What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.82
Average wait time
4.40
Bedside manner
4.75
“Dr. Whelan was so thorough and I could tell he really cared about me and fixing my issue. He was stern but caring and very honest and clearly had a lot of experience in his field. I feel confident about my treatment plan going forward. His staff was really sweet too and the office was very very clean which I appreciated (especially since he’s a colorectal surgeon).”
Initials hiddenFebruary 6, 2026
“He was knowledgeable and informative. Helped me quickly. Only mildly negative feedback would be that it would be great if he spoke a little more slowly as he was a bit rushed. I asked my clarifying questions and he was more than happy to answer them.”
Initials hiddenLess than 1 year ago
About Dr. Richard Whelan
Richard Lawrance Whelan, MD, is chief of colorectal surgery for Northwell Health and the Northwell Cancer Institute. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University, completed his residency at Columbia University, Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center, and a fellowship at the University of Minnesota.
An early supporter of minimally invasive colorectal surgery, Dr. Whelan has performed over 3,000 laparoscopic colorectal resections. He is the principal investigator for an FDA-approved PIPAC (pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy) study at Northwell, the first clinical trial of its kind in the nation. This innovative treatment administers chemotherapy laparoscopically as a pressurized aerosol, offering hope for patients with spread cancers. “My research background has taught me not to take things at face value—to challenge the status quo and be bold enough to explore new possibilities,” he says.
Previously, Dr. Whelan was chief of colorectal surgery at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, and Mount Sinai West for 27 years. Since joining Northwell in 2019, he oversees about 30 colorectal surgeons. “We’re creating an integrated community of doctors that can learn from one another and continue to drive the field forward,” he says. He is part of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists, nutritionists, and other specialists who collaborate to create personalized cancer treatment plans across Northwell. He views his patients as equal partners—taking time to know them, explaining options, and guiding their journey. “I treat my patients like I would treat my own family members,” he says.
Dr. Whelan has maintained a collaborative basic science lab and clinical research unit for over two decades and authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications. One focus is advanced endoscopy (ESD) methods for precancerous, large polyps, which can now be removed endoscopically.
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Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- Lenox Hill Hospital
- Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Board certifications
- American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Education and training
- Medical School - Columbia University, Doctor of Medicine
- University of Minnesota (Fellowship)
- Columbia University, Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center (Residency)
Awards and publications
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1063596542
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.82
Wait time
4.40
Bedside manner
4.75
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
89 reviews
Most relevant
Great doctor! Very knowledgeable and friendly. Felt cared for. Only knock is that it was over 1.5 hours before I saw him.
December 18, 2023Initials hidden
Thorough and helpful consultation with Dr Whelan and his PA. Friendly and efficient staff
June 28, 2024Roan R.Verified patient
Dr. Whelan was so thorough and I could tell he really cared about me and fixing my issue. He was stern but caring and very honest and clearly had a lot of experience in his field. I feel confident about my treatment plan going forward. His staff was really sweet too and the office was very very clean which I appreciated (especially since he’s a colorectal surgeon).
February 6, 2026Initials hidden
He was knowledgeable and informative. Helped me quickly. Only mildly negative feedback would be that it would be great if he spoke a little more slowly as he was a bit rushed. I asked my clarifying questions and he was more than happy to answer them.
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Whelan is a talented surgeon and has a passion for his patients. Words can't come close to how much I would recommend him.
February 5, 2025Liam H.Verified patient
Great doctor !
December 29, 2024Alisha B.Verified patient
This doctor spent the majority of the appointment fast-talking and explaining away my concerns and questioning other medical decisions I had previously made. He ultimately decided that I should simply “live with it”, which, given the condition and my age (32), means living with an unsightly and uncomfortable mass.
When I started crying he barely acknowledged it until the nurse practitioner offered me a tissue. This doctor’s bedside manner is the worst I’ve ever experienced. I understand he is very experienced and specializes in cancer so perhaps he is better with those cases— but the short answer is, if you don’t have cancer, don’t go to him.
August 26, 2024Anne M.Verified patient
DR. Whelan was great. Very profesional.
July 19, 2024Paolo R.Verified patient
Great visit and great doctor! Thank you!
June 29, 2024Jeremy L.Verified patient
Always great treatment and bedside manner.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
If you go to a colorectal surgery consultation, you are likely going through something deeply personal and scary. The last thing you want is to feel rushed, pressured, or spoken down to. This provider could benefit from leading with more empathy and realizing that it is very traumatic for so many to go through something like this.
I do believe things could have been a lot better and more time, patience, and communication could have been offered.
February 28, 2024Jorge G.Verified patient
Good doctor, very experienced and professional
February 10, 2024John G.Verified patient
Great doc - highly recommend.
December 16, 2023Christopher K.Verified patient
Was very satisfied with the doctor, the nurse practitioner, and the reception staff. Everyone was friendly and knowledgable. The doctor was very gentle in the examination and thorough in explaining the treatment options and different tiers / steps that are possible. I was also able to get a next day appointment, and with the amount of pain I was in, it was absolutely necessary. Recommend this provider.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Had heard great things and voila so true
July 7, 2023Paddington M.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Richard Whelan?
Generally, Dr. Richard Whelan has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Whelan's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Richard Whelan accepting new patients?
Dr. Richard Whelan generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Whelan's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Richard Whelan accept my insurance?
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Can I make an appointment with Dr. Richard Whelan online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Whelan using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. Richard Whelan affiliated with?
Dr. Richard Whelan is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center.
What practice does Dr. Richard Whelan work with?
Where is Dr. Richard Whelan's office located?
Dr. Richard Whelan's office is located at 1421 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028.
Which board certifications does Dr. Richard Whelan have?
Dr. Richard Whelan is certified by American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Richard Whelan?
Dr. Richard Whelan frequently sees patients for Colon Cancer Screening, Colonoscopy, Hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Removal of Cyst. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Richard Whelan on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Richard Whelan speak?
Dr. Richard Whelan speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Richard Whelan in reviews?
89 patients have reviewed Dr. Richard Whelan. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.82/5. They have a 4.75/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.4/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.