Overview
The University of Minnesota has over a 50 year tradition of training surgeons in the specialty of colon and rectal surgery. In the early 1950’s, the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery began to offer apprenticeships in the specialty, and since 1956, formal residencies have been awarded. Currently, a one-year postgraduate residency training program in the field of colon and rectal surgery is offered the program meets the requirements of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. The program participates in the National Residency Matching Program and offers five (5) clinical residency positions each academic year. A strong emphasis is placed on candidates with an interest in academic colon and rectal surgery. Many graduates of the program have subsequently chosen academic career paths. With a faculty of 17 colon and rectal surgeons, a broad exposure to the full breadth of colon and rectal surgery is provided.
Each candidate must have completed a minimum of five (5) years training in an approved general surgical training program. In general, only those candidates who are certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Surgery are accepted. Occasional exceptions are made for outstanding candidates who have completed equivalent general surgical training in a country other than the United States or Canada. All candidates must be eligible for full licensure or residency licensure in the State of Minnesota.
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Program Features
Operative caseload (per resident each year)
Colonoscopy (per resident each year)
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135 – 150 colonoscopies
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50 – 100 polypectomies0
Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders
The resident experience includes patient interviews, anal physiology testing, anal and rectal ultrasound and interpretation of anal physiology tests. Each year, over 3,000 patients are evaluated in the Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders. Dr. Mellgren is the Director of the Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders.
Endorectal Ultrasound
Each year, 1,800 endorectal ultrasound examinations are performed by Dr. Finne, Dr. Mellgren, and Dr. Thorsen for staging of rectal cancer or evaluation of incontinence and other anorectal disorders. Hands-on experience in performing this procedure and interpreting the images is structured into the program.
Residency Program Office
Work stations for residents are provided in a self-contained library and AV facility as well as computer access and administrative support.
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Clinical Rotations
Each resident will spend two five (5) week periods on each of the following rotations:
University of Minnesota Medical Center/Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Focus: Colonoscopy, outpatient clinic, surgery, preoperative and postoperative care, pelvic floor evaluation
North
Focus: Colonoscopy, outpatient clinic, surgery, anorectal physiology, preoperative and postoperative care, anal ultrasound
Abbott-Northwestern
Focus: Colonoscopy, private office experience, surgery, postoperative care
St. Paul
Focus: Colonoscopy, private office experience, surgery, postoperative care
Fairview Southdale/Veterans Administration
Focus: Colonoscopy, outpatient clinic, surgery, postoperative care
Clinical Research
There is ongoing clinical and basic science research at the University of Minnesota. Each resident is assigned a research topic and expected to prepare an abstract for submission to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery. These topics are typically retrospective studies of a particular condition. There are many other opportunities to co-author chapters or participate in other research projects.
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Interview & Application Information
Interviews are by invitation only.
There are three (3) sets of interview dates set aside each year for applicant interviews. The interview day will begin at approximately 12:00pm on Thursday and will conclude on Friday by 4:00pm. There will be a resident dinner Thursday evening. A light breadkfast and lunch will be provided on Friday. Your interview will consist of one-on-one interviews with seven (7) of the faculty members, attending an educational conference, and a tour of our Pelvic Floor Center.
We recommend that you stay at the Radisson Metrodome Hotel located near the University of Minnesota campus at 615 Washington Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, telephone: (612) 378-8888 or (800) 822-6757. You will receive the University discount rate when you identify yourself as being here on University related business upon making your reservation. The Radisson is centrally located for your interviews. You will need to obtain a rental car.
Residency Application Process
ERAS®—the Electronic Residency Application Service—is a service that transmits residency applications, letters of recommendation, Dean's Letters/MSPE, transcripts, and other supporting credentials from applicants and medical schools to residency programs using the Internet via www.aamc.org. The University of Minnesota, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery requests a completed online application, a personal statement, curriculum vitae, copy of medical diploma, ECFMG Certification, USMLE/ABSITE Scores, and three letters of recommendation.
The deadline for applications is August 15. Our interview committee will meet to determine which applicants will be invited for an interview. Invitations to interview will begin the end of August. Interviews will be held on the three specified dates.
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Contact Information
Judith L. Trudel, MD
Director, Residency Program
Email: jltrudel@hotmail.com
Lisa Newstrom
Program Coordinator
Email: lnewstrom@crsal.org
University of Minnesota
Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery
1055 Westgate Drive - # 190
St. Paul, MN 55114
Tel: (651) 312-1500
Fax: (651) 312-1595
Web: http://www.colonrectal.org/education/uofm.htm
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