PERSEVERANCE, CREATIVITY, AND TEAMWORK “WHERE IT’S HAPPENING”

With a background in colorectal surgery and health informatics, as well as a passion for promoting prevention within the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Elliot Aroniadis accomplished something unprecedented. At the Twin Cities Pride Event in 2023, his group, Save The Bottoms, provided on-site self-screening for anal pre-cancer and cancer. A few days later, his presentation about the success of this event at Grand Rounds impressed his professional community. This led to a collaboration with the Masonic Cancer Center, the University of Minnesota, and The Randy Shaver Research and Community Fund.

 

A team builder and innovator with experience in health informatics, Aroniadis understands how to leverage technology in daily life. By partnering with community influencers, Save The Bottoms effectively uses social media to reach underserved communities in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota. Resourceful and visionary, his unique skills are enhancing awareness and prevention of anal cancer and its precursors. His team describes working with him as “fun,” which is how we would characterize this interview!