Samer Kawak, MD

I chose to practice colorectal surgery because I was drawn to the wide variety of procedures and disease processes within the specialty. From seemingly small issues, such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures, to complex cancer care, the field provides an opportunity to have a diverse practice. More importantly, I take care with patients when discussing sensitive and at times embarrassing topics common to my specialty. I pride myself on creating a safe space for patients where they feel comfortable expressing their problems.

Riverview Health offers a unique ability to offer a wide range of specialty services under the roof of an intimate experience for patients. I chose to practice at Riverview Health because they were truly committed to providing the best possible care and allowing me to provide all colorectal services to my patients.

I am a fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon and provide any service under that specialty. This includes anorectal disease care, colonoscopies for screening, diagnosis, or surveillance, colorectal cancer care, pelvic floor dysfunction issues and many more related services.

I take pride in providing excellent, unwavering care to my patients. I am also committed to ensuring the most up-to-date treatments and surgical techniques are offered when appropriate. I am not only trained specifically in colorectal surgery, but I have extensive training in robotic surgery as well.

After several years away, my wife and I are finally back home in Indiana. I am originally from Indianapolis. I went to Wabash College and then Indiana University for medical school. I completed my general surgery training at Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, Mich. My colorectal fellowship was in Madison at the University of Wisconsin. These years away have helped me realize that at my core I am a proud Hoosier! Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and playing basketball.

Clinical Interests:

• Anal abscess I Anal cancer I Anal fissure I Anal fistula I Anal warts
• Colon cancer
• Colonoscopy
• Colovesical fistula
• Constipation
• Crohn's disease
• Diverticulitis
• Enterocutaneous fistula
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Fecal incontinence
• Hemorrhoids
• Ischemic colitis
• Lynch syndrome
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Ostomies (colostomy and ileostomy)
• Pilonidal cyst
• Polyps
• Rectal cancer
• Rectal prolapse
• Rectovaginal fistula
• Robotic surgery
• Ulcerative colitis

“My practice philosophy is to completely and wholeheartedly put the patient at the center of all I do. This entails creating a personalized treatment plan in conjunction with my patients to ensure outstanding care is provided.”