Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/915948
Michael Zenilman, M.D., chair of the Department of Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, is devoted to cultivating a community of health and healing. Q What motivated you to become a doctor? A I always loved the quest for knowledge, science and human physiology. From the time I was very young, I wanted to help people by understanding how the body works, why people become sick and how they may be healed. Q Why did surgery appeal to you? A Surgeons fix multiple problems at once and work closely with patients and families to find sustainable solutions. Surgery is an invasive procedure, but it is a very effective way to target and manage chronic illnesses, such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. Taking care of someone who is in pain is very gratifying. There's nothing like it. Q What area of surgery appeals to you the most? A The organs of the gastrointestinal tract, the liver and the pancreas are fascinating to me. Q What is the most rewarding aspect of working at NYP Brooklyn Methodist? A Our best hospital in Brooklyn is also one of the best hospitals in NYC. I have great admiration for the surgical staff here and enjoy working with this team day after day. NewYork- Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital has reached a higher level of excellence than anyone ever dreamed, and it's an honor to lead surgery into the future. Q What do you enjoy most about Brooklyn? A During the past ten years, Brooklyn has become a vibrant borough with areas of revitalization that no one ever predicted. Brooklyn's neighborhoods are filled with happy faces and young families pushing strollers, and older couples walking and enjoying the day. Brooklyn also has one of the most ethnically diverse populations on the planet, which makes it such an interesting place to provide care. Q What do you enjoy doing when you're not working? A I have a wonderful family. My wife, Marilyn, and I have nine children, ages 19 through 33, who are all going their professional ways, which is exciting to see. Our job has been to help them fulfill their dreams. Q What is one thing you would not want to change about yourself? A I enjoy the balance I have achieved between my family life and my career in surgery. A Passion for the Community Q &A M I C H A E L Z E N I L M A N , M . D . WINTER 2018 W W W.N Y P.O RG / BRO OKLY N 28 G E T A N S W E R S