Research Interests
I have a particular interest in studying cancer outcomes across a wide variety of diseases. I leverage large datasets to study trends in treatment, disparities in access and implementation of care, and effects of novel treatment strategies. These studies aim to inform the basis of policy change or future trials to test novel therapeutic strategies which may improve cancer outcomes.
My translational research focuses on the study of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma, an extremely rare disease in which large tumors arise in the abdomen. Owing to their rarity, very little is known about their underlying biology and there are few effective treatment options. I created and implemented a research protocol which studies why these tumors develop and looks to identify novel therapeutic strategies for treatment.
Education
- Fellow in Complex General Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 2022
- Resident Physician in General Surgery, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, 2013-2020
- Complex General Surgical Oncology Research Fellowship, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY, NY, 2015-2017
- Doctor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, NJ, 2013
- BS, Biology, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA, 2009
Board Certifications
- American Board of Surgery
- American Board of Surgery - Surgery
Memberships
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society
- American Colleges of Surgeons
- Washington DC Chapter American College of Surgeons, 2013 – 2020
- Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
- Association for Academic Surgery
- Society of Surgical Oncology
- Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association
- International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association
- Metro Philadelphia Chapter American College of Surgeons
Awards and Honors
- Top Doctors, Surgery, Philadelphia Magazine, 2024-2025
- John Ridge Fellowship Award, 2022
- Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter ACS Poster Competition Awardee – 2nd place, 2021
- Fox Chase Cancer Center Young Investigator’s Award, 2021
- Best Clinical Research Award- DC Chapter of the American College of Surgeons All Surgeons’ Day, 2020
- Best Clinical Research Award- Hufnagel Research Symposium, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, 2020
- American College of Surgeons Leadership Conference and Advocacy Summit Scholarship, 2020
- Best Basic Science Research Award- Hufnagel Research Symposium, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, 2016
- Medstar Georgetown Excellence in Resident Teaching Award, 2014
- John Ridge Fellowship Award, 2022
- Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter ACS Poster Competition Awardee – 2nd place, 2021
- Fox Chase Cancer Center Young Investigator’s Award, 2021
- Best Clinical Research Award- DC Chapter of the American College of Surgeons All Surgeons’ Day, 2020
- Best Clinical Research Award- Hufnagel Research Symposium, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, 2020
- American College of Surgeons Leadership Conference and Advocacy Summit Scholarship, 2020
- Best Basic Science Research Award- Hufnagel Research Symposium, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, 2016
- Medstar Georgetown Excellence in Resident Teaching Award, 2014
Patient Comments
All staff extremely pleasant and proficient. Doctor V was very knowledgeable about my medical issues and very patient and detailed in his explanation of his plan of treatment. His professional demeanors made me feel comfortable and relaxed.
Love Dr. Villano.
Both the Dr and his nurse were top notch. I was very nervous and unsettled about the appointment and they both helped to put me at ease, the nurse especially. She shared a personal detail related to something I shared that was above and beyond what any nurse has done for me and really made me feel heard.
Keep up the good work! Very impressed with the provider, staff and Jeanes Hospital
Dr. Villano is always available, responsive and willing to answer questions or concerns.