Dr. Marcos Szomstein, MD, FACS, FACRS, a distinguished colorectal surgeon and esteemed member of the Miami medical community, passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. His sudden departure has left a profound void among his patients, colleagues, friends, and the broader community he served with unwavering dedication.
Born and raised in Venezuela, Dr. Szomstein pursued his medical degree at the Universidad Central de Venezuela Escuela de Medicina Luis Razetti, graduating in 1991. His commitment to surgical excellence led him to the United States, where he completed a general surgery residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1996.
Further honing his expertise, he undertook a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Michigan State University in 1997. Dr. Szomstein was board-certified in both General Surgery and Colon & Rectal Surgery, reflecting his extensive training and proficiency in these fields.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Szomstein was affiliated with several prominent medical institutions in Miami, including Baptist Hospital of Miami, Doctors Hospital, South Miami Hospital, and West Kendall Baptist Hospital. His primary practice was located at 7765 SW 87 Ave., Suite 212, Miami, FL 33173, where he served countless patients with compassion and expertise.
As a key member of Gastro Health, Dr. Szomstein specialized in a range of conditions and procedures, focusing on colorectal health. His areas of expertise encompassed the treatment of anal abscesses, anal skin tags, anorectal stenosis, hidradenitis suppurativa, rectal prolapse, and rectal ulcers. He was proficient in performing procedures such as colorectal surgery, hemorrhoid treatment and banding, fistulotomy, fissurectomy, and transanal excision of anorectal masses (TAMIS).
Dr. Szomstein was multilingual, offering consultations in English, Spanish, and Hebrew, which allowed him to connect deeply with Miami’s diverse population. His patients frequently praised his exceptional surgical skills and compassionate bedside manner. One patient noted, “Great Colorectal specialist. Best of the best. Not much talk but extremely skillful surgeon.”
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Szomstein was committed to advancing medical knowledge and patient education. He contributed to various publications, including articles on surgical treatments for colon cancer. In one such article, he emphasized the importance of surgical intervention in treating colon cancer, discussing options like laparoscopic surgery and highlighting the significance of choosing a well-trained surgeon for optimal outcomes.
Dr. Szomstein’s dedication to his patients extended beyond the operating room. He was known for his respectful and dignified approach to patient care, ensuring that each individual felt heard and valued. His colleagues admired his tireless work ethic and his willingness to mentor and support fellow medical professionals.
The news of Dr. Szomstein’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from those who knew him. Patients have shared stories of how he positively impacted their lives, often going above and beyond to provide exceptional care. Colleagues remember him as a brilliant surgeon whose contributions to the medical field will have a lasting legacy.
Dr. Szomstein is survived by his family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. Plans for a memorial service are underway, and details will be shared with the community in due course. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to a medical charity or organization dedicated to colorectal health, honoring Dr. Szomstein’s lifelong commitment to patient care and medical excellence.
As the Miami community mourns the loss of Dr. Szomstein, his legacy as a compassionate physician, skilled surgeon, and dedicated mentor will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. His contributions to the field of colorectal surgery and his unwavering dedication to his patients have left an indelible mark on the medical community and beyond.
