Advanced Colorectal Cancer Care—Leading Central Maryland

P. Jeffrey Ferris, MD, FACS, FASCARS

P. Jeffrey Ferris, MD, FACS, FASCRS, board certified in both general surgery and colorectal surgery, has been caring for patients at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center for more than a decade. He completed a colorectal residency at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. He also completed a general surgery residency at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

A specialist in colon and rectal surgery, Dr. Ferris has extensive experience treating a wide range of disorders using traditional as well as minimally invasive techniques. He is one of a handful of surgeons in the region certified to perform general and colorectal robotic surgery.

Among Dr. Ferris' clinical interests are colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's Disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, hernias, ulcerative colitis, and other intestinal problems.

Dr. Ferris is chief of colorectal surgery and general surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Ferris is actively involved in teaching surgical and medical residents in Maryland. When he is not practicing medicine, Dr. Ferris enjoys spending time on his family's farm in Kent County on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

P. Jeffrey Ferris, MD, was named a "Top Doc" for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 by Baltimore Magazine for colorectal surgery.

David Lisle, MD

David Lisle, MD is a colorectal surgeon with specialized interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques. He earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine and then went on to complete a general surgery residency program at Columbia University—New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he served as Chief Surgery Resident for Robotic Surgery. Prior to joining MedStar Franklin Square’s team, he pursued a colorectal surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Florida, learning novel, advanced laparoscopic techniques.

Dr. Lisle has served in numerous leadership and teaching roles throughout his training experience and has also contributed to several medical research projects focused on protocols and best practices relative to complex colorectal surgery cases.

Caitlin Moore, PA-C

Caitlin Moore, PA-C, is a physician assistant at MedStar Health’s Center for Digestive Disease, located at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. In this role, she provides collaborative and integrated care for patients both pre- and post-operatively. She supports the Center’s colorectal surgery team in streamlining care and optimizing outcomes for patients treated in the outpatient clinic as well as for those admitted to the hospital for treatment of complex surgical issues. Additionally, Caitlin serves as the rectal cancer program coordinator.

As a clinician, Caitlin has served as a physician assistant with focus on various medical specialties. Most recently, she worked as part of the hospitalist service at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis and at UAB Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama. Earlier in her career, she worked at Texas Children’s Hospital in both the department of pediatric orthopedic surgery and pediatric urgent care. She also worked alongside her lifelong mentor, Jeffrey Y. Lee, MD, at his practice in Houston, Texas.

Caitlin earned a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from Union College in Schenectady, New York, as well as a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Philosophy of Care:
“It is a privilege to work with this team of colorectal surgeons and to be recognized as an integral part of the team. I enjoy specialty care; I have opportunities every day to collaborate with the physicians, residents, and other members of the team who are committed to making a positive difference for our patients.”

Sherief Shawki, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Sherief Shawki, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a double board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, specializing in advanced surgical care for complex colorectal diseases.

Dr. Shawki treats diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus, such as primary and recurrent colon and rectal cancer, ileal pouch and continent ileostomy (Koch Pouch / BCIR), corrective surgery for leaks and fistulas, and re-do ileal pouch surgery. He performs both open and minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, and trans-anal procedures (TAMIS & taTME), tailoring treatment to individual patients’ needs.

Known for treating every patient as a family member, Dr. Shawki takes the time to get to know his patients and their specific health goals, autonomy, and lifestyle before offering personalized surgical options. His approach prioritizes patient education and shared decision-making for optimal health outcomes.

Before joining MedStar Health, Dr. Shawki served as a consultant at the Mayo Clinic and previously at the Cleveland Clinic. Deeply committed to advancing surgical care through education and research, he conducts and participates in various studies and serves as a reviewer for many prominent journals.

Dr. Shawki completed his medical education, residency, and Master's degree at Suez Canal University in Egypt. He completed a second residency in general surgery, followed by a colon & rectal surgery fellowship, at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio.

Vinay Gupta, MD, FACS

Vinay Gupta, MD, is a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist who practices at MedStar Health. He specializes in the treatment of colon and rectum, pancreas, liver, stomach, and breast cancers, as well as soft tissue sarcomas and melanoma. Recognized as one of the most experienced surgical oncologists in the region, he has been named a “Top Doctor” by Baltimore magazine six times.

Dr. Gupta sees patients at both MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. He is part of a multidisciplinary team of oncology experts who meet regularly to review patient cases, analyze imaging, and partner to develop plan of care recommendations that are believed to result in the best possible clinical outcomes. These collaborations are especially important to Dr. Gupta, whose patients often do not experience concerning symptoms at the onset of disease, and as a result, are sometimes not diagnosed until later stages.

