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South Florida CEO, July, 2002 by Scott Singer

As a colorectal surgeon, Wexner treats conditions including Inflammatory Bowel Disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and rectal cancer. He wears several hats at Cleveland Clinic. In addition to his duties as a medical practitioner, he is chairman of the Division of Research and Education, chairman of the Department of Colorectal Surgery, director of the Residency Program, and chief of staff.

Wexner has been involved in the investigation of several new technologies in his field through his work at the Cleveland Clinic, where he has practiced since 1988. These have included pioneer work in the area of minimally invasive laparoscopy of the colon and the prevention of scar tissue after colon surgery.

As principal investigator for the Cleveland Clinic, Wexner recently studied a new technology called the Secca system, which uses radio frequency energy to treat fecal incontinence. He is also helping test a device for a less-painful treatment of hemorrhoids.

"I like the fact that I can improve peoples' quality of life, whether it is ridding a patient of cancer or preventing and treating a blockage," says Wexner. "We can use research and education to disseminate information for patients we have never met or will never meet."

Following completion of his medical degree at Comell University in 1982, Wexner entered residency in general surgery at Roosevelt Hospital in New York, then went to the University of Minnesota to study colorectal surgery. He has published more than 300 journal articles, 100 textbook chapters, and 10 textbooks. He has also been recognized for his expertise in Good Housekeeping, Best Doctors in America, America's Top Doctors and Best Surgeons in America.

Opening Patient's Eyes

DR. HILDA CAPO One of two pediatric ophthalmologists with the University of Miami's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Hilda Capo started her medical career in Puerto Rico, where she completed her medical degree and residency at the University of Puerto Rico. She continued neuro-ophthamlmology fellowship training at New York University Medical Center. It was then she discovered a love for teaching. "I must have inherited my pedagogic inclination from my mother, who was a mathematics professor at the University of Puerto Rico," she says. Capo heads Bascom Palmer's pediatric ophthalmology fellowship, and is an associate professor in clinical studies.

Her work in such pediatric areas as corneal transplants, dyslexia research and treatment of strabismus (often called "crossed-eyes") has earned Capo a national reputation. In many cases, she has donated her services to children in need. "It's refreshing to interact with children," she says. In particular, treatment of children with congenital cataracts "is challenging, and the subsequent [condition] management is arduous, but the end result makes it all worthwhile." Capo also treats adult strabismus and other adult eye conditions that require surgery.

While Capo has received a number of awards in her field, she cites the GEMS National Television "Woman of the Year Award in Medical Sciences" as her most memorable. "It has a special meaning as the purpose of this award is to establish role models for young Hispanic women," she says.