Getting to Know NCH Medical Group colorectal surgeon Scott Pinchot, M.D.

Not only does Dr. Pinchot work at NCH, his history dates back to May 1978 when he was delivered at NCH just two minutes after his twin brother.

Taking a gap year between college and medical school, Dr. Pinchot obtained his EMT license through NCH and supplemented his education by working night shifts as the ER phlebotomist.

What made you choose a career in medicine?

As one of 13 local high school students selected to participate in the Future Physicians Summer program at Good Shepherd Hospital, I was able to gain hands-on clinical experience which sold me on a medical career. I love using my hands, building things and being out and about. I knew that a desk job was not for me.

How did you decide to specialize in GI/Colorectal surgery?

My brother-in-law was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer while I was in my surgical residency. He was diagnosed right after his first child was born, which was definitely hard on him and his family. He was successfully treated with chemotherapy and surgery and is now 15 years cancer-free. Also, both my father and twin brother have ulcerative colitis so I saw firsthand how colon disease can upend your life. I wanted to help patients with these problems and give them a manageable quality of life.

What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to patients and their overall health?

Avoiding simple preventative measures like colonoscopy because of misguided or misinformed views that the procedure may hurt, be difficult, etc.

What is the worst excuse you’ve ever heard for not getting a colon screening?

Always the same…”I hate the prep”

What is the best advice you can give your patients?

Don’t be afraid of getting screening tests. It’s much harder to go through cancer treatment than to drink a bowel prep and have a colonoscopy while sedated/asleep. Take care of your body…it’s the only one you’ve got.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I LOVE cooking, working in the yard and recently have fallen in love with travel to the national parks (Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone).