Find a Jersey Choice Top Doctor

We asked more than 26,000 New Jersey doctors to tell us which of their fellow practitioners they consider New Jersey’s best doctors. The result: Our 2024 Jersey Choice list of the state’s 1,022 Top Doctors, as chosen by their peers. View our methodology, frequently asked questions and professional advisory board here.

Debra R. Tarantino, MD

About Debra R. Tarantino

Dr. Mark Gilder and Dr. Debra Tarantino have been distinguished as New Jersey Monthly Top Doctors for the past 13 years. Their practice, Associates in Colon and Rectal Diseases, is recognized as one of the most prestigious colon and rectal surgical practices in the region.

The surgeons spend a lot of time speaking with patients, explaining diagnoses and procedures, and they emphasize patient education and active participation in their own care.

They specialize in robotic and minimally invasive surgery, focusing on the treatment of colon and rectal cancer as well as benign disorders of the colon. Their collaborative relationships with radiation and medical oncologists throughout the metropolitan area help provide the most contemporary cancer treatment options, including rectal preservation for rectal cancer. Patients also benefit from their association with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, which often offers clinical protocols and trials not available elsewhere.

Drs. Gilder and Tarantino specialize in the treatment of fecal incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, and constipation, along with a wide variety of anorectal conditions, including anal fissures, complex fistulas, and hemorrhoids. They work with gastroenterologists to provide specialized care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. These complex patients benefit from this close team approach.

The surgeons are also dedicated professionals driven to educate and train the future generation of surgeons. They proudly serve as clinical attending physicians for the Rutgers University North residency program, one of the leading university training programs in the state of New Jersey.

They are pleased to expand their team with Dr. Wei Liu and physician assistant Julie Schwegman to continue delivering quality, timely care to their patients.