Texas Colon & Rectal Specialists–Texas Health Dallas Woodhill Medical Park is excited to welcome colon and rectal surgeon Stewart Whitney, M.D. Dr. Whitney discusses recent trends in colorectal cancer diagnoses and his approach to patient care.
What inspired you to specialize in colon and rectal surgery?
After starting my general surgery residency, I knew I wanted to be involved in oncologic surgery. Over the course of my training, I was exposed to the full breadth of colon and rectal surgery and developed an interest in treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other benign colon and rectal issues. This experience helped me realize I was passionate about treating a wide range of both benign and malignant issues, and I knew this was the field for me.
What is a surgical advancement you hope to see during your career?
While it can be hard to predict what technology is on the horizon, I hope to see advances in immunofluorescent technology that can bind to tumor cells and improve surgical precision during procedures. I also hope to see advances in single-port robotics to minimize incisions and impacts on patients.
Now that the colorectal screening age has dropped to 45, I hope to see more young patients regularly get screened for the disease."
What is a myth you’d like to dispel about colorectal cancer?
That it only occurs in people over 50. Every year, younger and younger patients are being diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in the U.S. Certain alarming symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, should not be taken lightly. Now that the colorectal screening age has dropped to 45, I hope to see more young patients regularly get screened for the disease.
If you could tell prospective patients one thing, what would it be?
My entire patient-care philosophy revolves around treating you, the patient, as if you were a member of my family. Honesty and empathy are at the forefront of my approach. If I think a certain plan is the path for you, I will tell you. If I think that surgical intervention or another form of treatment is unnecessary or not in your best interest, I will tell you.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
There are so many good options, but I think I would choose flight. The wind in your hair, the world at your fingertips – I think this would open the most doors.