Rome Health Surgical Specialists has welcomed Sayali Kulkarni, MD, to its practice, located in the Medical Center on the hospital’s main campus. Dr. Kulkarni specializes in general and bariatric surgery and also performs endoscopic procedures, including upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. The board-certified surgeon has advanced expertise in minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Appointments may be made by calling 315.338.7040.
Originally from India, Dr. Kulkarni moved to the United States at a young age and was raised in Virginia. She earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. After completing her residency in general surgery at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson, NY, she advanced her training with a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery, advanced gastroenterology and bariatrics.
Dr. Kulkarni’s training in a high-volume, fast-paced academic medical center afforded her the opportunity to gain extensive experience in a broad range of surgical procedures and advanced surgical techniques. She will provide a comprehensive range of general surgical services, with a primary focus on minimally invasive approaches designed to support faster recovery, reduced scarring, and improved patient outcomes. Her clinical practice includes laparoscopic and robotic surgery, bariatric procedures, hernia repair, appendectomies, gallbladder surgery, colon surgery, and breast surgery. She also performs endoscopic procedures, including upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.
Her interest in healthcare began in grade school. She was initially drawn to fields like neurology and psychiatry for their focus on patient interaction. During clinical rotations, she discovered a passion for hands-on work and staying active, naturally leading her toward surgery.
"I've always loved doing things with my hands and staying busy," Dr. Kulkarni shared. "Surgery fits that perfectly — there's constant movement and the ability to make a direct impact."
Over the course of her training, Dr. Kulkarni observed the growing prevalence of minimally invasive and robotic techniques, which she notes offer significant benefits: "Healing time is so much better for patients... they're recovering so much faster." She pursued additional training through a minimally invasive fellowship to become proficient in these advanced methods.
Dr. Kulkarni was drawn to Rome Health for its combination of a close-knit, community-focused environment and a forward-looking vision for growth and expansion. “It has the feel of a community hospital, but with big goals and aspirations,” she said. “It truly offers the best of both worlds.”
The opening of the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services in 2025 marked a significant milestone for the hospital, creating a modern, patient-centered environment designed to support complex procedures and innovative techniques. The rapid growth of Rome Health’s robotics program, exceeded expectations in its first year of operation and led the hospital to invest in a second da Vinci robotic system to meet surgeon and patient demand.
“That level of growth speaks volumes,” Dr. Kulkarni said. “Rome Health is a community hospital, but it is thinking and investing like a much larger institution. The focus on innovation, technology, and expanding access to advanced surgical care aligns closely with how I want to practice and with where surgery is headed.”
Dr. Kulkarni is joining surgeons Samuel Molica, D.O., Leo Amodu, MD, MPH, and Keneth Hall, MD, FACS, FASMBS at Rome Health Surgical Specialists.