Testimonials

Mercedes Nikzad, MD (Fellow – 2024-2025)

I am truly grateful for my training at Henry Ford Health. The fellowship provided a comprehensive and well-rounded experience, combining high operative volume with strong mentorship and structured education.

The faculty at Henry Ford are deeply committed to teaching. They foster an environment that balances autonomy with guidance, allowing fellows to grow as independent surgeons while always feeling supported. The overall culture at Henry Ford Health, even outside of the colorectal department, is focused on collaboration and compassion.
What stood out most was the depth and diversity of clinical exposure. Working within a major tertiary care center, I was able to care for a wide range of complex colorectal conditions while refining both open and minimally invasive techniques. As a new attending I feel confident in my training and prepared to do my job.
My training at Henry Ford Health shaped not only my technical skills, but also my approach to patient-centered, evidence-based care. I would highly recommend this fellowship to anyone seeking rigorous training within a supportive and forward-thinking surgical program.

Swadha Guru, MD (Fellow – 2023-2024)

My fellowship experience at Henry Ford was highly rewarding and provided a solid foundation for my clinical career. The training was rigorous and well-structured, offering a comprehensive curriculum with extensive firsthand clinical experience.

One of the program’s greatest strengths was the variety and complexity of cases we encountered. From common conditions to rare and challenging presentations, clinical exposure was both broad and deep, which significantly enhanced my diagnostic and procedural skills.

The faculty were knowledgeable and supportive, fostering a learning environment that encouraged both independence and collaboration. I felt well-prepared for independent practice upon graduation and confident in my ability to manage complex clinical scenarios.

I am grateful for the high-quality training I received and would recommend this program to prospective residents seeking a rigorous and well-rounded experience.

Imran Ahmad, MD (Fellow – 2022-2023)

I had the privilege of completing my Colorectal Fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital 2022-2023. My experience surpassed all my expectations. Over the course of the Fellowship, not only was I exposed to the entire breath of Colorectal Surgery, but in every aspect, I was able to see and evaluate straight forward cases to some of the most complexed cases in the region. Tackling these cases from the clinic to the operating room allowed me to step into practice confidently and was ready to lead my own practice. I felt extremely comfortable in all surgical approaches i.e., robotic, laparoscopic, open, transanal, TAMIS, endoscopy, ect. This helped tremendously in securing the exact opportunity I was looking for after graduating.

One of my favorite aspects was the relationship between the Attendings and Fellow. It is one of partnership and trust creating a welcoming and productive training environment. The program focuses on growth of the Fellow and the curriculum was continuously adjusted to fit my wants and needs. The benefit of training in a high-volume center is being able makes these adjustments quickly and effectively while completing all the ACGME requirements.

Currently, I am the only Colorectal Surgeon in the area, which has made me appreciate my training even more. My colleagues from General Surgery, Oncology, Radiology, and others regularly reach out for advice with the most-up-to date recommendations. For this, the GI tumor board has prepared me to manage all cases and provide recommendations confidently. For instance, for Rectal Cancer, I taught my Oncology team about nuisances in TNT, “Watch and Wait” protocols, and when transanal resection is appropriate rather than segmental resection.

Overall, I highly recommend the Colorectal Fellowship at Henry Ford hospital. The mentorship the fellows receive starts on the first day and lasts a lifetime. Fellows are well prepared to start practice confidently in any environment.

Daniel deLahunta, MD (Fellow – 2021-2022)

At Henry Ford Health, you will receive excellent and comprehensive training in colon and rectal surgery. I had an inside line s the fellows two years prior to me was one of my senior residents from where I did general surgery residency. She could not have spoken higher of the training that she received, and this played a significant role in my choice to come here. There is a broad range of colorectal cases seen in this program spanning from complex multidisciplinary rectal cancer care to advanced endoscopic techniques to benign anorectal disease.

The schedule is extremely flexible with the support provided by the general surgery residents and colorectal NP. You are able to tailor which surgical cases you want or need to do based on your interest and need to reach certain case requirements (none of which did I have any trouble reaching). The flexibility also allows you to do a variety of clinics with the faculty allowing you to see different approaches to surgical and nonsurgical problems that are often encountered in the clinic.

I received incredible support from both Dr. Nalamati and Dr. Reickert as well as the rest of the surgeons as I progressed through the fellowship. The mentorship that they provide helped me to continue to grow as a surgeon. In addition, there is strong commitment to fellow education throughout the year and this absolutely allowed for me to feel prepared to pass my colorectal boards (not to mention feel comfortable about practicing on my own).

I couldn't have been happier with my training at Henry Ford Health and the time that I spent in Detroit. 

Elizabeth Wood, MD (Fellow – 2019-2020)

I was initially drawn to the program because of the wide variety of operative cases and disease pathology here in Detroit. There are seven staff surgeons who have trained across the country, and I value their experience and unique approaches to different diseases. I truly received a well-rounded education. There is an excellent balance of endoscopy, clinic, anorectal, minimally invasive and open surgeries. You do see bread and butter cases, however there are plenty of very sick patients with complex surgical issues.The attending surgeons, nurses, and medical assistants that you work with on a daily basis are wonderful. There is a sense of camaraderie within the group and everyone is extremely supportive of your education. This fellowship offers a significant amount of autonomy and flexibility. On any given day, there are cases in the OR, colonoscopies, or clinic, and I am able to pick and choose what I want to do. As the fellow, you work with an intern, an advanced practice nurse, and a chief resident. You are responsible for assigning cases. This freedom allows you to tailor the fellowship to your own interests and learning needs.

There are formal didactics built into the fellowship. On Monday morning, there is a fellow-driven conference where chapters from the ASCRS textbook are discussed. This keeps you on a reading schedule that ensures the entire text is covered over the course of the year. On Wednesdays, we participate in morbidity and mortality conference with the general surgery department. On Fridays, there is a multidisciplinary GI tumor board.

Henry Ford is an exceptional place that has exceeded my expectations for training. Even with a 3 month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have met all of my curriculum requirements, thanks to the tireless effort of my attendings. I know I am ready to enter practice as an independent colorectal surgeon, but I also know that the relationships I have forged here will last a lifetime and I am grateful for the mentorship I have received. It has been a privilege to be trained at Henry Ford Hospital.