Dr. James Church

Dr. James M. Church, MD, is an internationally respected colorectal surgeon renowned for his expertise in inherited gastrointestinal cancers and advanced minimally invasive techniques. Affiliated with Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Dr. Church brings decades of clinical and academic leadership to the field of colorectal surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Auckland in New Zealand and underwent surgical training at Auckland Hospital before completing a prestigious fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. Board-certified in colon and rectal surgery, he is a leading authority in treating complex colorectal diseases, particularly familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Lynch syndrome, rectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr. Church is recognized for his innovative surgical techniques, including laparoscopic colorectal surgery and transanal endoscopic microsurgery. He has made pivotal contributions to sphincter-preserving operations and has developed tailored strategies for hereditary cancer syndromes that focus on preserving quality of life. A prolific academic, he has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, multiple textbook chapters, and served in editorial roles for major surgical journals. His research has significantly shaped the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for hereditary colorectal cancers and continues to influence national and international guidelines.

In addition to his clinical and scholarly impact, Dr. Church is a passionate educator and mentor, having trained numerous colorectal surgeons through residency and fellowship programs. He remains actively involved in professional societies, including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons, where he contributes to policy and innovation in surgical practice. Through his unwavering dedication to patient care, education, and surgical advancement, Dr. Church stands as a transformative figure in colorectal cancer management and hereditary disease prevention.