Dr. James Church

Welcome to the website of Dr. James Church, a distinguished colorectal surgeon with a rich and varied career spanning several decades. Born in New Zealand in 1950, Dr. Church's early exposure to the world of medicine was deeply rooted in his family's legacy. Growing up on the North Shore of Auckland, surrounded by a lineage of physicians, Dr. Church's interest in surgery blossomed during his formative years, eventually leading him to pursue a career in the field.

Dr. Church's journey in medicine took him from the shores of New Zealand to the renowned Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where he spent a transformative year under the mentorship of Dr. Victor Fazio. The challenges faced by Dr. Church and his family during their initial days in Cleveland underscore the resilience and determination that would become hallmarks of his professional life. Over the years, Dr. Church became an integral part of the Colorectal Department at the Cleveland Clinic, contributing significantly to the field and forging lasting connections with colleagues from around the world.

After an illustrious 32-year career at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Church officially retired on March 31, 2021. However, retirement didn't mark the end of his contributions to the medical community. A call from a colleague led to a unique opportunity for Dr. Church to continue sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. Currently serving as a mentor and advisor at Columbia University Medical College, Dr. Church brings his wisdom to a new generation of medical professionals. As he reflects on his journey, Dr. Church hopes that the insights he gained throughout his career will be valuable to others, fostering success not just in clinical and academic pursuits but also in personal and spiritual dimensions. Join us in exploring the extraordinary career and enduring legacy of Dr. James Church.

On behalf of all your colleagues, fellows and students,

Dr. Usama Ahmed Ali