In honor of John Boggess, MD
Dr. John Boggess has always loved technology, music and medicine. Now he delves into all three for one cause—helping patients with cancer.
Dr. Boggess, a gynecologic oncologist, uses a less-invasive surgical procedure for cervical and uterine cancers, a technique that had been invented for urologic surgery but which he pioneered for gynecologic surgery. It allows doctors to use high-resolution 3-D visuals and small incisions to reduce trauma to the patient.
“Robotics improves quality of life,” Dr. Boggess says. "Using the robot, there’s much less blood loss and patients recover faster.”
Dr. Boggess chose to work at UNC as a fellow because of the opportunity to train in less-invasive surgical techniques such as laparoscopy. Three years later, he joined the faculty and started the minimally invasive surgery program.
During off hours these days, Dr. Boggess spends time making music with his new rock group called N.E.D — No Evidence of Disease. All gynecologic oncologists, including UNC’s John Soper, N.E.D. is making a CD of original songs, some of which are based on the group’s experiences with cancer patients. Proceeds from CD sales will go to a special fund set up by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation.
And yes, guitarist Dr. Boggess does sing.