About Me
I am an endocrine surgeon focusing on three endocrine glands: the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. I also serve as an associate professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. In my career, I have performed more than 3,500 neck surgeries and over 150 robotic adrenalectomies. We have the third busiest robotic adrenalectomy program in the country. I was rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
As a member of the Cancer Biology Program at the OSUCCC – James, my research lab has two projects focused on thyroid cancer. The first is dedicated to examining a novel AMPK activator for the treatment of thyroid cancer. I’m currently studying the mechanism of action to potentially be used synergistically with known BRAF inhibitors. My second research project is creating a molecular imaging agent for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and parathyroid tumors. The calcium sensing-receptor (CaSR) is expressed primarily on parathyroids, thyroid C-cells and the kidney as well as in MTC. Further development may allow preoperative and intraoperative detection to improve surgical outcomes.
I am also the co-holder of European and U.S. patents for an intraoperative use of fluorescence spectroscopy and applications of the same, which has been licensed for a product to identify parathyroids intraoperatively using autofluorescence and recently FDA-approved for such use.
My work in creating a molecular imaging agent for medullary thyroid cancer has shown promising results in mouse models and may allow intraoperative detection to improve surgical outcomes. Additionally, my team is the first to show intraoperative fluorescent imaging of the cervical thoracic duct, which is the most common complication during a neck dissection for cancer.
I have co-authored numerous articles appearing in well-respected publications, including Surgery, Annals of Surgical Oncology and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. I have also made many presentations to organizations, including the World Molecular Imaging Congress, the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons and the Academic Surgical Congress.
Here at Ohio State, we’re fortunate to have one of the few — and best — multidisciplinary treatment teams in the country. We care for patients while also focusing on cutting-edge research. The camaraderie and expertise among my colleagues is fantastic. There is a singular focus among us, and that’s to create a cancer-free world.
Highlights
- Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2016-2019
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine
- Carcinoid Tumor
- Thyroid Nodule
- Adrenocortical Adenoma
- Adrenocortical Carcinoma
- Ablation Techniques
- Endocrine Cancers
- Thyroid Diseases
- Parathyroid Diseases
- Adrenal Gland Cancers
- Pituitary Tumor
- Neuroendocrine Tumors
- Thyroid Cancer
- Parathyroid Cancers
- Gastrointestinal Cancers
- Robotics
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
Locations Where I Practice
2050 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH 43221
614-293-3890
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA
9/5/1988 - 6/13/1993
Internship
Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
7/1/1993 - 6/30/1994
Residency
Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
7/1/1994 - 6/30/2002
Board Certification
American Board of Surgery
10/26/2004
Academic Information
My Department
Surgery
My Division
Surgical Oncology
Reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
135 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
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Overall
4.9 out of 5
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Kept you informed about your condition and treatment
4.9 out of 5
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Amount of time spent with you
4.9 out of 5
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Concern for your questions and issues
4.9 out of 5
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Skill and knowledge
4.9 out of 5
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Overall quality of care
4.9 out of 5
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 09/30/2022, Dr. Phay has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Dr phay had zero interest in listening me or talking to me. He went through hos speech and didn't want to be interupted. Didn't care what I had to say. We drove 7 hours to see him when a simple no over the phone could have worked.
Dr. John Phay did a great job explaining everything to me and then went on to patiently answered all my many questions.
They answered all my questions and concerns. I feel very confident in their abilities and experience. I didn't feel rushed throughout the appointment or tests. They are very nice and caring.
Excellent
Excellent and courteous care.
The entire process was my first with Dr. Phay. I was very comfortable and at ease; my anxiety was diminished; his confidence and expertise made me confident.
I felt that Dr. Phay spent a rather short time with me. He kept a distance and did not check my incision area.
Very professional and spent a long time with me.
Very impressed with how friendly the staff and providers were!!
Dr. Phay was excellent. I have NEVER had a doctor explain everything and seem to genuinely care about me! Please thank him for me!
I felt all my questions were answered, I was not rushed, I was very happy with my appointment.
Overall experience exceptional
Good.
I was seen by Dr. Phay and have surgery coming up with him. I have been extremely impressed with his professionalism in my interactions with him. I feel like I am being well taken care of in his hands.
Very good.
Not only was Dr. Phay very thorough, his NP was also.