MUSC Health GI Surgery at Ashley River Tower

Dr. T Karl Byrne led the way in weight loss surgery in South Carolina, with the first bariatric program in 1992. Long before bariatric surgery was a household term, Dr. Byrne was helping patients struggling with obesity to change their lifestyles. Fast forward 25 years, and Dr. Byrne, his partner Dr. Rana Pullatt, and the team at MUSC are still leading the way with innovative procedures \&- MUSC is the only South Carolina center performing biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (called 'duodenal switch' or DS for short), robotic bariatric surgery, and one of only two centers in South Carolina with accreditation to perform surgery on adolescents by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). After surgical training in his native Ireland, Byrne completed a research fellowship and surgical residency at the Medical College of Virginia. Through years at MUSC and more than 5,000 bariatric surgeries, Dr. Byrne has assembled a robust team and program with the most experienced bariatric advanced practice practitioners, registered dietitians, psychologists, and experts in all areas of bariatric practice at the state-of-the art Ashley River Tower building. In addition to the gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch, Dr. Byrne and Dr. Pullatt perform complex revisional surgery on patients from other programs. Surgery is only the first step in a total lifestyle transformation; the interdisciplinary team who provides first class aftercare for weight loss surgery patients is critical to our patient's long term weight maintenance. For more information about the weight loss surgery program visit our website

Dr. Cyrus Feizpour is a colon and rectal surgeon who provides expert care for patients with conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus, including colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, rectal prolapse, and other colorectal issues. He uses minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques whenever possible, helping patients recover faster and return to their daily lives. Dr. Feizpour takes the time to listen to each patient, explain treatment options clearly, and create a care plan tailored to their needs. He is especially committed to caring for patients from underserved communities, ensuring everyone has access to high-quality colorectal care. Dr. Feizpour earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed his general surgery residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. During residency, he spent two years in research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, studying ways to improve patient care and surgical outcomes. He then completed fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, one of the nation's busiest colorectal centers. Dr. Feizpour is board-certified in general surgery and board-eligible in colon and rectal surgery. He is an active member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons, and his research has been presented at national meetings. He is passionate about teaching and mentoring future surgeons, sharing his experience in complex colorectal care. He finds it rewarding to help trainees develop both surgical skills and the ability to make thoughtful, patient- centered decisions. Outside of medicine, Dr. Feizpour is a lifelong Dallas Mavericks fan and enjoys staying active through tennis and basketball, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Virgilio V. George, M.D. is a colorectal surgeon in Charleston, S.C. His primary academic and clinical focus is in the field of colorectal surgery including benign and malignant disease. Dr. George is recognized for his excellence in colorectal surgery both nationally and internationally. His clinical interests cover the range of inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, colon and rectal cancer, benign anorectal disease with special interest in minimal invasive colon and rectal procedures, and transanal endoscopy microsurgery for rectal tumors. Dr. George leads the multidisciplinary team at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, which recently earned a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), recognizing the center's commitment to providing the best possible care for patients with the disease. Hollings is one of only 22 centers in the country to earn the accreditation and is the first in South Carolina, further highlighting the center as a national leader in treating cancers of the digestive system. Dr. George is developing successful programs in minimally invasive colorectal surgery. This includes collaborations with the division of gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine for inflammatory bowel disease and with the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center to provide specialty surgery services in colorectal surgeries to include robotic surgical techniques. Not only has Dr. George been a very active and creative surgeon, but his research accomplishments have been many. His research interests include a very strong focus in the area of oncology, with scientific interests including work in the basic sciences, specifically in the areas of signal transduction through the application in translational research in certain cancers, including therapy and pharmacogenetics work that has led to multiple publications in the topic of single-site colectomies demonstrating the safety and benefits to the patient. He has studied and performed the most single-site colectomies in the country. He participates in multiple genetic cancer studies as well as American College of Surgeon Oncology Group (ACOSOG) studies focused on laparoscopic versus open colon resection for cancer patients. Dr. George trained as a medical doctor in Venezuela where he attended the Universidad Centroccidental "Lisandro Alvarado" School of Medicine. In 2001, Dr. George moved to the United States to complete a residency program in general surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine. During that time, he developed a special interest in the treatment of colorectal diseases through surgical intervention and in 2006 he completed a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery under Dr. James Fleshman at Washington University in St. Louis Missouri.

