St. Francis, Kendrick, IU launch colon and rectal fellowship program

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – Indiana’s first colon and rectal surgical training program is being launched through a partnership between Indiana University School of Medicine, St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers and Kendrick Regional Center for Colon and Rectal Care.

The program has been approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and its marks the first educational joint venture between St. Francis and the medical school, the nation’s second-largest academic medical institution.

The teaching staff includes colon rectal surgeons of St. Francis Hospital and IU Department of Surgery.

“Upon completion of their training, residents will be eligible for the qualifying and certifying exams of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery,” said program director Olaf Johansen, M.D.

The curriculum faculty: Johansen, Bridget Sanders, M.D. (associate director); Fred Lane, M.D.; R. Barry Melbert, M.D.; Dipen Maun, M.D.; Bruce Robb, M.D.; and Virgilio George, M.D.

Applications for the training program are now being accepted with training beginning in July 2009. More information about the fellowship is available by calling 317-834-9618.

More information about the Kendrick Regional Center for Colon and Rectal Care is www.kendrickcenter.com or the Indiana University School of Medicine website www.medicine.iu.edu/body.cfm?id=8412.

In 2007, St. Francis established the Colorectal Cancer Center center of excellence for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. It’s one of the largest programs of its kind in Indiana.