C. Randall Cooper, MD, FACS, FASCRS, is a member of Summit Health's Colorectal and General Surgery teams. Dr. Cooper treats a broad range of patient issues involving the small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Such issues include anorectal disease and other benign colorectal conditions including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis; colon, rectal, and anal cancers; and pelvic floor disorders, including rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence.

Dr. Cooper is trained in advanced minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery for colorectal disease, and he has significant experience with reoperative colorectal surgery. His clinical and surgical interests also include colorectal and anal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, anorectal surgery, and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), which removes benign polyps and some cancerous tumors.

Understanding that colorectal problems can be uncomfortable to discuss, Dr. Cooper prioritizes putting patients at ease with compassion, information, and a personalized, problem-solving approach. “I want patients to understand when they choose me as a doctor that we are on a journey together to find and make the best decision for their individual needs and disease,” he said.

After shadowing a surgeon in high school and witnessing positive impact on patients, Dr. Cooper’s existing desire to help others was further defined. Today he especially enjoys getting to know his patients and applying his expertise toward improving their lives, whether through education, conservative treatment, or surgery. He is passionate about raising awareness of the importance of colon cancer screening.

Dr. Cooper serves as a non-tenure Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. He is a fellow with the American Society of Colorectal Surgeons and serves on the Healthcare Economics committee.

In his free time, Dr. Cooper enjoys spending time with his wife and family, trying new restaurants, exercising, and traveling.