Mary Kate Bryant, M.D., MSCR, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon in the Division of Foregut \& Metabolic Surgery. Her clinical interests include bariatric surgery and hernia surgery as well as the treatment of benign esophageal disorders including anti-reflux surgery for patients suffering with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Dr. Bryant is a strong advocate for patient education and seeks to lessen anxieties around metabolic and foregut surgery. She strives to provide outstanding and compassionate care to patients and their families. She has a specific interest in helping bariatric patients access the care they need. Dr. Bryant provides comprehensive care for bariatric patients and performs both laparoscopic and robotic surgery as well as therapeutic surgical endoscopy. She holds a dual appointment at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC. Dr. Bryant received her undergraduate degree at the University of South Alabama, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She received her medical degree at the University of Alabama School of Medicine before moving to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for general surgery residency. During her residency training, she completed a Master of Science degree in Clinical Research at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and won several research awards for her work. After residency, she completed the Advanced Gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship program at the University of Washington in Seattle, where she worked side-by-side with internationally recognized surgeons in minimally invasive surgery and held a position as an acting clinical instructor in the Department of Surgery. Dr. Bryant's research focuses on quality improvement and access to bariatric surgery with the goal of improving patient outcomes. She is also interested in how variations of surgical treatment affect patient outcomes and the impact of shared decision making between patients and surgeons on hernia and foregut surgery. She is the author of dozens of publications in peer-reviewed journals, and her research has been presented at many regional and national meetings. Dr. Bryant is actively involved in several national surgical societies including the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and American Medical Women's Association.

Dr. Cole is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, with clinical expertise in abdominal wall reconstruction and complex hernia repair, benign foregut surgery, and bariatric surgery. A Charleston native, Dr. Cole earned a bachelor's degree from Clemson University before returning home to complete medical school and a general surgery residency at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). During residency he won multiple awards for leadership and education, and served as the Administrative Chief Resident during his final year. Following residency, Dr. Cole completed a one year fellowship in Advanced GI and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where specialized expertise was developed in complex abdominal wall reconstruction, foregut surgery, and bariatric procedures. Dr. Cole is committed to providing patient-centered, evidence-based surgical care tailored to each individual's goals and needs. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Cole has a strong interest in clinical outcomes research, with a particular focus on abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia surgery. Research efforts are aimed at improving surgical quality, patient outcomes, and advancing evidence-based approaches to complex hernia care. Dr. Cole is also committed to surgical education, and is excited to work with and help train surgical residents. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Cole enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids. He is an avid Clemson football fan. He is excited to return to the Charleston community that shaped both a personal and professional journey, and values building lasting relationships with patients and their families.

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Curran received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and subsequently his medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. He completed general surgery residency and research fellowship at the Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston during which time he received a masters of public health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. From there he pursued a year of specialty fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery at the University of Minnesota before joining the faculty at the Medical University of South Carolina.His clinical interests include benign anorectal conditions, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), and colon and rectal cancer with a particular focus on minimally invasive and robotic surgical procedures. His research program focuses on comparative effectiveness and quality improvement in colon and rectal surgery. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications and is active in multiple national surgical societies related to colon and rectal surgery.

