Surgical Oncology

Overview

The specialists and staff of the Division of Surgical Oncology make it their mission to provide care to cancer patients that is truly conducive to healing, by applying the very latest treatments in a compassionate environment. They have access to all of the resources of the University of Rochester Medical Center—including the Wilmot Cancer Institute, one of the nation's leading cancer research facilities. This means your cancer can be treated with important new cancer-fighting medicines and technologies, often before they're available anywhere else, and you could be chosen to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials.

As part of a world-class medical center and academic institution, the UR Medicine Department of Surgery is dedicated to advancing excellence in health care. In a continued effort to provide our patients and their families with the highest level of care and service, we also have an unwavering commitment to education. In addition to providing our faculty members with continuing education programs to further their careers, we train the next generation of surgeons to become the healthcare leaders of the future. Our goal is to attract top national and international talent—and to become the place to train in the country.

Learn more about the Division of Surgical Oncology.

Division of Surgical Oncology

UR Medicine's Approach

The Importance of a Full-Service Program

Studies show that cancer patients treated by specialists have better outcomes. Each of our fellowship-trained surgeons specializes in a particular type of cancer. They also work with medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, nutritionists and other team members to ensure the best result for each patient. This comprehensive approach to cancer care offers you both a specialized understanding of specific diseases and multi-disciplinary care. We’re the only full-service oncology program in the region, so we can provide the best possible treatment tailored to the requirements of each individual patient.

What Sets Us Apart?

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone. We can help!

A diagnosis of cancer brings many challenges for patients and loved ones. It is common to feel overwhelmed by the amount of new information, the number of decisions to be made concerning treatment and care or where to go for assistance.

Wilmot Cancer Center’s Nurse Navigator service can help you and your family obtain the information, knowledge, support, and guidance needed to manage a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Knowing your options is the first step in cancer treatment.

Nurse Navigators at the Wilmot Cancer Institute are registered nurses with oncology expertise who work closely with new patient referrals:

Every patient has access to our nurse navigators free of charge.
The nurse navigators review your current needs and assess your medical history using extensive knowledge, specialized skills and sound clinical judgement to initiate a personalized experience at Wilmot.

Your navigator will:

Teach and reinforce information regarding your treatment
Explain medical terms and processes
Serve as a liaison to your multidisciplinary team and as an advocate for you and your family
Coordinate appointments before treatment begins
Ensure consistent communication between treatment teams during active treatment
Advocate for referrals for support services such as support groups, transportation, financial assistance and other concerns
Act as a central contact for patients and voice questions to your doctor and team
Plan for possible side effects and how to manage the symptoms
Provide psychological and emotional support

The UR Medicine Department of Surgery is a place where discoveries are made and the most complex and challenging diseases are cured. Our mission is not only to treat disease, but to also conduct innovative research that enables us to gain a greater understanding of the biological mechanisms of disease, identify new technologies for improved diagnostics and treatment and to develop novel surgical approaches. Patients who entrust us with their care can be confident knowing they have quick, convenient access to expert physicians, as well as the latest in treatment options and clinical trials.