What would you like your legacy as a physician to be?
I would like my patients and their families to remember me as a surgeon that took the time to speak with them and guide them through their entire treatment journey. I would like my staff to remember me as a surgeon that valued them. Lastly, I would like my fellow physicians to remember me as a surgeon they would trust to care for them if they needed it.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy spending your time doing?
I enjoy mountain biking, trying new restaurants and cuisines, and serving the community through my church. I also like traveling to places with unique geographic features.
What are you regularly tuning into right now (e.g., podcast, tv show, music, book, etc.)?
Recently, I’ve been watching The Mandalorian on Disney+.
What was your first job before medicine?
My first job was an administrative assistant for a high school summer engineering program for underserved students.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life what would it be?
I would eat Chinese barbeque pork on jasmine rice with baby bok choy.