Dr. John Smith Berry IV, a double board certified colorectal and general surgeon with a decade of experience in minimally invasive abdominal and transanal techniques, has joined Capital Health Surgical Group. He joins Dr. Ashlee Godshalk Ruggles, medical director of Colorectal Surgery, in providing surgical treatment for the prevention and management of cancer as well as benign diseases of the colon and lower gastrointestinal tract.
“Capital Health is known for exceeding the highest standards of physician and nursing care. It has a reputation for leading surgical advances and comprehensive cancer treatment. My patients will get the best care possible here,” said Dr. Berry. “I’m honored to join Dr. Godshalk Ruggles and provide expert care so we can cure more patients and return them to their loved ones in good health. Together, we will continue to grow the Capital Health Cancer Center and cement its reputation as the region’s best.”
From diagnosis through treatment, Dr. Berry develops a personalized plan of care for each patient by working closely with referring physicians such as gastroenterologists and primary care providers as well as the integrated team of medical, surgical, radiation, and related cancer specialists at Capital Health Cancer Center. His clinical interests include sphincter-preserving techniques for advanced rectal cancer, surgical treatment of advanced disease, and enhanced recovery protocols that allow patients to experience shorter, safer hospital stays and less time away from work.
Dr. Berry received his undergraduate degree in chemistry at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and went on to receive military honors as an Armored Cavalry Officer for dedication and valor in combat operations. After his service in the Armored Cavalry, Dr. Berry received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his general surgery residency at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where he was a Research Fellow of the Institute of Surgical Research and served as Chief Resident. Dr. Berry was fellowship trained in colon and rectal surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Before joining Capital Health, Dr. Berry was as a colorectal surgeon in the U.S. Army based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. During this time, he served multiple deployments to the Middle East where he was Chief of Surgery at combat hospitals in Sinai, Egypt and Doha, Qatar. Dr. Berry was also division chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina; a gastrointestinal surgical oncologist at Mercy Health in St. Louis, Missouri; and an associate professor in the Department of Surgery at Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.
Dr. Berry is part of Capital Health Surgical Group, a multi-specialty surgical practice comprised of experienced surgeons who are experts in the surgical fields of acute care, bariatrics, breast, colorectal, general, hepato-pancreato-biliary, thoracic, vascular and surgical critical care.
To make an appointment, call 609.537.6000 or visit www.capitalsurgical.org for more information.