University of Minnesota
Program Director: Judith L. Trudel, M.D.
Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery
1055 Westgate Dr., #190
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: (651) 312-1500
Email: jtrudel@colonrectal.org
Number of Residents (per year): 5
Number of Faculty (ABCRS Certified): 16
University Affiliation: University of Minnesota
Salary/Year: $53,770 (2008-2009)
Case mix / number of cases: Each resident performs 200-250 abdominal procedures, 140-170 anorectal cases, and 150-200 colonoscopic examinations, and 20-30 polypectomies.
Strengths of program: The program provides a balanced exposure to malignant colorectal diseases, benign colorectal diseases (IBD, diverticular disease, defecation disorders), anorectal surgery, and endoscopy. There is high volume surgical caseload, hands on experience in anorectal physiologic testing, endorectal ultrasonography and biofeedback.
Clinic or office experience: The resident has regularly scheduled time in the University of Minnesota outpatient clinic, the Veterans Administration outpatient clinic, and the private offices at the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery. Clinic/office time is structured and protected.
Interaction with general surgery residents: For 4 out of 10 roations, there is daily interaction with general surgical residents.
Conferences: Teaching conferences are structured and protected. There is a weekly 2 hour clinical conference with rotating topics such as clinical cases presentations, clinical pathology, complications, Diseases of the Colon and Rectum review, journal club, and Evidence-based Reviews in Colon and Rectal Surgery. In addition, there is a bi-monthly pathology conference, a monthly Textbook Review conference, and a monthly multidisciplinary inflammatory bowel disease meeting. There are also weekly grand rounds at the University of Minnesota and Veterans Administration hospitals.
Anorectal physiology availability: Manometry, EMG testing, endorectal ultrasound, biofeedback, and defecography are a scheduled part of the training.
Outside rotations: None are offered.
Research year: No paid research position offered. Self-funded research positions available (subject to approval).
Requirement for paper: One retrospective review is required.