Dr. Zane Cohen is Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto and former Surgeon-in-Chief at Mount Sinai Hospital. A pioneer in colorectal surgical techniques, he introduced continent ileostomy (Kock pouch) and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis procedures to Canada. Clinical innovations: Surgical management of ulcerative colitis Rectal cancer resection techniques Pelvic pouch reconstruction
Giorgio Franco is a Full Professor of Urology at Sapienza University of Rome, where he serves as Director of the Urology Department at Policlinico Umberto I hospital. He has held academic positions since 1988, progressing from Researcher to Associate Professor (2001-2021) and Full Professor (since 2021). His career spans clinical practice, research, and teaching across urology, with special expertise in robotic surgery, male infertility, andrology, and urological oncology. His research interests encompass robotic and laparoscopic urological surgery, male infertility treatments including micro-TESE procedures, penile prosthetics, prostate and bladder cancer diagnostics and management, and testicular tumor conservation techniques. He has pioneered techniques in testis-sparing surgery for small testicular masses and developed innovative approaches in penile curvature correction and urethral reconstruction. With over 142 indexed publications in Scopus, accumulating more than 2,942 citations and an h-index of 30, his recent work focuses on robotic partial nephrectomy techniques, contrast-enhanced ultrasound applications in bladder cancer detection, penile prosthesis outcomes, and diagnostic approaches for prostate cancer. His research demonstrates consistent innovation in minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based urological practice. Riconoscimento della Jordanian Society for Fertility and genetics (multiple years) Ambasciatore dell'Andrologia (2018) Miglior poster at EAU 2018 Copenhagen Premio 'Top-Andrology' (1999) President of the Italian Society of Andrology (2013-2016) As an educator, Professor Franco has coordinated integrated pathology courses, directed master's programs in robotic urological surgery, and supervised countless medical students and residents. His surgical expertise is evidenced by over 1,600 procedures as lead surgeon in the last five years, including complex robotic prostatectomies, nephrectomies, and penile prosthetic implants. He has organized more than 25 national and international congresses and courses throughout his career, significantly contributing to urological education and knowledge dissemination.
Matthew Philp, MD is a Professor of Clinical Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. He specializes in Colon and Rectal Surgery with clinical expertise in colon cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and various colorectal conditions. Education and Training: MD from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA Residency in General Surgery at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA Research and Clinical Interests: Dr. Philp focuses on surgical quality and outcomes in colorectal surgery. His clinical expertise spans colon and rectal cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, anorectal fistula, complex polypectomy, and sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer. He is particularly interested in office-based and surgical treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. His research emphasizes improving surgical quality metrics and tools for continuous improvement in colorectal procedures. Publications Trend: Dr. Philp's publications reflect his expertise in colorectal surgery with a focus on minimally invasive techniques, robotic approaches, inflammatory bowel disease management, and quality improvement in surgical care. His work appears in major surgical textbooks published by Springer, indicating recognition by his peers in the field. Awards and Honors: H. Taylor Caswell Chief Resident Teaching Award Alpha Omega Alpha (medical honor society) Top Doctors in Colon & Rectal Surgery by Philadelphia magazine (2018-2025) Professional Engagement: Dr. Philp is certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He is an active member of several professional organizations including the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal Surgeons, and Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. He has contributed media insights on colorectal conditions to HealthCentral, discussing topics like loop colostomies and differences between Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Clinical Practice: Dr. Philp sees patients at Temple Surgery, located at 3509 N. Broad Street, Boyer Pavilion, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19140. With a 4.8 out of 5 patient satisfaction rating based on 119 reviews, he is recognized for explaining things clearly, showing courtesy and respect, discussing treatment options, and overall care quality.
Fabrizio Luca, MD, is an Adjunct Professor in the Colorectal Division of the School of Medicine at Loma Linda University. His clinical and research work focuses on advancing robotic surgical techniques for colorectal cancer, with emphasis on nerve preservation, functional outcomes, and treatment standardization. He has contributed to multicenter studies establishing best practices in robotic total mesorectal excision. Research Focus: Dr. Luca's work spans robotic surgery optimization, colorectal cancer disparities, and treatment efficacy comparisons. Key areas include: Robotic surgical techniques for rectal cancer with nerve preservation Functional outcomes (sexual/urinary) post-surgery Health disparities in cancer presentation and care Comparative effectiveness of chemotherapy protocols Publication Trends: His recent articles (2014-2022) demonstrate consistent focus on refining robotic surgical approaches through multicenter collaborations. Earlier work established foundational techniques, while recent publications emphasize functional preservation, treatment personalization, and addressing healthcare inequities. Clinical trials and consensus guidelines feature prominently. Research Grants: Principal Investigator: Retrospective study on synthetic vs. biologic mesh for rectopexy procedures (LLU Dept. of Surgery, 2022) Co-Investigator: Prospective database for peritoneal recurrence risk in colon cancer (Penn State, 2024-2025)