Dr. Kazanjian was raised in Los Angeles and received both his medical degree and undergraduate degree from UCLA. He completed his general surgery residency at the UCLA Medical Center, during which time he spent two years pursuing a fellowship in cancer research. He then completed colorectal surgery training at the University of Minnesota—the oldest and largest colon and rectal surgery fellowship program in the country. He is board certified in General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery. His clinical interests and expertise include Colon and Rectal Cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis), minimally invasive colorectal surgery (laparoscopic and robotic), transanal endoscopic surgery, and anorectal disorders (hemorrhoids, anal fistula, pilonidal cyst, rectal prolapse).
Dr. Kazanjian was recruited to join the UCLA Department of Surgery in 2014 as Chief of Colorectal Surgery and leads a prominent group of expert colorectal surgeons in the Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery. The group emphasizes a multidisciplinary and team approach to patient care to achieve the best possible outcomes. Previously, he served as the Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center from 2009 to 2014, during which time he established a high-volume colorectal surgery unit, with emphasis on using minimally invasive surgical approaches, including robotic surgery. In 2015, he established a satellite office for UCLA Colorectal Surgery in Santa Clarita to help facilitate easier access to consultation and follow-up care for patients in northern Los Angeles and beyond.
Dr. Kazanjian is the recipient of several awards for teaching, research and clinical excellence, including "Top Doctor" by Castle Connolly and Los Angeles Magazine.
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor of Surgery
Chief, Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Memberships
Link to Dr. Kazanjian's PubMed publications >
Top Doctors, Los Angeles Magazine, 2021
Castle Connolly Top Doctors, Colon & Rectal Surgery, 2017-2019
Los Angeles Magazine, Top Doctors, Colon & Rectal Surgery, 2019
Super Doctors Southern California, Colon & Rectal Surgery, 2017-2019
The Golden Scalpel Award, UCLA Department of Surgery, 2018
The Golden Scalpel Award, Loma Linda University Department of Surgery, 2014
Fellow, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, 2013
Fellow, American College of Surgeons, 2011
The Golden Scalpel Award, UCLA Department of Surgery – Awarded to the outstanding graduating Chief Resident, 2008
Golden Apple/Ronald K. Tompkins Award, UCLA School of Medicine – Awarded to the Chief Resident demonstrating excellence in teaching, 2008