Dr. Gupta earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland. He went on to complete his general surgery residency at the Medical College of Georgia, followed by a fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Today, he serves as cancer liaison physician for the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Additionally, he teaches and mentors future surgeons as Associate Program Director of the general surgery residency program at MedStar Health Baltimore.

Philosophy of Care:
“Cancer is a very personal disease. But it’s part of why I love being a surgical oncologist. Performing surgery is a big part of what I do, but equally important is that I give my patients hope. Our team helps each patient decide which way to go from a treatment standpoint, and then we navigate them through, applying holistic approaches to care and applying the latest science to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Ed McCarron, MD, FACS

Edward McCarron, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon in surgical oncology. An integral part of the oncology team at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Cancer Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, Dr. McCarron treats a wide range of cancers using some of the most advanced surgical technologies available. He specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies, melanoma, and endocrine disorders.

Kevin Chen, MD

Kevin Chen, MD, is a medical oncologist at MedStar Health who specializes in the treatment of all types of cancers. The most common conditions he addresses are gastrointestinal cancers such as colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and pancreatic cancer. He also has expertise with lung cancer, prostate cancer, and kidney cancer.

Dr. Chen works to develop a customized plan of care for each cancer patient he sees, with collaboration from MedStar Health’s multidisciplinary team of physicians and providers. The plan of care developed for each patient accounts for the type and stage of cancer diagnosed, as well as the patient’s overall health and other diagnosed conditions that can be impacted during the course of cancer care. He advocates strongly for the use of immunotherapy, a major advancement in the delivery of cancer care that has proven to be more effective and less toxic than some alternative treatment regimes. In many cases, Dr. Chen recommends a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy to help his patients achieve the best possible clinical results.

Dr. Chen is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. After earning his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College, he went on to complete residency training at Rush University Medical Center and fellowship training at Washington University/Barnes Jewish Hospital.

Philosophy of Care:
“I chose to become an oncologist because of the opportunities it provides for meaningful patient interaction. As a medical oncologist, I get to work with people who are experiencing immense struggles, but who often come through stronger than they ever imagined possible. I am inspired by my patients, their strength, courage, and determination, every day.”

Pragnan Kancharla, MD

Pragnan Kancharla, MD, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who practices at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus. Experienced in treating all types of cancer, he specializes in cancers of the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, as well as head and neck cancers, sarcoma, and melanoma. His clinical interests include lung and esophageal cancer, central nervous system, and genitourinary malignancies. He values the role of collaboration in optimizing the care of patients and is dedicated to providing the best care possible.

Dr. Kancharla is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. He is also the editor of the HemeOncBuddy app, which is designed to provide a quick reference of clinical trials and landmark articles in the field of hematology and oncology. In addition, he has been published in multiple peer-reviewed publications and has presented at numerous medical meetings. He earned his medical degree at the NRI Medical College, in Guntur, India, and completed his residency in internal medicine at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, in New York, followed by a fellowship in hematology/oncology, at Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh.

Philosophy of Care:
“My approach is team-based and patient-centered. Communication is key and I strive to make sure patients and their families understand their treatment options, as well as the potential benefits and risks to make educated decisions. My goal is to treat the patient and not just the illness.”

Brian Ramnaraign, MD

Brian Ramnaraign, MD, is board-certified in hematology, medical oncology, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine who practices at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. His areas of expertise include treating all types of cancers, with a particular focus on bladder, kidney, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancers such as colorectal and pancreas. He is dedicated to developing personalized treatment plans for older patients diagnosed with cancer, many of whom have complex medical histories and other comorbidities.

As a seasoned investigator, Dr. Ramnaraign is committed to improving cancer treatments through numerous clinical trials. His ongoing research is centered on genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers, with a strong interest in exploring the role of targeted therapies and immunotherapies to provide personalized treatments for individuals with advanced cancers.

Philosophy of Care:
“Cancer care has made significant strides, and we are now able to offer more effective, personalized therapies. I take a multidisciplinary approach to treatment planning and believe that the best outcomes are achieved by partnering with patients and their families throughout the process.”

Katherine Chen, MD

Katherine Chen, MD, is a radiation oncologist who practices at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center and MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus. A specialist in the use of numerous radiation therapy modalities including external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and volumetric arc therapy (VMAT), Dr. Chen also performs advanced stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy using systems such as CyberKnife®, which makes it possible to treat inoperable or surgically difficult tumors safely and painlessly without an incision.

