Mission & Vision

Dr. Steve Vasilev holds an unmatched distinction as the only physician in the United States to hold board certification in Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology, Integrative Medicine, and Holistic Medicine, with advanced expertise in robotic surgery. This rare combination ensures every patient receives care that integrates the highest level of surgical precision, evidence-based medical management, and whole-person healing. At our institute, integrative medicine is not just a catchphrase—it is where advanced science and holistic principles genuinely meet.

Most excision specialists pursue advanced minimally invasive fellowships, with varying degrees of focus on endometriosis and complex pelvic surgery. Dr. Vasilev, however, trained in an ACGME-accredited fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology—a far more rigorous program than the variable MIGS fellowships typically available. His training provides unmatched skill and full hospital privileges for all pelvic and intra-abdominal surgeries, including those involving the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, liver, spleen, and ureters. Beyond this, his 30+ years of surgical experience further solidify his standing at the highest possible level.

While gynecologic oncologists often assist with difficult endometriosis cases, Dr. Vasilev stands alone as the only gynecologic oncologist in the U.S. solely dedicated to endometriosis and related tumors. His patients benefit from oncologic-level surgical precision applied to a disease frequently underestimated before surgery.

Worldwide, only a handful of surgeons retain the skill set needed for extremely complex robotic surgery around the cervix, parametria, and deep pelvic tissues. Dr. Vasilev is among this small group, and his published work in complex robotic abdominal surgery—such as ovarian cancer cytoreduction, often more demanding than endometriosis excision—sets him apart. These advanced techniques are critical for fertility-preserving excision and managing ultra-complex Stage IV disease or dense fibrosis, where standard excision is insufficient. Trainees and colleagues consistently attest to his philosophy of preserving organs whenever possible, avoiding unnecessary removal.

Many centers depend on general, gastrointestinal, or urologic surgeons who are not specialists in endometriosis. At Lotus, Dr. Vasilev personally performs all advanced abdominopelvic resections himself. This ensures surgical completeness and safety are never compromised by fragmented or outsourced care.

As a professor who has taught at multiple universities, Dr. Steve Vasilev has trained fellows and residents nationwide in advanced robotic surgery, shaping the next generation of surgeons while continuing to practice at the highest level himself. His leadership extends beyond the operating room into active translational research, including the development of novel biomarkers such as cfmiR for earlier diagnosis and recurrence monitoring. Patients at the Lotus Endometriosis Institute benefit not only from a surgeon who defines the standard of care today, but also from insights that are driving the breakthroughs of tomorrow.

Endometriosis is more than just lesions, and that’s why our approach emphasizes the whole person. Dr. Vasilev is trained and certified by several medical accreditation boards in integrative holistic medicine, which combines surgical, medical, and science expertise with evidence-based integrative support — including nutrition, lifestyle, and mind-body medicine — so that every piece of the healing process is addressed.