No one wants to hear a diagnosis of colorectal cancer and believe us, no doctor wants to give one either. But if this is something you are forced to face, it’s critical to find a doctor who can answer your questions about which treatment option is best for you, how surgery and treatment will affect your life and whether you will have to travel far from home to receive these lifesaving treatments.
Fortunately, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center has assembled a team of experts who work together to answer your questions, explain your options, personalize your treatment and oversee your individual case. And now you have one more formidable talent on your team, with the appointment of Dr. Anna Serur as Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Dr. Serur, is the newest expert in the field of minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques combined with 3D imaging at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center.
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people ages 50 and older. Because there are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer in its early stages, regular screenings are crucial. With March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we checked in with Dr. Serur to hear more about her expertise and how she juggles being a busy, working mom.
Can you tell us a little more about yourself and what it's like being a mom of 5?
I’ve always dreamed of being a doctor, and after I moved to the U.S. from Russia that dream turned into a reality. For the past 11 years, I’ve lived in Englewood with my husband and four of our five children, who attend Solomon Schechter Day School; our oldest lives in Wisconsin. Of my five children, only my 7-year-old wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
What was your main motivation for wanting to enter the medical field and focus on this specialty?
I get great satisfaction from helping others. I treat a wide variety of problems that can affect people’s quality of life. Surgery is a specialty where you can help patients immediately, so that is very fulfilling. I also like that every day is different.
How do you find a good balance between being a mom and juggling a demanding career? What's your secret?
There are no secrets. If one is determined to make it work then you make it happen. But it requires flexibility. My husband is very involved and he, and my kids, are very supportive. They have always and continue to understand that when someone gets sick and needs me, I have to go.
We are extremely amazed by all of your accomplishments and expertise in robotics. Can you share more insight into this and how this has helped/is helping others? How has this helped you do your job more effectively?
Robotic surgery enables us to do even the most complex surgeries using a minimally invasive approach. It allows my patients to return to what they love to do much quicker.
Is there a particular moment in your career that was most impactful and affected you personally and professionally that you can share with us?
Every time a patient is cured after surgery and can now return to their life, family, and job, is a special moment for me.
With Dr. Serur and the rest of the multidisciplinary team at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, you will have the benefit of top quality care by distinguished leaders in their fields, ensuring that you receive the individualized care, state-of-the-art technologies, treatment plans and follow-up monitoring.. As a mother, professional and a community leader – Dr. Serur understands that you can’t let cancer stop you even if it temporarily slows you down. She is committed to healing your body, mind and spirit by combining her skill with empathy, her expertise with compassion and her knowledge with practicality.
350 Engle Street, Englewood
201-894-3000
