Frances A. Collichio, MD

After finishing college, I enrolled in pharmacy school. I spent a summer working with the abdominal transplant team in Detroit, Michigan. My first experience in the operating room (OR) was watching a kidney transplant. I found it remarkable the impact that the surgeon and the team had on this individuals’ life. That specific moment inspired me to enroll in medical school and eventually surgery. Seeing a surgeon is a stressful time in someone’s life. Being a part of an individual’s journey is truly a privilege and I take this responsibility seriously. In many instances, I will see a patient for many years, long beyond their initial surgery. As such, it is important to me to get to know my patients and their families and to be available to them throughout their journey. I enjoy all aspects of colorectal surgery. My specific interests include inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and diverticulitis. When I am not with patients, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I especially enjoy travelling, seeing new places and new cultures. I enjoy being outdoors and hiking.

I am a urologist who specializes in taking care of patients with genitourinary cancers and runs a translational research lab. With the various treatment options available for patients with urologic cancers, I enjoy working with patients to identify the treatment choice that optimizes both their cancer outcome and personal goals. My research focuses on using genomic analysis of bladder and kidney tumors to learn more about alterations in the tumor and surrounding cells to improve treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

I am a breast surgical oncologist who specializes in the surgical management and treatment of breast cancer. I have specialized training in oncoplastic surgery including lumpectomy with tissue rearrangement, mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy and axillary procedures. I am interested in preventing lymphedema (arm swelling) during cancer treatment with the axillary reverse mapping procedure. At UNC, you will receive a multi-disciplinary approach to breast cancer, and we strive to offer compassionate, personalized care.