CentraState Medical Center Welcomes New Surgeon

Furthering its commitment to the expansion of services at Statesir Cancer Center, CentraState Medical Center has announced the addition of Rachel Liou, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon, to its medical staff.

In her new role, Dr. Liou will focus on surgery of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, whether for cancerous or benign issues such as goiters. She is also a general surgeon.

“Dr. Liou’s expertise in endocrine surgery will continue to expand CentraState’s specialized cancer services in the region, said Alexander Itskovich, MD, Medical Director of the Statesir Cancer Center. “She brings a very unique surgical skill set to our team, which will directly benefit patients who previously may have had to travel to receive this level of care.”

Dr. Liou is focused on bringing more awareness to diseases of the endocrine system, which she believes could be diagnosed much earlier. Typically, she says, endocrine issues are initially found by a family physician, OB/GYN or endocrinologist, who then refer patients to her if surgery might be needed.

Dr. Liou earned her medical degree at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, and completed a residency in general surgery at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, where she served as chief resident. She completed a fellowship in endocrine surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.

A former student of violin and piano, Dr. Liou became particularly interested in endocrine and thyroid surgery because of the delicate handwork required – something she was accustomed to from playing her instruments.

“You have to be very meticulous with the important structures in endocrine surgery, which require you to treat the tissue with such care and respect,” said Dr. Liou.

Prior to earning her medical degree, Dr. Liou served as a medical student clinic volunteer for Reach Out in Dayton, Ohio, and as a research assistant for CWRU Department of Pathology/Pediatrics in Cleveland.

She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, Society of Asian Academic Surgeons and American Association of Endocrine Surgeons.

For more information about Statesir Cancer Center, call 855-411-CANCER.

About CentraState

CentraState Healthcare System is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, community-based health system that provides comprehensive health services in the central New Jersey region. In addition to offering a full range of leading-edge diagnostic and treatment options, CentraState serves as a valuable health partner focused on the latest ways to prevent disease, promote healthy behaviors, and help people of all ages live life well. Based in Freehold, CentraState is comprised of a 284-bed acute-care hospital, a vibrant health and wellness campus, three award-winning senior living communities, a charitable foundation, and four convenient satellite health pavilions. The system also offers a family medicine residency and geriatric fellowship training program in affiliation with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Among its many honors and accreditations, CentraState is one of less than two percent of hospitals nationwide to earn Magnet® designation for nursing excellence four times. To learn more, visit centrastate.com.