About Me
I am a board-certified gynecologic oncologist specialized in the comprehensive treatment of ovarian, endometrial/uterine, cervical, vaginal, vulva and other rare gynecologic cancers. I perform radical tumor reductive surgery and minimally invasive surgical procedures such as laparoscopy and robotics, and also give chemotherapy. I serve as an associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at The Ohio State University and as the vice chair of the Cancer Institutional Review Board at the OSUCCC – James. I was rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction in 2017 and was named to the Castle Connolly list of “Regional Top Doctors” in 2019.
As a member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC – James, my research focuses on novel treatments for gynecologic cancers, predictors/biomarkers of cancer outcomes and sentinel lymph nodes in endometrial cancer. My research has been published in Gynecologic Oncology, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer, theJournal of Surgical Oncology and many others. Before coming to train and work at The James, I completed medical school at the University of Groningen in Groningen, Netherlands.
What I love about working at the OSUCCC – James is working within a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team to provide our patients with tailored, individualized treatment plans. At The James, we have many standard of care options for treatment as well as a large variety of clinical trials, and resources to make sure our patients have the best experience and best results as possible.
Highlights
- Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2017-2019
- Best Doctor in America, 2017
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list
Additional Languages I Speak
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Cervical Cancer
- Vaginal Cancers
- Vulvar Cancers
- Endometrial Cancers
- Gynecologic Cancers
- Uterine Cancers
- Ovarian Cancers
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
- Women's Health
- Peritoneal Cancers
- Robotics
- Reproductive Health
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen
1/1/1997 - 6/1/2004
Internship
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
7/1/2005 - 6/30/2006
Residency
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
7/1/2006 - 6/30/2009
Fellowship
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
7/1/2009 - 6/30/2012
Board Certifications
American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
1/31/2014
American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology-Gynecologic Oncology
4/15/2015
Academic Information
My Department
Obstetrics & Gynecology
My Division
Gynecologic 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.
169 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 09/29/2023, Dr. Backes has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- AstraZeneca
- Clovis Oncology
- Eisai, Inc.
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Merck & Co., Inc.
- UpToDate
- Creative Educational Concepts, Inc.
- Immunogen, Inc.
- Society of Gynecologic Oncology
- Myriad Genetics
Impressed
I am very grateful to be under the care of Dr. Backus, she is very knowledgeable, understanding, and willing to provide options and answer all of my questions. She never appears to be in a rush ( it seems as if I am her only patient) as she wants to make certain all of my questions and concerns are answered before leaving.
Doctor discussed findings and suggested treatment, to which I agreed.
Dr Backes is the best.
Everyone I came into contact with were very professional and knowledgeable.
DR Backus and her assistant were very good. They explained things very well.
Again my training and education. They answer all my questions, my follow-up questions, and they keep me informed at all times what the next step will be
I found Dr. Backes to be very engaged and caring regarding my diagnosis and treatment. I saw her for a second opinion regarding my condition and current treatment. She was very well prepared regarding my current condition and treatment, and forthcoming regarding her thoughts about how my treatment should proceed.
Dr. Backes and her staff are outstanding.
The physician seemed hurried & basically typed instead of talking directly to me. I repeated what I heard, but she didn't seem to really answer my concerns. The PA had done a nice job & took her time.
I have extreme confidence in Dr. Backes and ALL her staff.
Dr. Backes was great! She took her time with me, explained everything and made an uncomfortable situation much more tolerable.
I cannot say anything bad about Dr. Backes & the entire staff. I was always treated as if I was the most important person there. I would recommend your facility to anyone dealing with cancer.
Dr. Backins and Tammy Cote is so sweet and nice.
We were so very anxious coming into this appointment as I'm sure many are when faced with a possible cancer diagnosis. The doctor assured us the treatment I had been receiving was the most appropriate and reevaluation was scheduled for a few months out.
Dr. Backes is the best. She has saved my life since my diagnosis in late 2018. She is always very caring, and addresses any concerns or questions that I have every appointment.