Tarah Pua, MD, MS

Dr. S. Sunghyun Yoon is the Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology and Vice-Chair of Surgical Oncology Research and Education in the Department of Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC). Dr. Yoon is a national and international expert in the treatment of patients with sarcomas and other soft tissue tumors, gastric (stomach) and gastroesophageal cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and melanoma. He also has over 18 years of experience in the treatment of other gastrointestinal and abdominal tumors, hepatobiliary tumors, neuroendocrine/adrenal tumors, lymphomas, and spleen tumors. He has been the principal investigator of several clinical trials examining novel treatment strategies and given numerous invited national and international lectures in relation to these cancers. Several of these trials have investigated the treatment of sarcomas, especially abdominal/retroperitoneal sarcomas, with advanced radiation techniques such as proton beam radiation and aggressive surgical resection to minimize local recurrence. Read More About These Treatments: https://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/retroperitoneal-sarcomas-and-pelvic-sarcomas Dr. Yoon was an early advocate for minimally invasive robotic surgery and has performed over 300 robotic procedures including robotic gastrectomies (stomach removal). He has one of the world’s largest experiences in performing prophylactic total gastrectomies for patients with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC syndrome) secondary to germline CDH1 mutation. He pioneered a technique for connection of the small bowel to the esophagus after total gastrectomy that is used by former surgical trainees and colleagues throughout the country due to its extremely low leakage rate. Dr. Yoon graduated from Harvard University and received his M.D. from the University of California at San Diego. He completed his residency in general surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and his fellowship in surgical oncology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He was an Associate Professor of Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School before joining the staff at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in 2012. Dr. Yoon was an Attending Surgeon in the Division of Gastric and Mixed Tumors at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College before joining CUIMC in 2021. Dr. Yoon’s main research interests are in cancer stem cells and targeted biological agents in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. His laboratory has been funded by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute for 18 years and strives to translate new research discoveries into the clinic. Dr. Yoon is also part of multi-institution research groups funded by Stand Up To Cancer and the DeGregorio Family Foundation to discover early diagnostics and new therapies for gastric cancer. His clinical and research efforts have led to over 150 original research articles, book chapters, and reviews. For a complete list of publications, please visit NCBI.

Jessica Opoku-Anane, MD, MS is a board-certified gynecologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She is a specialist in the treatment of uterine fibroids, menstrual disorders, endometriosis and pelvic pain, ovarian pathology, intrauterine scarring (Asherman's), alternatives to hysterectomy, and advanced gynecologic surgery. Her thoughtful approach to patients and individualized treatment plans allow her to provide exceptional care that addresses the needs of all patients. In particular, she strives to provide a minimally invasive approach to her patients' surgical needs whenever possible. This includes laparoscopy and robotic surgery through small keyhole incisions and hysteroscopy. She also offers many office-based procedures including hysteroscopy. Dr. Opoku-Anane obtained her medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Harvard Brigham and Women's and Massachusetts General Hospitals. She received several awards, including the prestigious AAGL award for excellence in endoscopic surgery. She subsequently completed an AAGL fellowship in advanced minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) at George Washington University and trained at the Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta.In addition to her clinical activities, she has been active in research and spent two years with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) both locally and in sub-Saharan Africa. Her current research includes a randomized control trial to test the ability of antifibrinolytics to decrease blood loss during myomectomy, a prospective study to determine how best to teach trainees to do robotic surgery using surgical simulation, and a study on environmental exposures that enhance fibroid growth and disease burden. Dr. Opoku-Anane also has a longstanding interest in global health and spent extended periods of time throughout Africa on clinical and research programs. She has recently published a systematic review article on increasing laparoscopic surgery in developing countries and assists with the development of laparoscopic programs throughout sub-Saharan Arica. She is also a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and a member of the American Association of Laparoscopic Gynecologists and the World Endometriosis Society.

Dr. Shayan Dioun is a Gynecologic Oncologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for those facing gynecologic cancers. He is committed to combining his extensive medical expertise with a patient-centered approach, ensuring the highest quality of care for patients. Dr. Dioun completed his medical education at Baylor College of Medicine. He then completed an Ob/Gyn residency before he pursued specialized training in gynecologic oncology at both Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Dioun specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Known for his empathetic and patient-focused care, Dr. Dioun prioritizes open communication. He believes in empowering his patients by ensuring they have a thorough understanding of their condition and treatment options. His compassionate approach helps patients navigate the complexities of a cancer diagnosis with confidence and support. His approach involves a comprehensive and multidisciplinary strategy involving practitioners, physician assistants, and radiation oncologists. He has extensive surgical training in minimally invasive surgery (both laparoscopy and robotic surgery), fertility-sparing surgery and more radical surgical values. He also has extensive training in chemotherapy, and other innovative targeted therapies to provide tailored and effective treatment plans for each patient. Dr. Dioun actively contributes to research in gynecologic oncology. His work has focused on health services research and modeling both outcomes and costs of treatments. His work is published in reputable medical journals, and he frequently presents his findings at national and international conferences. By staying at the forefront of medical advancements, Dr. Dioun ensures his patients benefit from the latest evidence-based treatments.