Northeast Georgia Health System continues to expand access to advanced cancer care in Gainesville and Braselton with the addition of Zachary Senders, MD, a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist who has joined Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG). Dr. Senders provides surgical care for patients with a wide range of cancers, including those affecting the liver, pancreas, biliary system, gastrointestinal tract, skin and soft tissue
“Advances in cancer care have transformed what surgical oncology can offer patients,” said Dr. Senders. “I was attracted to NGHS because it has built the kind of capabilities that are typically only found in major academic health systems, but they’ve done it within a culture that is focused first and foremost on serving the local community – and that’s a rare combination.”
Dr. Senders most recently worked with Penn Highlands Healthcare, caring for patients south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He completed fellowships in Complex General Surgical Oncology and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery at the University of Louisville, where he also earned a master’s degree in Clinical Investigation Sciences. But his dream started long before college.
“When I was young, my grandfather – who was a pharmacist – would sit me on his lap and flip through his old anatomy textbooks,” said Dr. Senders. “He and the rest of my family instilled values of scholarship and service to others, which led me to a career in medicine.”
Dr. Senders specializes in the treatment of complex cancers, including melanoma, sarcoma, gastrointestinal cancers and hepatopancreatobiliary malignancies. His surgical expertise includes minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgery, liver and pancreatic surgery, and cytoreductive surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).
“Cancer care is most effective when it combines the latest technology and innovation with a team that treats people as individuals, not just another case,” said Dr. Senders. “Every day, patients walk into my office fearful about the future. My job is to make sure those people leave their visit feeling confident about a treatment plan that they understand and gives them hope.”
Dr. Senders joins Eihab Abdelfatah, MD; Terence Jackson, MD; and physician assistants Jordan Pruitt and Angel Nichols at NGPG Surgical Associates, further strengthening the group’s focus on HPB and cancer surgery. Together, the team collaborates with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other specialists across Northeast Georgia Health System to provide comprehensive cancer care.
“At NGPG, we believe the best cancer care is delivered through a collaborative team approach,” said Dr. Abdelfatah. “Since joining the practice last September and performing NGHS’ first HIPEC procedure earlier this year, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of having a strong team and partners in pushing the scope of treatments we can offer our patients – and Dr. Senders’ expertise will both improve our team and our ability to deliver the highest level of care for our patients.”
Dr. Jackson has been part of NGPG Surgical Associates and NGHS’ cancer services team since 2023. During that time, the team has helped expand access to advanced liver cancer treatments and contributed to ongoing research and clinical advancements in histotripsy. Northeast Georgia Health System was the first health system in Georgia – and among the first few in the world – to offer the innovative, non-invasive treatment for liver tumors.
“It’s amazing that people have traveled from across the nation and internationally to come to Gainesville, Georgia, for their cancer care, and that’s because of how well our team works together to improve and save lives,” said Dr. Jackson. “Dr. Senders fits right in, and we’re excited to have him onboard.”
True to his focus on not defining his patients by their cancer, but seeing them as a whole person, Dr. Senders has plenty of interests outside of work.
“I am an avid woodworker. I primarily make furniture and chairs using hand tools, which has also given me the opportunity to start an antique tool collection,” said Dr. Senders. “I also enjoy DIY and remodeling projects around the house. My wife, who is also a surgeon, and I enjoy cooking together, gardening, traveling when we can, and spending time with our French bulldog and three cats.”
Dr. Senders is now accepting new patients. To learn more, please visit ngpg.org/senders or call NGPG Surgical Associates at 770-219-9200.