Henry Wilke Murray, M.D.

Shantice Branch is a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) who works in the section of Colon and Rectal Surgery at New York Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. She works closely with board certified surgeons who specialize in cancers of the colon, rectum and anus along with an array of benign yet complex diseases of the lower digestive tract. With a deep commitment to patient-centered care and surgical excellence, Shantice brings compassion, precision, and experience to every step of the surgical journey. She earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from CUNY School of Medicine. Prior to joining New York Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, she worked at a private colorectal practice in Chelsea specializing in HPV, anal dysplasia , and clinical research to help develop clinical screening guidelines. Since dedicated her career to advancing patient outcomes in colorectal health.Shantice is actively involved in many national organizations including American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, & American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Dr. Christopher Lau is an Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at NewYork Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Director of Endovascular Surgery for the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery.Dr. Lau completed his undergraduate studies at New York University where he obtained a degree in Psychology and Philosophy. He then earned his medical degree at Downstate Medical Center, where he remained to complete his General Surgery residency. During this time, he received multiple awards for his performance and the Thomas W. Pollock Award for professionalism, compassion and dedication. Subsequently, he completed his Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He remained at Weill Cornell for an Advanced Cardiovascular/Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Fellowship and was recruited to stay on staff as an Attending Cardiothoracic Surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.Dr. Lau takes a particular interest in surgery of the aorta and aortic aneurysms. He has published numerous articles and book chapters and he has presented his work at regional, national, and international conferences. He manages the aortic surgery center and performs a variety of open surgical procedures and minimally invasive endovascular repairs of the aorta and aortic aneurysms. He and his team are experienced in managing problems in any part of the aorta extending from the aortic root to the ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta, thoracoabdominal aorta, and infrarenal abdominal aorta down to the aortic bifurcation. In the aortic root, he performs valve sparing aortic root reconstruction, which provides a durable result while preserving the patient's own valve. If the valve must be replaced, he utilizes the latest generation biologic or mechanical composite materials. For aortic arch aneurysms, well-established and time-tested techniques are used for effective cerebral protection to minimize the risk of cerebral injury. In the thoracic, thoracoabdominal,or abdominal aorta, he offers endovascular or open repair techniques, depending on the optimal approach for each individual patient's anatomic needs. Dr. Lau has extensive experience in many other areas of cardiac surgery and cardiovascular surgery. These include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), multiple arterial bypass grafting, use of bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) or radial artery conduits, aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency, bicuspid aortic valves, aortic valve repair/replacement, mitral stenosis, mitral insufficiency, mitral valve repair, aortic aneurysm repair, aortic root replacement (Bentall procedure), valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure), descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysm surgery, thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), aortic dissections, cardiac tumors, ventricular assist devices, ECMO, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (Maze), and cardiac complications of connective tissue disorders such as Marfan Syndrome.