Dr. Anton Bilchik - Saint John's Cancer Institute
Professor of Surgical Oncology

Anton J. Bilchik, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, FACS

Chief of General Surgery
Director of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program
Director of Gastrointestinal Research Program

About Dr. Anton Bilchik

Dr. Bilchik is an internationally-recognized surgeon and scientist who has pioneered techniques to improve staging cancer and minimally invasive approaches to improve outcomes. Trained and certified in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, Dr. Bilchik also serves as an investigator on international multi-center clinical trials with over 220 publications and is considered one of the country’s leading specialists in surgical oncology. On November 16, 2021, he became the co-lead in the Dream Team, which will bring together leading researchers, patient advocates, community leaders and clinicians to accomplish several goals, including improving colorectal cancer screening in under-served communities which is part of the initiative to Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C).

Dr. Bilchik has received numerous awards, recognitions, and accolades.  These include the John Wayne, “Duke Award,” a special service award for his contribution to science and humanity, and the prestigious Annual Humanitarian Award by the Anti-Defamation League (the first physician to be bestowed this honor).  He was recently ranked in the top 1% of Physicians by US News & World Report.

Gastrointestinal Research and Treatment

As a general surgeon and surgical oncologist, Dr. Anton Bilchik takes part in research activities at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute. With a specialization is gastrointestinal cancer research, Dr. Bilchik and his team have pioneered many advances, including the first prospective international clinical trials for colon cancer. For more than 22 years, Dr. Bilchik has investigated and treated some of the more complex cancers involving the pancreas, liver, and colon. By utilizing minimally evasive surgical techniques, outcomes are improved, while patients are able to recover more quickly.

Featured Patient Testimonial

At 14 weeks pregnant, Annie Clausen was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and underwent surgery. Now, 3 years later, she is still battling with cancer. Video Credit: SJCI Marketing & Media Development.

Care Approach

Dr. Bilchik believes optimal patient care must involve a personalized approach. Every cancer case is unique because of the various attributes of each patient, which requires a thorough understanding of their medical history and other health conditions. By also understanding their specific needs, we can ensure that patient comfort remains at the center of their entire care experience, while treating each patient with dignity and compassion. We also ensure that our patients have access to the most current treatments available, utilizing science and decades of research to improve clinical outcomes.

Wellness and Prevention

Nadia Bilchik from Nadia Speaks, interviewed Dr. Anton Bilchik, Professor of Surgical Oncology, about the overall impact of COVID-19 on hospital care.

“We really are in a very transitional time as far as getting hospitals moving again getting, surgeries going again, but at the same time, being really responsible to protect patients and health care workers.”

Watch the interview to learn more:


Nadia Speaks – COVID-19 interview with Dr. Anton Bilchik