- ABOUT ME
- AREAS OF FOCUS
- EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP
- LOCATIONS & HOSPITALS
- NEWS & PUBLICATIONS
Dr. Leonardo Garcia’s decision to pursue medicine was deeply influenced by his parents, who were both doctors. He specialized in colon and rectal surgery because it gives him the unique opportunity to provide both medical and surgical care to patients with cancerous or non-cancerous conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Dr. Garcia routinely manages highly complex surgical cases and utilizes innovative minimally invasive techniques.
As a colorectal surgeon, Dr. Garcia finds fulfillment in building enduring relationships and trust with his patients. He believes that collaboration and shared decision-making between a patient and their primary and specialty care teams are essential to achieving the best outcomes. The most rewarding part of Dr. Garcia’s work is the lasting impact that surgical treatments have on his patients’ health which allows them to fully enjoy what most in their lives.
Dr. Garcia completed his advanced training at world-renowned hospitals, including Johns Hopkins Hospital and Mass General Brigham, which are known for their cutting-edge, rigorous surgical practices. During his training, Dr. Garcia received recognition for his expertise in a wide range of complex cancer surgeries, including open, laparoscopic, transanal, and robotic procedures.
Dr. Garcia enjoys living in a metropolitan area that is surrounded by vast nature and outdoor activities he and his can explore. He finds it especially rewarding that his daughter can grow up in a dynamic environment that fosters both urban and outdoor experiences. Outside of work, Dr. Garcia enjoys running, golf, hiking, photography, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and dog.
Dr. Garcia speaks fluent Spanish.
Volunteer Activities
Advisor of Latino Surgical Society
Advisor of Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship of the Universidad Central de Venezuela
Other Activities
Member, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Member, American College of Surgeons
Member, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
Areas of Focus
Rectal Cancer
Colon Cancer
Anal Cancer
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease)
Diverticular Disease & Diverticulitis
Anorectal Disorders
Anorectal Abscess & Fistula
Hemorrhoids
Rectal Prolapse
Fecal Incontinence
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Fellowship, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital, 2025
Residency, General Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 2024
MD, Escuela de Medicina Luis Razetti, Universidad Central de Venezuela, 2016
BOARD CERTIFICATION
General Surgery
Colon & Rectal Surgery – Board Eligible
HONORS
Senior Award for Excellence in Robotic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University
Frank L. Coulson Clinical Excellence Award, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Locations
Hospitals Served
- Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center
- Providence Portland Medical Center
- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Publications
View all publications by Dr. Garcia on Google Scholar here.
Garcia, L., Jones, A., Maldonado, L., Irani, J., Melnitchouk, N., Zhang, G., Goldberg, J., Bleday, R. Endorectal Advancement Flap for Rectovaginal Fistulas: A Single institution Experience. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting
Garcia, L., Maldonado, L., Irani, J., Melnitchouk, N., Zhang, G., Goldberg, J., Bleday, R. Quadratus Lumborum Block: An Overlooked Tool in the ERAS Armamentarium. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting
Garcia, L., Perez, L., Obias, V. Robot-assisted Total Proctocolectomy with Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis: Video Vignette. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting
Suresh, R., Garcia, L., Gearhart, S. Young Onset Rectal Cancer: Is It for Real?. Advances in Surgery. In Press: 2024, May.
Garcia LE, Taylor J, Atallah C. Update on Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches for Rectal Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep. 2021 Aug 3;23(10):117. PMID: 34342706