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Program Director(s):
Slawomir Marecik
John Park

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Description:

Please note that for 2025/26, our Program will no longer be able to consider candidates requiring a visa. To be accepted into our MIS Colorectal Fellowship Program at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, candidates must be US citizens, permanent residents, or have an Employment Authorization card to work in the US. We are hoping that for 2026/27, we will be able to sponsor J-1 or H1-B visas.

We are an academic fellowship program with a diverse and dedicated faculty for teaching pathophysiology, diagnosis, and advanced laparoscopic/robotic skills to treat colon and rectal pathology https://vimeo.com/user4261268 . The fellow will learn advanced laparoscopic operative techniques, including right hemicolectomy, left hemicolectomy, low anterior resection, total proctocolectomy, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, and abdominoperineal resection. There is a heavy emphasis on robotic colorectal surgery training, particularly robotic rectal dissection.  The Pelvic Floor Center provides the opportunity to analyze the fundamentals of anorectal physiology and perform anal manometry and ultrasound. The fellow will be expected to teach surgical residents and medical students fundamental techniques in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.  In addition, the fellow will be expected to lecture medical students and residents on general surgery topics such as colon and rectal surgery. The fellow will attend and participate in all didactic teaching conferences in the Department of Surgery.  The fellow will also be expected to participate in the multidisciplinary rectal cancer conferences.  There is one dedicated day per week for research.  The Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System is available for clinical, simulation, and research use.  Ideal candidates should have completed or are in the process of completing a general surgery residency or colon and rectal surgery residency.

Our work has been presented at many international conferences throughout the years and can be watched at:

https://vimeo.com/user4261268

The colorectal fellowship programs are intended for trainees who have completed or intend to complete a colorectal surgery residency program accredited by the ACGME. International medical graduates who have not completed a general surgery residency program accredited by the ACGME and are not certified by or eligible for certification by the American Board of Surgery may also be eligible for training in a Fellowship Council-accredited program. Successful completion of a Fellowship Council-accredited colorectal surgery fellowship DOES NOT under any circumstances qualify for eligibility for certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Basic Program Information:

  • Location: Park Ridge, Illinois
  • Primary Program Site: Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
  • Primary Hospital: Total bed size, # OR's, # Surgical ICU beds: 638
  • Secondary Program Site: none
  • Secondary Hospital: Total bed size, # OR's, # Surgical ICU beds: n/a
  • Clinic locations and schedule:

    LM Prasad MD SC - Colorectal Surgery (Private Practice) - Friday

  • University Affiliation: University of Illinois at Chicago; University of Chicago; Cook County Hospital
  • School of Medicine Affiliation: University of Illinois
  • Year Program and/or Designation Established: 2004
  • Number of Faculty: 3
  • % of Program Clinical: 85
  • % of Program Research: 15

Additional Program Information:

  • Interaction with Residents: Some cases shared
  • Is there a General Surgery Residency at the Primary Institution? Yes
  • Is there a General Surgery Residency at the Secondary Institution? Yes
  • Is there a curriculum in place for fellowship? Yes
  • Is there a skills lab at the institution with fellow access? Yes
  • Are there teaching conferences available for the fellow? Yes
  • Is there an evaluation tool for fellow by faculty in place? Yes
  • Is there an evaluation tool for faculty by fellow in place? Yes
  • Papers Accepted For Publication where PD was an author: 26
  • Publications that Involved Input from the Fellow: 19
  • Are funds available for the Fellow to attend conferences? Yes

Malpractice Insurance Information:

  • The fellow(s) only works as a fellow, i.e. does not/will not have attending privileges and the program provides the following:
    Occurrence-based malpractice coverage

Contact Information For Questions:

Katharine Esparza
Phone: 847-723-7200
Fax: 847-696-3391
Email: katharine.esparza@aah.org
Web: https://vimeo.com/user4261268

Facilities

Dry Lab
Library
Administrative Support
Basic Science Research
Clinical Research
Simulation Lab

Citizenship and Visa Requirements:

    US Citizens
    US Permanent Residents (Green Card)
    Canadian Citizens
    Canadian Permanent Residents
    Non U.S. Citizens eligible for/with planned J-1 Visa during their fellowship (For U.S. Fellowship Programs)

Medical School Requirements:

    We accept graduates of U.S. or Canadian Medical Schools and Foreign Medical Schools
    We accept graduates of Foreign Medical Schools only if ECFMG Certified

Examinations and Certifications:

    Applicants must have passed the USMLE/COMLEX Step 1, 2, & 3 exams
    Applicants must have passed the USMLE/COMLEX Step 1 & 2 exams or the Medical Council of Canada Evaluation Exam (MCCEE)
    Applicants who hold a General Surgery specialty certificate from a Board or College outside of U.S. or Canada at the beginning of the fellowship

 

Licensure Requirements and Information:

Must be licensed in Illinois

http://www.idfpr.com

Accreditation Status Accreditation Period Length of Accreditation
Accredited for Advanced Colorectal 2025-2028 3

Fellowship Opportunity # 1

  • Number of Positions Available: 1
  • Type of Fellowship: Colorectal/MIS
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Start Day: 08/01/2018
  • End Day: 07/31/2019
  • Is this a salaried position? Yes
  • It is a requirement that the salary must be commensurate to a PGY 6 or greater in the same city. Does your program meet this requirement? Yes
  • Is the salary guaranteed for the year? Yes
  • Is there funding available beyond salary for meeting attendance, research, etc? No
  • Is the salary dependent on call? No
  • Is the Fellow on call? Yes
    What are the on call requirements?
  • What are the estimated fellow weekly work hours?
  • It is a requirement that Health Insurance be provided. Do you provide health insurance to your fellows? Yes
  • Teaching Responsibilities: Yes
  • Courses/Academic Presentations: Yes
  • Does reimbursement for the above make up part of the salary? No
  • Does the fellowship contract include a non-compete clause? No

Clinical Outpatient Experience

One full day per week at the colorectal clinic for exposure to both preoperative and postoperative care of the surgical patient.

Research/Scholarship Resources

1 dedicated day for research. The average fellow will submit 6-8 papers for either presentation and/or publication.

Program Director(s) Detailed Information

Dr. Slawomir Marecik MD, FASC, FASCRS

  • At Institution Since: 2007
  • Program Director Since : 2013
  • Board Certification: Board Certified

Society Memberships

SAGES

ACS

ASCRS

Other

CRSA

Areas of Expertise

colorectal, MIS/robotic, anorectal, rectal cancer

Teaching Qualifications

Summary of Qualifications

Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine

Program Director, MIS-Robotic Colorectal Surgery Fellowship, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL

Director, Rectal Cancer Program, ALGH

Director, Center for Robotic Surgery, ALGH

Site Program Director, UIC Cook County Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Training Program

Publications ===========================

Books/Chapters          

Chapter “Robotic Low Anterior Resection: Unique Considerations and Optimal Setup” [13]

Marecik S, Park J, Kochar K

The SAGES Manual of Colorectal Surgery by Sylla et al.

in press

 

Chapter “Robotic Abdominoperineal Resection” [12]

Al-Khamis A, Marecik S, Kochar K, Park J

Robotic Surgery by Bardakciolu et al.

in press

 

Chapter “Intestinal Vaginoplasty” [11]

Marecik SJ, Melich, G

Surgical Management of the Transgender Patient by Schechter, 2nd Ed.

in press

 

Chapter Robotic Colorectal Surgery for Neoplasia. [10]

Pai A, Marecik S, Park J, Prasad L.

Advances in Colorectal Neoplasia by Langenfeld

Surg Clin North Am. 2017 Jun;97(3):561-572

PMID: 28501247

 

Chapter “Complications of Rectovaginal Fistula Treatment” [9]

Marecik SJ, Abcarian A, Prasad LM

Complications of Anorectal Surgery: Prevention and Managment by Abcarian, Cintron, Nelson et al.

Published Apr 2017

 

Chapter “Intestinal Vaginoplasty” [8]

Marecik SJ, Schechter L

Surgical Management of the Transgender Patient by Schechter L

Published Sep 2016

 

Chapter “Rectal Anatomy: Clinical Perspective” [7]

Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Prasad LM

Rectal Cancer: Modern Approaches to Treatment‏ by Chang G et al.

