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From Surgeon to Survivor: Charles Friel, MD, on Hope, Healing, and Colorectal Cancer

June 24, 2025 by daf4a@virginia.edu

Hope at WorkThis is the latest installment in the Connect article series “Hope at Work” — showcasing inspiring stories about how our team members contribute to UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: “One Future Together Health and Hope for All.” No matter where you work, you have an opportunity to inspire hope in others. These stories show how:

What happens when the Section Chief of Colorectal Surgery at UVA Health since 2007 is diagnosed with colorectal cancer?

Charles Friel, MD  a Harvard University alum who is board certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery — found himself undergoing treatment at UVA Health.

On the Healthy Balance blog, learn from the six key decisions Dr. Friel made along the way  and watch his journey in the video below:

Filed Under: Faculty