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Dr. Christina Sanders and Dr. Joe Mills join Marlee Tuskes on WIVB's Evening Dish. Dr. Sanders goes in depth on a new bariatric surgery of which she was the first female surgeon in the U.S. to perform. Followed by Dr. Mills diving into all things colorectal cancer, discussing the importance of screenings and symptoms look out for.

Dr. Christina Sanders, DO, MBA, CAQ-MBS, DABOM has achieved a historic milestone in metabolic and bariatric surgery by becoming the first female surgeon in the United States to perform the Magnetic Duodenal Ileostomy (MagDI™) procedure. Dr. Sanders successfully performed the first MagDI™ procedures in October 2025 at Erie County Medical Center, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive weight-loss treatment. The MagDI™ procedure represents a next-generation approach to bariatric intervention, utilizing FDA approved magnetic compression technology to create a controlled gastrointestinal anastomosis without the need for traditional surgical stapling or suturing. The procedure is performed by having the patient swallow a specialized magnet, which is then guided to a specific location with the gastrointestinal tract and joined with another magnet inserted via an endoscope. The paired magnets gradually approximate tissue, allowing a natural anastomosis to form overtime with reduced operative trauma. This innovative technique allows for a less invasive procedure with the potential for improved safety, faster recovery, and durable metabolic outcomes. This milestone underscores the shared mission of the University at Buffalo and Erie County Medical Center to advance healthcare through innovation, education, and research, while expanding access to state-of-the-art treatments for obesity and metabolic disease. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanders, please call 716) 565-3990.

We’re proud to share that several UBMD Surgery physicians have been named to Buffalo Spree Magazine’s 2026 Top Doctors of Western New York  list 🎉—an honor that reflects the respect and confidence of their peers across the region. Buffalo Spree’s Top Doctors list is researched and produced by Professional Research Services (PRS) , a nationally recognized firm based in Troy, Michigan. Physicians included on the list are nominated and selected solely through peer voting . Certified doctors in Erie and Niagara counties were invited to participate in a comprehensive survey, casting votes across 75 medical specialties. Hundreds of responses were collected, and the physicians receiving the highest number of votes in each specialty were independently fact-checked with New York State and their respective practices. Importantly, doctors cannot pay to be selected or profiled—recognition is based entirely on professional reputation and peer endorsement. The following UBMD Surgery physicians were included on the 2026 list: Timothy M. Adams, MD Steven M. Barone, MD Jeffrey W. Berndtson, MD Raphael Blochle, MD John L. Butsch, MD Mark A. Falvo, MD P. Ben Ham, III, MD Linda M. Harris, MD Sikandar Z. Khan, MD Thom R. Loree, MD Jessica L. Martinolich, MD Brittany, Montross, MD Joseph D. Mills, MD Molly E. Moore, MD Ajay N. Panchal, MD Alan R. Posner, MD Stuti J. Tambar, MD Jeffrey J. Visco, MD Congratulations to our physicians on this well-deserved recognition. Their inclusion highlights the exceptional surgical care, expertise, and dedication they provide to patients throughout Western New York.

Who should get screened for lung cancer? The American Cancer Society  recommends lung cancer screening for individuals who: Are current or former smokers Are between 50 and 79 years old Have a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history Join us for our Lung Cancer Screening Event  this Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at these Kaleida Health locations:   Buffalo General Medical Center 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203  716-859-2840   Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital 1540 Maple Road, Williamsville, NY 14221  716-568-6400  Olean Medical Group 535 Main Street, Olean, NY 14760  716-376-2242   Please note: A doctor’s order and insurance card are required. Financial assistance may be available—call for details. Take charge of your health—schedule your screening today!

Stuti Tambar, MD, breast surgeon for UBMD Surgery and Roseanne Berger, MD, physician for UBMD Primary Care, recently appeared on Daytime Buffalo for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The two talked about the process and impact of mammograms in the hopes of dispelling misconceptions and fears and to encourage women to schedule their screenings. Women should start mammogram screenings on a yearly basis starting at the age of 40. Those with a family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations that predispose them to cancer should start their screenings earlier at age 30. To schedule an appointment with breast surgeon, Dr. Stuti Tambar, please call 716-859-1168. Watch the whole interview below-

