Surgery

Center for Esophageal Disorders

The Multidisciplinary Approach

The USF Health Center for Esophageal Disorders is committed to the diagnosis, treatment, and research of esophageal pathologies. Our physicians are among the most skilled and experienced in the nation, with one of the highest volumes in the West coast of Florida. From benign to malignant disorders, our world-class team of experts takes a whole-patient approach and offers a science-driven tailored strategy to combat esophageal diseases. Our experts welcome all patients to become involved in all aspects of their journey and provide them with patient education and viable resources to ensure a better quality of life. 

Our physicians are dedicated to the care of our patients and work in conjunction with the Joy McCann Culverhouse Center for Swallowing Disorders, the oldest gastroenterology center in the state of Florida. In addition to the unique multidisciplinary centers in the West Coast of Florida; the Inflammatory Bowel Disease CenterNeurogastroenterology & Motility Center, and Bariatric Center

All performed cases at the USF Heath Center for Esophageal Disorders are logged in national surgical registries to ensure quality and standards of excellence.

Physicians in the USF Health Department of Gastroenterology also lead the Digestive Diseases Institute at Tampa General Hospital, recognized as #19 in the nation and #1 in in Florida for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report 2024-25. 

Diagnostic & Therapeutic Care

We offer diagnostic and therapeutic options, via advanced endoscopy (revisional), and robotic approaches to all esophageal disorders listed below:

  • GERD
  • Achalasia
  • Dysphagia
  • Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Hiatal Hernia
  • Paraesophageal Hernia
  • Esophageal Cancer

Clinical Training

Our team of experts is committed to teaching the next generation of physicians by training medical students from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and residents from the USF Health Department of Surgery Residency Program. Our faculty experts have developed the educational curriculum used at the national level in foregut (stomach & esophageal) surgery.

Our group of surgeons hold multiple leadership and governance appointments at renown national surgical societies such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), American Foregut Society (AFS), and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT). Every year, our team of experts are invited speakers to national meetings and recognized institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Brown University, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and have recently started to speak in Asia and Europe.

Clinical Research

Our growing research achievements continue to mirror our commitment for clinical excellence and novel surgical methods with the goal of improving the care being delivered. Our team currently has over 60 research members dedicated to produce from 30 to 50 significant peer-reviewed journal publications every year. 

The pillars of the USF Health Center for Esophageal Disorders are:

  1. Patient-Centered Care
  2. Meaningful Education
  3. Groundbreaking research

These are our commitment to every patient, every time, in every encounter.

Locations

USF Health South Tampa Center for Advanced Healthcare

USF Health South Tampa Center for Advanced Healthcare

2 Tampa General Circle
Tampa, FL 33606

USF Health Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare

USF Health Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare

13330 USF Laurel Drive
Tampa, FL 33612

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment, please call (813) 821-8038
Referrals: (813) 821-8057
Fax: (813) 844-1920

Program Legacy

This program has a historic legacy from the early 2000’s when it was founded by Dr. Alexander Rosemurgy. In 2012, the program transitioned to Dr. Vic Velanovich, and, since 2019 to our current director, Dr. Christopher DuCoin.

  • Alexander Roselurgy Dr. Alexander Rosemurgy
    Dr. Alexander Rosemurgy
    Founder
  • Dr. Vic Velanovich
    Dr. Vic Velanovich
    Former Director