Columbia University Weight Loss Surgery

I am a pediatric oncologist who specializes in caring for children with solid tumors, especially neuroblastoma, Wilms' and other kidney tumors, and liver tumors such hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. I serve as chief of the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. I treat children of all ages, from infants to young adults. Some of the cancers I treat are rare (liver tumors account for one to two percent of childhood cancers), but they can be very complex and require a multidisciplinary approach so patients have the best outcomes. I enjoy working as part of a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, child life specialists, and other dedicated professionals who care deeply about our patients and provide care with compassion and comfort. I also conduct basic science research. The latest advances in tumor genetics and the design of innovative therapies make this a very exciting time for cancer research. My team and I have done extensive research on the genetics of hepatoblastoma. We have developed mouse models of this disease and are entering a new phase where we are offering a personalized/precision medicine approach to children with this disease. We are also identifying novel genes that specifically target neuroblastoma—information that may be used to create targeted therapies.

Melvin P. Rosenwasser, MD, has expertise in orthopaedic hand, elbow, and trauma surgery, which makes him a unique specialist because he can accommodate any traumatic orthopaedic extremity problem as well as arthritic and congenital anomalies of the upper extremity. Dr. Rosenwasser has been co-principal investigator on numerous NIH grants and awards and has authored many book chapters and peer-reviewed articles on surgery of the upper extremity as well as trauma-related surgery for both upper and lower extremities. He presents scientific lectures on his specialty both here and abroad. Dr. Rosenwasser has also served as Chairman of many national and local hand and trauma conferences. Dr. Rosenwasser has been recognized in New York Magazines "Best Doctors in New York" Hall of Fame. Dr. Rosenwasser is also the hand consultant for the New York Yankees.

Diane George, MD cares for children and adolescents undergoing stem cell transplantation as a treatment for cancer (particularly leukemia and lymphoma), noncancerous blood disorders (like sickle cell anemia), and immunodeficiencies. She specializes in transplantation for patients who don't have a related bone marrow donor, and also takes care of patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation for solid tumors. Dr. George was originally attracted to the field of pediatric oncology because she wanted to take on the challenge of fighting pediatric cancer, and stem cell transplantation offers the ultimate cure in select patients. It is a complex medical field, and Dr. George enjoys being able to take care of children with complex medical conditions. Dr. George also conducts clinical research. She is currently evaluating a procedure called "CD34-selected stem cell transplantation" to remove T-cells from donor bone marrow. This approach reduces the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) - a potential complication of bone marrow transplantation in which T-cells from the donor attack the tissue of the recipient. This approach benefits patients who do not have a well-matched family donor, and it could potentially make bone marrow transplantation an option for more patients. Dr. George is also interested in studying how a patient's immune system rebuilds itself after CD34-selected stem cell transplantation. At NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, every member of a child's healthcare team shares the same compassion and dedication to helping them get well. Dr. George looks forward each day to the camaraderie, intellectual stimulation, and problem-solving she shares with fellow team members. After being in the field for more than 20 years, Dr. George uses the knowledge and experience she has gained to benefit patients and their families.