Don J. Schiller, MD, FACS
Dr. Don Schiller has been performing continent ileostomy surgery since 1989. He is a renowned expert at the Barnett type of Kock Pouch (or BCIR) procedure, as well as revisions of malfunctioning Kock and Barnett pouches, and conversions of failed ileo-anal J Pouches to the BCIR. Dr. Schiller has earned an unrivaled reputation for success performing procedures that can have substantial risks and complications. And he is personally committed to every patient, from the first consultation to the last to the last day at the hospital and beyond. Talk to any of his many satisfied patients, and his expertise and personal touch will come through in their stories. Some examples:
- Dr. Schiller wants to have a telephone appointment with each patient before scheduling their surgery (or an in-office visit for people who live “locally”)
- During your hospital stay, you can expect to be seen at least daily by your surgeon – Dr. Schiller. The post-operative care is not delegated to a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practioner.
- Following discharge, Dr. Schiller continues direct care during the first 6 months by means of regularly scheduled office “telephonic” appointments for out of town patients. If there is any need for you to be seen by a local doctor, Dr. Schiller will communicate directly with that doctor to facilitate your care.
- Following discharge, it will not be difficult to reach Dr. Schiller for questions or concerns. This is true during evenings and weekends, not only weekdays. Your call will not be screened by a Nurse, PA, Resident or Fellow.
- Your local physician will have no difficulty reaching Dr. Schiller should the need arise.
Personal commitment and dedication is the rule
Dr. Schiller has always followed a practice style of being readily available to his patients, especially BCIR patients who need to have access to their surgeon on a long-term basis, even for medically unrelated issues. He wants patients to know that any concerns or questions should be directed to him, rather than relying on the advice of a nurse or PA. Dr. Schiller maintains an office chart on every patient, and takes notes during every telephone contact. This provides for effective long-term care. The testimonials of Dr. Schiller’s many, many patients testify to his personal devotion to their ongoing health and well-being.
Dr. Schiller has performed the BCIR longer than any other surgeon in the US.
Education and Background
Dr. Schiller attended college at Brandeis University and received his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. He did his Residency in General Surgery at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. After spending a year as a Lecturer in Surgery at UCLA he entered private practice in West Los Angeles. Dr. Schiller became Certified by the American Board of Surgery immediately following his Residency, and after the required two years of practice was accepted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Schiller has held numerous Academic Appointments and Medical Staff Leadership positions at every hospital where he has had staff privileges as an Attending Surgeon. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCLA. He has been Chief of Surgery (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Century City Hospital, Brotman Medical Center) and Chief of the Medical Staff (Century City Hospital). He has been performing the Barnett version of the Kock Pouch Continent Ileostomy (BCIR – Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir) continuously since 1989. Dr. Schiller has greatly improved the quality of life of innumerable patients who have a malfunctioning conventional Brooke ileostomy, or a malfunctioning or failed ileoanal J pouch or Kock pouch. He also performs the combined primary procedure of removal of the large intestine and rectum with simultaneous creation of a BCIR Continent Ileostomy in appropriate patients. Dr. Schiller is dedicated to providing the best care for his patients, and personally manages their care every day while they are hospitalized. He also provides long-term follow-up for every patient as an integral part of this unique, specialized operation to insure optimal outcomes.