Dr. James Church

Dr. James Church is an internationally regarded colorectal surgeon whose career spans leadership, innovation and mentorship in the management of hereditary intestinal cancers. After early training in New Zealand and fellowship in the United States, he shaped one of the most respected colorectal units in the Midwest before accepting a professorship in Manhattan. His current post at Columbia Surgery allows him to integrate surgical skill with genomic insight, advancing care for individuals and families carrying high‑risk gene variants.

Grounding his practice in evidence, he spearheaded research consortia that track outcomes across continents, illuminating how biology and environment interact over a lifetime to influence tumor behavior. As director of hereditary cancer research at Columbia, he channels these findings into personalized operative plans that balance oncologic safety with quality of life, drawing referrals from across the globe.

Equally committed to education, Dr. Church mentors fellows, chairs international symposia and shares practical pearls through publications and multimedia resources. His philosophy centers on compassionate partnership with patients, ensuring that complex decisions around screening, surgery and surveillance are made with clarity and respect.