Sunu J. Philip, MD, FCS(SA) FRCSC

The balance between art and science is what drives Sunu Philip, MD, FCS(SA), FRCSC, in his surgical practice. A member of the surgical services team at UnityPoint Clinic General Surgery, he says even as technology advances, the primary focus of his work – serving each individual patient – remains unchanged.

“In the midst of guidelines, technology and the demands of clinical practice,” Dr. Philip says, “the interests of the individual patient are still the primary focus. This makes medicine both intellectually and emotionally challenging.”

Dr. Philip, a native of South Africa, is fellowship trained in abdominal transplantation and thoracic surgery. At St. Luke’s he provides an array of surgical services, from surgery required for emergencies and acute illness, to minimally invasive procedures aimed at treating a spectrum of conditions ranging from gastrointestinal and lung cancer, diverticulitis, reflux disease, hernia and more.

He says viewing each patient as an individual is important in his practice.

“It is my goal to be conscientious, diligent, safe and to build a personal rapport with my patients,” Dr. Philip says. “Each patient I treat is different. The clinical problems may be similar and guidelines clear but there are unique aspects to every patient that need be identified and addressed. This is what makes medicine something of an art.”

“Surgery combines both the practice of a craft with the intellectual challenges of seeing patients, accurately identifying their clinical problems and treating them effectively,” he continues. “The results of surgical intervention are often immediately evident. It is a specialty that comes with a great deal of responsibility and personal involvement with patients and their families.”

Dr. Philip partners with Luis Lebredo, MD to provide a broad range of surgical care. Together, the duo provide care to patients from their clinic, at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s, and at Pierce Street Same Day Surgery. Dr. Philip joined the team in June 2020 and says he is excited to grow his practice in Sioux City.

“I am motivated each day to provide the best care I can to my patients,” he says. “I am constantly looking for opportunities to improve and refine my knowledge, judgement and technical skill. I feel very strongly about doing the absolute best I can for each and every patient I see.”