Andrew Strong, MD

Clinical Instructor in Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School 
of Medicine, 
Cleveland, OH

Presentation: Dr. Strong will present “Per-Oral Pyloromyotomy (POP) for Medically Refractory Post-Surgical Gastroparesis” during Saturday’s SSAT Residents and Fellows Research Conference and Sunday’s SSAT Presidential Plenary II.

Describe the presentation in a tweet:

Discuss novel management strategies for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract — can a surgeon treat gastroparesis without a feeding tube or gastrectomy?

Why did you decide to get into GI practice?

As a surgeon I recognize that endoscopy has limitations, as does laparoscopy. However, a surgeon with advanced endoscopic skills is better able to push the boundaries of what is possible endoscopically, as well as innovate in hybrid or cooperative techniques.

Which mentor has made the most significant impact on your professional life?

There are several. Jeffrey Ponsky for his dedication to innovation; Matthew Kroh for technical excellence and wise counsel; Kevin El-Hayek for encouraging me to pursue general surgery; and John Rodriguez for demonstrating that excelling where you are is a great way to advance your career — bloom where you are planted.

Best advice from a mentor:

Don’t be in such a hurry that you don’t enjoy the path to getting there.

Best day of your career:

The first day I left the hospital after a day of surgery and thought, “that was fun.”

Favorite part of DDW^®:

We will have to see — it’s my first DDW meeting.

Please refer to the DDW Mobile App or the Program section in the Saturday and Sunday issues for the times and locations of these and other DDW events.