While he is a big Dave Matthews Band fan, these days, Ryan Moore, M.D., listens to Disney Junior DJ Shuffle in the car. That’s life with three children under the age of 6. It was this family mindset that brought him and his wife to the Hackensack area during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly all family members are close by, and the surrounding area offers many opportunities. “It’s a very accessible area. We can go into the city, but we can also take the kids out and go apple picking,” says Dr. Moore, a colorectal surgeon with Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group. It’s a space to create many fond memories in the Moores’ busy lives.

What sparked your interest in medicine, and how did you choose colorectal surgery?

I always wanted to be a doctor. There are no doctors in my family, but all throughout school, I knew that’s what I wanted to be. I was interested in science. I chose surgery because I love solving problems and taking care of people at their most vulnerable time. 

In my final year of residency, I decided on colorectal surgery partially because I saw that the people in this field are generally family people. They take their work seriously, but they understand you need to have a sense of humor in this field. I also chose it because of the variety of patients in age and health, and because it’s an important field that addresses problems that are greatly affecting people’s lives. They deserve to have accessible care and with the team-based approach we are able to offer help without extended wait times. People need someone who likes what they do and isn’t doing it begrudgingly.

What has been your most memorable or rewarding experience as a colorectal surgeon?

My most memorable experience as a colorectal surgeon has been providing surgical options to patients with ulcerative colitis. Being able to treat their ulcerative colitis with surgery and create a J-pouch not only greatly improves their quality of life but can occasionally allow them to get off of multiple medications as well as decrease their cancer risk by removing their colon. Seeing the change in the patients from pre- to post-surgery is remarkable and a rewarding experience every time they follow up. It also allows me to foster relationships with these patients as they become lifelong patients.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend a lot of time with my family. My wife and I like to go out to dinner and explore new places to eat when we can find the time. I’m also a sports fanatic. l enjoy playing golf when time allows. I also love watching anything that comes on: baseball, hockey, soccer, everything. Philadelphia sports has always been my passion since that’s where I’m from. I buy my kids Philadelphia sports gear to keep them honest, and if there is a Philadelphia sports game that I can get here, I try to clear my schedule.

If you could have dinner with a celebrity past or present, who would it be and why?

I would have dinner with Tiger Woods—for his lifelong dominance and dedication to his sport—or some of my Philadelphia sports heroes like Allen Iverson or Julius Erving. I might also choose Michael Phelps. I grew up swimming, so I have an admiration for him and what he has been able to accomplish. He’s one of the greatest athletes of all time. His dominance of his craft is unrivaled, and it would be awesome to talk to people like that.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Ryan Moore, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Moore or a colorectal surgeon near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.