Course Correction

It is a parent’s worst nightmare. A healthy adult daughter unexpectedly enters an out-of-state hospital with abdominal pain and emerges weeks later bearing the burden of ineffective medical care compounded by a surgical mistake.

“Kara’s life changed in an instant with devastating complications we feared might last a lifetime,” says Kathryn Hachigian, Kara Hachigian’s mother. “We were determined to find a solution.”

Persistence in overcoming challenges characterized Kara’s success as a former competitive equestrian. But nothing could have prepared her for the months of pain and delays in her care. Then, Kara met Dr. Eric M. Haas, chief of the Houston Methodist Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

“Dr. Haas’ expertise with robotic surgical techniques meant he was confident in providing me with corrective surgery that others wouldn’t risk,” says Kara.

Following surgery with Dr. Haas, Kara regained quality of life. To help other patients and families, her parents, Kathryn and Kirk Hachigian, generously established the Dr. Eric Haas and Kara Hachigian Colorectal Surgery Fellowship Endowment in the Houston Methodist Department of Surgery. The endowment supports a fellow specializing in colorectal surgery.

"Our hope is that the surgeons Dr. Haas trains at Houston Methodist will become ambassadors to other hospitals, ensuring more patients will receive optimal care from the beginning," says Kara.

Dr. Haas is grateful for the Hachigians' support and the opportunity to train future surgeons in advanced laparoscopic, robotic, and minimally invasive approaches to treating colon and rectal diseases and conditions.

"As a surgeon, it inspires me to know that I can make a difference," says Dr. Haas. "We have the opportunity to pair the latest technologies with best practices, leading to the most promising possible outcomes for every patient."