Rana C. Pullatt, M.D. FACS, FASMBS, Diplomate in Obesity Medicine, is a professor of surgery and serves as the clinical director of bariatric and robotic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina. He specializes in reoperative foregut and bariatric surgery. He performed the first laparoscopic duodenal switch and the first single anastomosis duodenal switch in South Carolina. He specializes in robotic inguinal, ventral hernia, and incisional hernia. He was one of the first in the country to perform robotic inguinal hernias and has presented extensively about the same. He also runs one of the few structured robotic surgery training programs incorporated into the General Surgery Residency Program, which offers Robotic Surgery Certification for general surgery residents at the Medical University of South Carolina.Dr. Pullatt serves as the director of bariatric surgery for VISN-7 at the Ralph H Johnson VAMC where he offers bariatric surgery for veterans from South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. He is the president of the Carolinas Chapter of the ASMBS. He is the co-chair of the International Committee of the ASMBS and also serves as a member of the Clinical Issues Committee of the ASMBS and the Patient Safety Committee of IFSO.

Maggie Westfal, M.D., MPH, is a fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeon specializing in both benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. Clinically she is interested in colon, rectal, and anal cancer as well as benign anorectal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and rectal prolapse. From a surgical perspective, Dr. Westfal has been trained in all techniques of colon and rectal surgery but is specifically interested in minimally invasive and robotic approaches. She enjoys working with her patients to make joint patient-physician care decisions while also utilizing multi-disciplinary care teams to aid in these decisions. Dr. Westfal earned her medical degree and Master of Public Health degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. She remained in Boston for general surgery residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital where she spent three years performing clinical outcomes research and implementing the research skills that she acquired during her public health studies. Her research interests include early onset colorectal cancer, including patients with both hereditary and non-hereditary disease. She completed her training in colon and rectal surgery at Barnes Jewish Hospital/Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Westfal is a member of several surgical societies, including the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Her research has been presented at several national meetings for these and other societies. She led several trainee wellbeing councils throughout her training and remains passionate about improving the well-being of trainees across all specialties. Outside of work, Dr. Westfal enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She was a former two-sport varsity athlete at Yale University and enjoys following both the women's soccer and ice hockey teams. A life-long east coaster, she enjoys vacationing at the beach. When time permits, she loves to bake and enjoys making chocolate chip cookies and chocolate chip banana bread for friends and family.

Dr. Alexander Booth is a specialist in colorectal surgery. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Virginia. He then completed his general surgery residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. After residency, he went on to advanced fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery at Cook County Health in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Booth cares for adult patients with conditions involving the colon, rectum, and anus. He treats malignant and benign problems including colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor disease, and anorectal diseases such as hemorrhoids, fissures, and fistulas. He works closely with colleagues in other specialties including gastroenterology, urology, and gynecology to provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary care for patients with colorectal problems. Whenever possible, he uses minimally invasive surgical approaches including robotic surgery to promote faster patient recoveries. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, a quick surf at Folly Beach here and there, and an occasional round of golf.

Douglas Cassidy, MD is a fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon who specializes in laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic techniques for hernia and benign foregut surgery. He has clinical interests in abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia surgery as well as foregut surgery, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), paraesophageal and hiatal hernias, achalasia, and gastroparesis. Dr. Cassidy enjoys working with his patients and collaborating with multi-disciplinary care teams, including gastroenterologists, metabolic and bariatric surgeons, nutritionists and medical weight loss specialists, and plastic surgeons to provide optimal patient care and develop joint patient-physician care decisions for hernia and foregut patients alike. His research interests include surgical simulation and resident education, and he serves as the Director of Surgical Simulation for the MUSC surgical residency. He earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and was selected to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honor society. He completed his general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), including a two-year Surgical Education and Simulation Research Fellowship where he published on surgical education and won teaching and mentorship awards from both Harvard Medical School and MGH. He then went on to complete a fellowship in Advanced GI and Foregut Minimally Invasive Surgery at Barnes Jewish Hospital / Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Cassidy is an active member of several surgical societies, including the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the Association of Surgical Education (ASE), the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS), and the Fellowship Council (FC). Outside of his work, Dr. Cassidy is a former ice hockey player and active triathlete and enjoys spending his time with his wife and two children.