Contact us
For any additional questions, please contact our program administrator.
Welcome from our program director
As Program Director, I view our colon and rectal surgery fellowship as far more than advanced surgical training. It is an opportunity to develop compassionate, thoughtful surgeons who are committed to excellence in patient care, lifelong learning, and leadership within our specialty.
About our program
At HCA Houston Healthcare, our Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship is committed to developing technically skilled, compassionate, and academically driven colorectal surgeons prepared to lead in an evolving healthcare environment. The HCA Healthcare Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship offers a comprehensive educational experience grounded in excellence in patient care, surgical innovation, research, and mentorship.
Fellows receive broad exposure to the full spectrum of colorectal disease, including benign and malignant conditions, pelvic floor disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, anorectal disease, and complex laparoscopic procedures. Through a high-volume clinical experience and graduated autonomy, fellows refine operative judgment while building confidence and independence. Education is supported by our faculty who are dedicated and deeply invested in the professional success of each of our fellows.
Fellows participate in weekly grand rounds, M&M's and NAPRC multidisciplinary conferences with our general surgery residents, structured didactics, simulation training, and scholarly activity designed to foster critical thinking, lifelong learning, and leadership development. We emphasize a collaborative culture where curiosity, accountability, professionalism, and respect are central to the learning environment. Beyond surgical training, our fellowship prioritizes mentorship, wellness, and service to the community.
We strive to cultivate surgeons who not only excel in the operating room, but who also serve as advocates, educators, and leaders within their institutions and communities. Our mission is to prepare fellows to deliver exceptional colorectal care with integrity, compassion, and innovation while advancing the future of the specialty through education, research, and patient-centered care.
Conference schedule
Fellows, if required, attend weekly M&M conferences at 6:30am on Tuesday mornings, Interesting Cases meetings every Wednesday at 6:00pm, as well as NAPRC Tumor Boards every Tuesday. We also hold monthly Journal Club Meetings with articles chosen by the program director for an in depth discussion provided by both faculty and fellows. A guest speaker will also attend these meetings.
Curriculum
The HCA Healthcare Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship curriculum focuses on providing a comprehensive and diverse clinical experience in all aspects of colon and rectal surgery. This includes a wide range of procedures, from major abdominal and anorectal surgeries to colonoscopies and endoscopic procedures. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, with opportunities to work alongside various specialists and participate in research.
Key aspects of the curriculum include:
- Clinical Experience: Fellows gain experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospital rounds, outpatient clinics and surgical procedures.
- Surgical Procedures: The curriculum includes a significant volume of surgical cases, with a focus on both open and minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopy and robotics.
- Endoscopy: Fellows receive training in diagnostic and therapeutic lower endoscopy, including colonoscopies and polypectomies.
- Anorectal Physiology: The program incorporates training in anorectal physiology, including evaluations like anal manometry and defecography, as well as biofeedback therapy.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Fellows collaborate with other specialists, such as gastroenterologists and urogynecologists, in the management of complex conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pelvic floor disorders.
- Research: The program requires research participation, and will have a QI chosen by one of our faculty. With the help of our research coordinator, fellow will be able to submit abstract and QI to conferences and travel if the project is accepted for a poster presentation.
- Conferences and Didactics: Fellows participate in various conferences, including weekly interesting cases conferences, multidisciplinary tumor boards, covering all aspects of colorectal disease.
Specific areas of focus include:
- Colon and rectal cancer management
- Benign anorectal conditions (hemorrhoids, fistulas, etc.)
- IBD
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Diverticular disease
- Functional bowel disorders (constipation, incontinence)
- Anorectal physiology
- Anorectal surgery
- Colonoscopy
- Hemorrhoids
- Crohn's Disease
- Colorectal and Colon Polyps
Salary and benefits information
| Year | Salary | On-Call Meals | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGY1 | $65,187 | $950 | $66,137 |
| PGY2 | $67,475 | $950 | $68,425 |
| PGY3 | $69,846 | $950 | $70,796 |
| PGY6 | $80,101 | $950 | $81,051 |
Benefits
- Medical Benefits: Aetna, United Healthcare or other carrier based on location
- Supplemental health insurance: Accident, Critical illness, hospital indemnity (United Healthcare)
- Free counseling and other mental, behavioral and emotional support (Optum Wellbeing)
- Dental Benefits: Cigna Dental(DHMO), Delta Dental
- Vision Benefits: EyeMed
- Financial Wellbeing Support: 401(k) Plan (Voya), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Flex Spending Accounts (Optum Financial), Financial and Legal Counseling (Optum Wellbeing), Life Insurance (The Hartford)
- Time Away From Work Program: Paid Family Leave, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Other Leaves of Absence
- More Life and Family Support: Adoption Assistance, Pet Insurance, Auto and Home Insurance, Certain Fertility and Family Building Benefits, Menopause Support
Reimbursements
- Resident ASCRS membership
- Texas State Medical License with Controlled Substance reimbursement DEA reimbursement
- All reasonable dues, subscriptions Any Credentialing needed for fellowship year
- Professional Headshots
- Textbooks
- CARSITE Fee
- Name embroidered Lab coats (2)
- ACLS and BLS recertification-if needed
- Reasonable Approved Business expenses including Travel for Research Conference