Thousands of New Yorkers waiting for an organ transplant now have a greater chance at receiving a lifesaving match thanks to new legislation signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The Helping Equal Access to Registration for Transplants (HEART) Act (S.7151-A) , which takes effect immediately, repeals the state’s prohibition on patients enrolling with multiple transplant programs. Previously, patients were restricted to joining a single transplant center’s waiting list - a limitation that often reduced their odds of finding a suitable donor organ. With the HEART Act now in place, New Yorkers can register with multiple programs, significantly improving their access to potential matches. According to Donate Life New York State , the new law could reduce mortality rates among those waiting for transplants by as much as 20 percent . A driving force behind this historic change was Dr. Liise Kayler , transplant surgeon and passionate advocate for equity in organ transplantation. Dr. Kayler first raised awareness of the issue during a statewide meeting of all New York transplant centers, where she spoke about the unfairness of the state’s ban preventing patients from registering with multiple centers. She highlighted how the policy created a disparity- patients with private insurance could travel out of state and join additional waitlists, while those on Medicaid could not. Her advocacy caught the attention of Aisha Tator , Executive Director of Donate Life New York State, and together they partnered with Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes  to craft and champion the HEART Act. After meeting with lawmakers in Albany, the bill passed both chambers of the legislature and went on to the desk of Governor Kathy Hochul  to be officially signed into law. For Assembly Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes , the cause was also deeply personal, her late daughter was a transplant recipient. “The thousands of New Yorkers in need of a life-saving organ transplant deserve every opportunity to find a match,” said Peoples-Stokes. “The HEART Act will reduce wait times, establish a more just and equitable transplant system, and make it easier to save the lives of our family members, friends, and neighbors.” The need for donors remains urgent. In 2021 alone, approximately 450 New Yorkers died waiting for a transplant , and the state continues to rank third highest in the nation  for organ donor need. With the HEART Act now law, advocates, physicians, and families alike are hopeful that more lives will be saved through greater access, fairness, and opportunity in New York’s organ transplant system.

Buffalo, NY — October 2025  — The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo recently hosted the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Flexible Endoscopy Course for Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellows , bringing together 60 surgical trainees from across the country for a focused, hands-on educational experience in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The course, part of SAGES’ ongoing national training series, is designed to strengthen fellows’ technical skills in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy while reinforcing the organization’s mission to innovate, educate, and collaborate to improve patient care . Over the course of the program, fellows participated in didactic sessions, simulation-based learning, and mentored skills labs  led by experienced faculty. Through a combination of lecture and practice, participants gained confidence and competency in core endoscopic procedures such as upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and polypectomy. Hosting the course at the Jacobs School aligned closely with the goals of the school’s new Comprehensive Flexible Endoscopy Fellowship , which emphasizes a high volume of endoscopic procedures and innovative surgical techniques. The collaboration with SAGES provided fellows with access to state-of-the-art training facilities, expert mentorship, and a curriculum that integrates seamlessly into their clinical education. “Courses like this are invaluable for preparing the next generation of surgeons,” said Eleanor Fung, MD, Endoscopy Fellowship Program Director, “The hands-on, focused approach allows fellows to develop skills they can apply immediately in patient care.” SAGES’ Flexible Endoscopy Course continues to play a key role in preparing surgical fellows nationwide to incorporate endoscopic techniques into their practices—enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the field of minimally invasive surgery. For more information about SAGES and its educational initiatives, visit www.sages.org .

The summer heat couldn't keep our incredible team away from an afternoon of fun, food, and friendly competition at our recent surgical practice summer party! This year, we celebrated our hard work and dedication at the newly renovated Transit Lanes, and what a fantastic time it was! It was wonderful to see our operating room and hospital staff, alongside our dedicated administrative team, all come together outside of the usual clinical setting. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as everyone arrived, ready to relax and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Forget scalpels and schedules for a few hours – the focus shifted to bowling balls and strikes! Lanes were filled with laughter and cheers (and maybe a few good-natured groans at gutter balls!), as colleagues from different departments teamed up and went head-to-head in the spirit of fun. The newly renovated Transit Lanes provided the perfect backdrop for our gathering. The modern and inviting space added to the festive atmosphere, making it an even more enjoyable experience for everyone. More than just an afternoon of bowling and food, this summer party was a chance to celebrate the incredible teamwork and dedication that defines our surgical practice. It's the collaboration between our OR staff, hospital team, and administrative professionals that allows us to provide the best possible care for our patients here in Buffalo and beyond. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us and made the party such a success! We're already looking forward to the next opportunity to connect and celebrate our amazing team.

