Leading Colorectal Surgeon Steven Wexner, MD, Joins MedStar Health to Enhance Patient Care

Steven Wexner, MD, Joins MedStar Health

In a significant move for patient care, the esteemed colorectal surgeon Dr. Steven Wexner has joined MedStar Health, where he will serve as the physician executive director and system chief of Colorectal Surgery. This announcement was made on November 4, 2025, as Dr. Wexner brings over three decades of expertise to his new role at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Dr. Wexner is celebrated for his remarkable contributions to colorectal surgery, specializing in myriad conditions including rectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases. His revolutionary approaches to surgical techniques prioritize patient quality of life, particularly in minimizing the need for stomas, which are surgical openings made for waste elimination.

One of Wexner's notable achievements is the development of clinical scoring systems that have been widely adopted in the field—namely, the Wexner Incontinence Score and the Wexner Constipation Score. These tools are essential in improving clinical outcomes and advancing research within colorectal surgery. Dr. Wexner articulates his vision succinctly: “My goal is to achieve the best possible surgical outcomes while optimizing patients' quality of life.” His dedication to enhancing patient care is evident as he looks forward to collaborating with his new colleagues at MedStar to build upon their already impressive work in colorectal surgery.

Before his appointment at MedStar Health, Dr. Wexner served as the director of the Ellen Leifer Shulman and Steven Shulman Digestive Disease Center as well as chair of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida since 1988. His extensive background in leadership roles has established him as a pillar in the surgical community.

Lisa Boyle, MD, president of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, expressed excitement over Dr. Wexner's joining, stating, “Dr. Wexner is a world-renowned colorectal surgeon, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him step into this new role here. His pioneering contributions in the clinical, academic, and research space are legendary.” She emphasized that patients requiring colorectal surgery will greatly benefit from his vast knowledge and experience in the specialty.

In addition to his clinical endeavors, Dr. Wexner has held several prestigious positions within national organizations, including the American College of Surgeons and as past president of various leading surgical societies, such as the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. His contributions have led to an impressive bibliography, boasting over 1,200 publications cited more than 43,000 times, solidifying his status as the most cited living colorectal surgeon.

Dr. Wexner's influence extends globally as he has trained over 800 surgeons from various countries, making a significant impact on colorectal surgery not just in the U.S., but around the world.

This new chapter in Dr. Wexner's distinguished career marks an exciting development for MedStar Health and its patients. With his innovative approach and commitment to improved patient care, the future looks brighter for those undergoing colorectal procedures under his guidance.