Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship

The University of Utah Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship Program Team aims to:

• Develop Expert Colon and Rectal Surgeons - Train highly skilled and competent surgeons capable of providing comprehensive care to patients with disorders of the colon and rectum.
• Enhance Surgical Expertise - Build upon general surgery residency knowledge and skills to develop specialized expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of colon and rectal disorders, particularly in the fields of benign anorectal disorders, colon and rectal cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and pelvic floor disorders.
• Advance Patient Outcomes - Improve patient outcomes by equipping fellows with advanced surgical techniques and approaches that minimize complications, reduce morbidity, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Promote Multidisciplinary Collaboration - Foster collaboration with other medical professionals, including gastroenterologists, radiologists, oncologists, and pathologists, to ensure well-rounded patient care and treatment planning.
• Encourage Research and Innovation - Engage fellows in research activities to contribute to the advancement of colon and rectal surgery, including innovations in minimally invasive techniques, patient care pathways, and postoperative management.
• Cultivate Leadership Skills - Develop leadership skills that enable fellows to lead surgical teams, educate other learners, and contribute to the medical community through teaching and mentorship.
• Contribute to Community Health - Empower fellows to play an active role in community health initiatives related to colon and rectal health education, screening, and prevention.
• Foster Professional Growth - Provide a supportive environment for fellows' professional growth, encouraging their pursuit of academic roles, teaching opportunities, and contributions to the field of colon and rectal surgery. 
• Empower Compassionate Care - Instill a patient-focused approach, emphasizing effective communication, empathy, and compassionate care throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery phases.
• Champion Ethical Practice - Engender ethical values and principles, ensuring fellows prioritize patient well-being, respect patient autonomy, and maintain the highest standards of integrity in their practice.
• Prepare for Certification and Practice - Equip fellows with the knowledge and expertise necessary to pursue board certification in colon and rectal surgery, ensuring they meet the highest standards of competence and ethical practice in the field.