Nicholas Alexander La Gamma, MD

Description

Nicolas La Gamma, MD, is a colorectal surgeon at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He treats colon, rectal and anal cancers, diverticulitis, familial polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colon polyps, rectal prolapse, anal fistulas and fissures, anorectal abscess and hemorrhoids.Dr. La Gamma was born into a career in medicine. "My father is a physician. My uncles and my cousins are physicians." He chose a career in colorectal surgery because it's a highly technical field that can provide a durable cure for many patients. "Even colon cancers, especially when caught early, are curable, " he says.In addition to specializing in minimally invasive, advanced endoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, Dr. La Gamma values providing patients with a supportive environment in which to receive their care. "People often don't want to address diseases of the colon and rectum because of the sensitive nature of the topic, " he says. "I try to ensure that my patients feel comfortable with me and that we have a good interpersonal relationship."After earning his medical degree at New York Medical College, Dr. La Gamma completed a general surgery residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He then participated in a research year in the Minimally Invasive New Technology program at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at North Shore University Hospital.Dr. La Gamma works with a team of specialists to create personalized, high-quality treatment plans for patients. They include pathologists, imaging experts, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and gastroenterologists, depending on the condition.In addition to his clinical work, Dr. La Gamma is an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and associate program director of the colon and rectal surgery fellowship at North Shore University Hospital. He is board-certified in both general surgery and colon and rectal surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.For Dr. La Gamma, the best part of his job is applying his skill set to help people. "I'm privileged to have the opportunity to alleviate colon and rectal conditions with surgery, " he says. "I believe very strongly in this profession and caring for others."