Surgical Oncology Spotlight

By Basheer Elsolh, MD, MPH, FRCSC

When people hear the word “surgeon,” they often think of a doctor in the operating room performing surgery. When they hear “oncologist,” they tend to think of treatments like chemotherapy or radiation to treat cancer. As a surgical oncologist, my role brings these together — combining advanced surgical expertise with a deep understanding of cancer biology and team-based cancer care.

I specialize in the surgical treatment of cancers including breast cancer, gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, melanoma, and soft tissue sarcoma. I practice as part of UF Health Surgical Specialists at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach.

Becoming a surgical oncologist requires several years of focused training. After medical school at Queen’s University in Canada, I completed a residency in General Surgery at the University of Toronto, followed by advanced fellowship training in Complex General Surgical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA. During my training, I also earned a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University, which has shaped how I think about healthcare systems, outcomes, and patient-centered cancer care.

Focused training in surgical oncology training is important because cancer care is rarely just about surgery alone. Modern cancer treatment is multidisciplinary, meaning that the best outcomes come from collaboration among specialists. In my practice, patient cases are discussed as part of our multidisciplinary cancer team, which includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. We also have a dedicated team of nurse navigators and allied health specialists including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, supportive/palliative care, and social workers. Together, we review imaging, pathology, and clinical details to develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual patient.

For some patients, surgery is the first and most important step. For others, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy may be recommended before or after surgery — or sometimes instead of surgery altogether. One of the most critical parts of my job happens outside the operating room: helping patients understand why a certain sequence of treatments is recommended and ensuring that decisions align with both evidence-based medicine and every patient’s personal goals. I work with patients who are facing complex and often overwhelming diagnoses, and my goal is to help guide them through those decisions with clarity, expertise, and compassion.

A cancer diagnosis affects more than just the body — it impacts families, careers, and emotional well-being. I believe that clear communication and trust are essential parts of care. I take time to explain options, answer questions honestly, and walk alongside patients and their families throughout the treatment journey.

When surgery is needed, my focus is not only on removing the cancer completely, but also on preserving function and quality of life. Advances in minimally invasive and organ-preserving techniques can often shorten recovery and improve outcomes, but they require specialized training and experience to be performed safely. When possible, I offer my patients minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopic and robotic approaches for abdominal procedures, and breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer. I also work closely with our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to offer breast reconstruction when needed.

Ultimately, being a surgical oncologist means being part of a larger team, all working toward the same goal: delivering personalized, coordinated, and high-quality cancer care that gives patients the best possible chance for long-term health and quality of life.