Dr. Chen is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology and the American College of Radiology. She has been published in multiple peer-reviewed publications and presented at numerous national and international medical meetings. Her interests include quality of life outcomes after cancer treatment, as well as individualized palliative care for advanced or metastatic disease. She earned her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed her residency in radiation oncology at the University of California in San Francisco.

Philosophy of Care:
“I feel it is such a privilege to be able to help guide patients through some of their most vulnerable moments. The process of going through radiation therapy is unfamiliar to most people, so I try to communicate all aspects of treatment as clearly as possible. My goal is to listen to, think about, and care for each person as if they were a member of my own family. I think every individual should feel empowered to make the medical decisions that are right for them so they can live the life they want to live.”

Paul Fowler, MD

Paul Fowler, MD, serves as chief of radiation oncology at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. He has devoted his entire career to MedStar Health and its continued evolution of radiation oncology services, with a goal to help every patient diagnosed with cancer optimize their chances for survival. Dr. Fowler treats a wide range of cancers and in tandem serves as the lead physician planner for hospital Tumor Board meetings. Additionally, he is also an investigator for several clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Fowler is board certified in radiation oncology by the American Board of Radiology. Repeatedly recognized as a Top Doctor by Baltimore magazine, he approaches cancer care holistically, taking the time to know each patient and their family, and guide them on their very personal journey toward survivorship. At the same time, Dr. Fowler advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, and makes collaboration with other oncologists, nurses, therapists, radiologists, pathologists, and support staff a key priority in his day-to-day work. Additionally, he is skilled in the use of the latest radiation oncology technologies, including Halcyon, a state-of-the-art linear accelerator. MedStar Good Samaritan was the first hospital in the state of Maryland, and the second in the country, to acquire this innovative treatment technology.

Dr. Fowler is a member of the American College of Radiation Oncology, the American College of Radiology, and the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology.

Philosophy of Care:
“Radiation oncologists get to build intense relationships with our patients because we are seeing them every day for a period of several weeks. I love having the opportunity to really get to know my patients and build bonds with them. I am also fortunate to be part of a team that has worked together at MedStar Health for a very long time. We share a common goal to provide the best possible care, so that we will see the possible outcomes, for every patient. My mother was diagnosed with lymphoma when I was in medical school, and I learned so much through her experience and treatment process. It made me realize this is what I was meant to do.”

Stephen Ronson, MD

Stephen Ronson, MD, serves as medical director of radiation oncology at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. Working in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of oncology experts, he specializes in the delivery of localized, highly targeted radiation treatments for patients diagnosed with a wide range of cancers. Dr. Ronson is skilled in the use of CyberKnife®, a state-of-the-art technology that optimizes radiation treatment that can be used for many patients diagnosed with brain, lung, pancreatic, liver, bone, and prostate cancers. He also offers Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), HDR Brachytherapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). Through MedStar Health’s clinical affiliation with Georgetown University, Dr. Ronson encourages patients who are eligible to participate in clinical trials, as a way of accessing the latest treatments available in the landscape of cancer care. He demonstrates a passion for helping his patients fight cancer every day.

Philosophy of Care:
“When I first meet with someone in consultation, I like to get to know them as a person, and not just a patient. It helps guide how we make treatment decisions. It also helps me understand how to educate patients and their families. What is most fulfilling about my work is having patients come back in for follow-up appointments–two, five, and ten years into remission. They are cancer free and tell me about their lives and families. That is what I find most rewarding.”

Emily Kuchinsky, MS, LCGC

A genetic counselor is a crucial team member for colorectal cancer because they help identify hereditary risks, guide genetic testing, and provide personalized screening and prevention strategies. They assess family history to determine if a patient has a genetic mutation, such as Lynch syndrome, which increases colorectal cancer risk. Emily’s expertise helps patients and families make informed decisions about treatment, surveillance, and risk-reducing options, ultimately improving early detection and prevention efforts.

Philosophy of Care:
“Knowledge is power. Although hearing your family is at high risk for cancer can be stressful, having this information enables the family to be proactive and provides opportunity for early detection as well as prevention of cancer.”

Virginia Andreasik, BSN, RN

Virginia Andreasik, BSN, RN, has extensive experience guiding patients through their cancer care. As a nurse navigator, she is here to support you and be your advocate during every step of your cancer journey. Nurse Andreasik helps patients with a variety of topics, including understanding their treatment options, managing symptoms, and even identifying community resources. Working closely with the other members of your care team, she is here to ensure you receive high-quality, personalized care.

Philosophy of Care:
“Cancer can be a scary diagnosis. I truly enjoy working with patients and guiding them through the medical maze to ensure they get the best care possible.”