The Department of Surgery at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of our 2025 graduating class of general surgery residents! This exceptional group of individuals has dedicated the past 5-7 years to rigorous training, unwavering commitment, and the pursuit of surgical excellence. They have honed their skills, expanded their knowledge, and demonstrated the resilience necessary to excel in the demanding field of general surgery. As they embark on the next chapter of their careers, we recognize the diverse paths they have chosen, reflecting their individual passions and expertise. We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to each of them: Briana DiGiore  will be pursuing a fellowship in Surgical Critical Care / Acute Care at UC San Diego. Her dedication to the most critically ill and injured patients will undoubtedly make a significant impact. Holly Johnson  will remain at the University at Buffalo to complete a fellowship in Flexible Endoscopy. Her commitment to advancing minimally invasive techniques will benefit countless patients. Caitlin McGee  will also be staying at the University at Buffalo to specialize in Bariatric Surgery through a fellowship. Her focus on helping patients improve their health and quality of life is commendable. Fernanda Maria Nunez De La Vega  will be joining UBMD Surgery as a Surgery Attending in private practice. We are thrilled to have her join our faculty and serve the Western New York community. Joe Pollichemi  will continue his training with a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University at Buffalo. His dedication to this critical subspecialty will ensure exceptional care for our region's most vulnerable patients. Carrie Ryan  will be advancing her expertise through a Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Ohio State University Medical Center. Her commitment to the fight against cancer is truly inspiring. Rebecca Scott  will be pursuing a fellowship in Vascular Surgery at Michigan State University. Her focus on the intricate world of blood vessels will be invaluable to her future patients. Kevin Todd  will be heading to Baylor College of Medicine for a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship. His pursuit of excellence in this demanding field is a testament to his dedication. Kathryn Zelenova  will be specializing in Hand Surgery through a fellowship at the University of Miami. Her focus on restoring function and improving the lives of patients with hand and upper extremity conditions is admirable. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of each of these graduates. They represent the future of surgery, and we are confident they will make significant contributions to their respective fields and the lives of their patients. The faculty and staff of the Department of Surgery at the University at Buffalo wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

Breast Surgeon, Dr. Stuti Tambar and Dr. Roseanne Berger from UBMD Primary Care joined WIVB's Daytime Buffalo to talk about breast cancer screening for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.

Dr. Stuti Tambar is a breast surgical oncologist with UBMD Surgery, General Physician, PC and Kaleida Health. She's leading part of a national clinical trial in Buffalo to see if radial ablation — laser technology that burns tumors — can cure cancer getting rid of the need for surgery. "These are procedures that I do in my office under local anesthesia. Patients are completely awake. It's a 15-minute procedure, and their tumor is at least in theory burned, and they no longer need surgery," Dr. Tambar said. Right now, this is only for women with non-aggressive breast cancer and small tumors. "It would be revolutionary, to be honest, because right now, all breast cancer patients are recommended to undergo surgery, and there are many women who are not able to undergo surgery because of age, because of other medical diagnoses, or for any reason that they're not able to undergo surgery, and these women are put on palliative treatment, medications to basically live with their cancer," Dr. Tambar said. Dr. Tambar will monitor the women for a few years to see if the cancer comes back and compare that data to the outcomes for patients who just have surgery. "They're excited, I mean, right now we are doing a trial where patients, after having their tumor radial ablated, they still need surgery to prove that their cancer was actually entirely killed from this treatment, but once this takes over and is cleared by the national agencies, we're able to offer this as the primary and only treatment, and remove the need for surgery afterwards," Dr. Tambar said. They are still looking for more women to be in the trial. Tumors have to be less than a centimeter-and-a-half and non-aggressive. People interested in this trial can contact the office of clinical research at 716-529-6470.

Beyond the Knife: Exploring Social Justice and Health Equity The University at Buffalo Department of Surgery is proud to present the 5th Annual Beyond the Knife Lecture in Social Justice and Health Equity. This annual endowed lecture provides a platform to discuss critical issues at the intersection of healthcare and social justice. Event Details Date:  Thursday, February 27, 2025 Time:  5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Location:  M&T Lecture Hall, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Keynote Speaker:  David Ansell, MD, MPH, the Michael E Kelly Presidential Professor of Internal Medicine and Senior Vice President/Associate Provost for Community Health Equity at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.  Attend In-Person or Virtually For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link will be provided.