Shen’s talent belongs in NYC. He needs the big stage. He will be reunited with one of his prized protégés, my former GI Dr. Oikonomou, who was recruited out of Yale by Mount Sinai with promises of a pouchitis clinic. Columbia-Presbyterian likely made similar promises to Shen and offered him a lot of money. Never forget that big talent needs a big stage. This is why Reggie Jackson signed with the Yankees in 1977, and many other baseball stars after him. It’s no different in the medical profession for the major players. My surgeon at Mount Sinai, Dr. Irwin Gelernt, was, back in 1992, the very best colorectal surgeon in the USA. Columbia-Presbyterian since that time has risen up in the hierarchy for colorectal surgery. This is absolutely not a surprise but the natural profession of talent to greener pastures and bigger stages. A preeminent GI needs to be surrounded and backed by preeminent surgeons. NYC is where they are.