The following is paid content provided by Capital Health
Dr. John Smith Berry, a board certified and fellowship trained colorectal surgeon with a focus on minimally invasive techniques, has joined Capital Health Surgical Group. He joins Dr. Ashlee Godshalk Ruggles, medical director of Colorectal Surgery, in providing surgical treatment for the prevention and management of diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
“Capital Health is known for meeting the highest standards of care in the region and the Surgical Group has a reputation for being on the leading edge of the latest advances,” said Dr. Berry. “I’m excited to join Dr. Godshalk Ruggles and expand access to the important services we offer so we can help more patients achieve the best possible outcomes. I look forward to continuing to help others during their most challenging times and contributing to the growth of Capital Health Cancer Center as well.”
From diagnosis through treatment, Dr. Berry develops a personalized plan of care for each patient by working closely with referring physicians such as gastroenterologists and primary care providers as well as the integrated team of medical, surgical, radiation, and related cancer specialists at Capital Health Cancer Center. His clinical interests include sphincter-preserving techniques for advanced rectal cancer and enhanced recovery protocols that allow patients to experience shorter, safer hospital stays and less time away from work.
Dr. Berry received his undergraduate degree in chemistry at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and went on to receive military honors as an Armored Cavalry Officer for dedication and valor in combat operations. After his service in the Armored Cavalry, Dr. Berry received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his general surgery residency at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where he was a Research Fellow of the Institute of Surgical Research and served as Chief Resident. Dr. Berry was fellowship trained in colon and rectal surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Berry was as a colorectal surgeon in the U.S. Army based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. During this time, he served multiple deployments to the Middle East where he was Chief of Surgery at combat hospitals in Sinai, Egypt and Doha, Qatar. Dr. Berry was also division chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; a gastrointestinal surgical oncologist at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, North Carolina; and an associate professor in the Department of Surgery at Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.
Dr. Berry is part of Capital Health Surgical Group, a multi-specialty surgical practice comprised of experienced surgeons who are experts in the surgical fields of acute care, bariatrics, breast, colorectal, general, hepato-pancreato-biliary, thoracic, vascular and surgical critical care.
To make an appointment, call 609.537.6000 or visit www.capitalsurgical.org for more information.
