Our Surgeons
Robert W. Beart, M.D.
Founder Emeritus of the Colorectal Surgery Institute
Dr. Robert W. Beart is a renowned board-certified colorectal surgeon. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1971 and completed his surgical training at the University of Colorado and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Beart joined the Mayo Clinic in 1978 where he served as Chairman of the Department of Colorectal Surgery in Rochester until 1986, and Chairman of the Department of Surgery in Scottsdale until 1992. He then joined the faculty at the University of Southern California (USC) as a tenured Professor of Surgery. From 2003 to 2009, he served as Chairman of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at USC, the first Colorectal Surgery Department in an academic institution in the United States. Dr. Beart also established the USC Center for Colorectal Diseases as USC University Hospital and USC/Norris Cancer Center.
Dr. Beart is Emeritus Professor of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine at USC. In addition, he is the Medical Director of the Colorectal Surgery Institute at Glendale Memorial Hospital.
A leader in colorectal surgery and research, Dr. Beart pioneered many innovations including the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, the development of laparoscopic colon surgery, and the advancement of complex rectal cancer care. His unique clinical expertise and research interests include continence preservation, colostomy avoidance, and the management of highly complex areas of colorectal diseases, colorectal cancer, and recurrent colorectal cancer.
Education and training
- Graduate of Harvard Medical School, 1971
- Surgical internship, residencies and fellowship training at the University of Colorado and the Mayo Clinic.
Research interests
- Continence preservation, colostomy avoidance and the management of recurrent colorectal cancer.
petar vukasin, m.d.
Medical Director of Colorectal Surgery Institute
Dr. Petar Vukasin has specialized in colorectal surgery for 25 years as a clinician and researcher.
In 1996, he joined the USC faculty with an academic appointment in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, where he remained until June 2011. During this time, Dr. Vukasin concentrated on heading up the department’s highly successful off campus practice at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center.
Dr. Vukasin is a founding member of both the Colorectal Surgery Institute at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center and the Institute at Methodist Hospital of Southern California. Here, along with his partner Dr. Garza and their comprehensive colorectal care team, he sees patients and continues his research activities.
With his experience in research, teaching, and clinical practice, Dr. Vukasin provides his patients highly specialized care for colorectal diseases. Beyond his surgical and clinical expertise, Dr. Vukasin has been, and continues to be, actively involved in the medical community at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, having served in numerous capacities at various times including Chief of Surgery, Chief of the Medical Staff, Physician Advisor to the Administration, and Member of the Community Board.
Dr. Vukasin is a member of several professional memberships, including:
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons
- Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
Education and training
- Graduate of USC Keck School of Medicine, 1990
- Internship and residency in general surgery, fellowship training in colorectal surgery, at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center.
Research interests
- HIV-associated anorectal disorders
Ana Maria garzia, m.d.
Surgeon
Dr. Ana Garza is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is board certified in general and colorectal surgery with a strong interest in women’s health, as well as the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Dr. Garza is a founding member of both the Colorectal Surgery Institute at Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center and the Institute at Methodist Hospital of Southern California. Dr. Garza’s specialized training in colorectal surgery has allowed her to extend the latest, most advanced surgical techniques and up to date research for the surgical care of her patients.
As Program Leader of the Advancement of Anorectal Physiology and Testing, Dr. Garza successfully organized the acquisition of the most advanced colorectal diagnostic and treatment capabilities available today. These capabilities are essential for the care of patients with rectal and anal disorders such as rectal cancer, fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, rectal pain, and other complex anorectal abnormalities.
In addition to her work at the Colorectal Surgery Institute, Dr. Garza remains committed to her interest in women’s colorectal health and the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer by actively participating and lecturing at community organizations and meetings.
Education and training
- A graduate of USC Keck School of Medicine, 2001
- Internship and residency, USC
- Research fellowship, John Wayne Cancer Institute
- Fellowship training in colorectal surgery, USC Medical Center