Welcome to the start of our new series, Step Into My Office, where we take a moment to introduce you to the exceptional colorectal surgeons who care for our patients.
At CRSSNY, we believe that trusting your doctor is the most important part of your journey, whether you are seeking a hemorrhoid treatment, scheduling a colonoscopy screening, or discussing complex colorectal surgery options. This 10-question interview series is designed to help you get to know the individuals behind the surgical masks.
Today, we chat with Dr. Frank Caliendo about his personal and professional practices. Ready to meet one of the leaders at CRSSNY who delivers world-class colorectal care right here on Long Island?
Interview with Dr. Frank Caliendo of CRSSNY
What drew you to the field?
Contrary to popular belief, the field of colorectal surgery is very broad. There are multiple disease processes that affect the colon, rectum and anus. Fortunately, many of these diseases are very easily treated and are not associated with malignancy. Even the treatment of colorectal cancer has very high success rates. Because of these reasons and multiple great mentors in training I chose this as my career path.
What’s one misconception you wish more people understood about the field?
That we are not simply proctologists. As above, we treat a whole host of diseases that can be treated with minor surgery, office procedures and of course complex surgeries.
When a patient comes to you feeling nervous or embarrassed, what is the first thing you say or do to help put them at ease?
I tell them that I understand that this is the last place on earth they would want to be, but that I also know they wouldn’t be here if they weren’t hurting. I tell them I will be as quick and gentle as possible and that they will be surprised how tolerable the exam was.
Tell us about a recent rewarding moment you had with a patient.
There are many, but the most rewarding is when you treat a patient with rectal cancer. It is a very long road from diagnosis to cure with Radiation, Chemotherapy, Surgery, Ileostomy, reversal surgery, scans, MRIs, etc. The best is when I can see them in the office and tell them that they have been cured. That is the best!
What’s one piece of proactive health advice you’d give to patients?
In my field, do not ignore blood per rectum. You cannot assume the blood is from hemorrhoids! There are many others.
How do you decompress after a busy day?
Now that I’m older, it’s dinner and discussions with my family (whoever is around) and then I retire to the couch in my home office and enjoy quiet reading. I love quiet now.
What’s your one must-have in your office?
Espresso machine.
What’s a skill or hobby you’ve been trying to master lately?
I still play guitar, but I’ll never master that. Recently, I have been focused on wellness and longevity. I monitor every function of my nutrition, sleep, exercise, and overall health. I monitor my bloodwork every 8 weeks along with daily calories, macros, energy expenditure, weight, and body recomposition. I probably won’t master that either.
What’s your go-to song or snack before heading to the operating room?
I have a protein shake every morning before surgery, and I usually have country music playing softly in the background during surgery.
What’s a procedure or piece of technology in the field that excites you right now?
The Da Vinci Robot is the most amazing piece of equipment I have ever used. It has singlehandedly extended my career by making colorectal surgery easier and more precise than ever before!
Take the next step toward better health today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Caliendo.
If you’ve been putting off a necessary screening colonoscopy or need treatment for a common colorectal condition, remember, our goal is always to help you feel better, not embarrassed.
📞 Call our office today at 516-248-2422 or request a consultation online to meet Dr. Caliendo.
When you book, you’ll join patients like Paul C., who shared his experience, saying:
I could never ask for more care and consideration in a doctor or practice. Not only does the office run like a precision machine, the medical knowledge and hands-on skills and expertise far exceeded my expectations. To call Dr Caliendo a miracle worker is no exaggeration. I trusted this man with my life and I would do it again without a second thought. Thank you, Doctor!
Click here to request your consultation online or call our office today. We look forward to guiding you through your health journey.