Published Dec 2017

 

Chapter “Robotic Approaches in the Obese Patient” [6]

Pai A, Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Prasad LM

Robotic Approaches to Colorectal Surgery by Ross, Champaigne, Lee et al.

Published Oct 2015

 

American College of Surgeons Video Anthology Collections (Ciné-Med)

VA-33: Colorectal V: Advanced I

ACS-3130 Robotic Abdominoperineal Resection with Sacrectomy

VA-34: Colorectal VI: Advanced II

ACS-3133 Intersphincteric Dissection Followed by Robotic Abdominoperineal Resection for Anterior Rectal Cancer

ACS-3289 Rectocele Repair, Transvaginal Technique with Mesh and Levatorplasty

released Nov 2013

 

Chapter “Laparoscopic Left Colectomy for Cancer” [5]

Marecik SJ, Bergamaschi R

EAES Manual of Endoscopic Surgery by Bonjer

Submitted Oct 2013

 

Chapter “Teaching advanced laparoscopic skills in colorectal surgery” [4]

Marecik SJ, Bergamaschi R

Training in Minimal Access Surgery, by Francis, Fingerhut, Bergamaschi

Published 2015

 

Chapter “Robot Assisted TME for Rectal Cancer” [3]

Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Prasad LM

Robotic Surgery, 2nd edition, by Gharagozloo, Najam, Margolis, Poston, Meyer, and Satava, McGraw Hill, New York.

In press, to be published in spring of 2019

 

Chapter “Laparoscopic Colon and Rectal Surgery” [2]

Marecik SJ, Bergamaschi R

Corman’s Colon and Rectal Surgery 6th Edition by Corman M

Published Oct 2012

 

Chapter “Robotic Left Colon Resections” [1]

Prasad LM, Marecik SJ

Master Techniques in Colon and Rectal Surgery by Fleshman J, Wexner S

Published Jan 2012

 

Peer Reviewed:

Robotic Resection of Presacral (Retrorectal) Tumors and Waldeyer's Fascia. [55]

Marecik SJ, Al-Khamis A, Kochar K, Park JJ.

Dis Colon Rectum. 2018 Jul;61(7):e351-e352

PMID: 29771805

 

Rectal Dissection Simulator for da Vinci Surgery: Details of Simulator Manufacturing With Evidence of Construct, Face, and Content Validity. [54]

Melich G, Pai A, Shoela R, Kochar K, Patel S, Park J, Prasad L, Marecik S.

Dis Colon Rectum. 2018 Apr;61(4):514-519

PMID: 29521834

 

Local parastomal hernia repair with biological mesh is safe and effective. [53]

Hufford T, Tremblay J, Mustafa Sheikh T, Marecik S, Park J, Zamfirova I, Kochar K.

Am J Surg. 2018 Jan;215(1):88-90

PMID: 28882360

 

The Impact of Obesity on the Perioperative, Clinicopathologic, and Oncologic Outcomes of Robot Assisted Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer. [52]

Pai A, Alsabhan F, Park JJ, Melich G, Sulo S, Marecik SJ.

Pol Przegl Chir. 2017 Aug 31;89(4):23-28

PMID: 28905801

 

Sphincter-Sparing Anal Fistula Repair: Are We Getting Better? [51]

Sugrue J, Mantilla N, Abcarian A, Kochar K, Marecik S, Chaudhry V, Mellgren A, Nordenstam J.

Dis Colon Rectum. 2017 Oct;60(10):1071-1077

PMID: 28891851

 

Robotic Colorectal Surgery for Neoplasia. [50]

Pai A, Marecik S, Park J, Prasad L.

Surg Clin North Am. 2017 Jun;97(3):561-572

PMID: 28501247

 

Sacral Nerve Stimulation Can Be an Effective Treatment for Low Anterior Resection Syndrome. [49]

Eftaiha SM, Balachandran B, Marecik SJ, Mellgren A, Nordenstam J, Melich G, Prasad LM, Park JJ.

Colorectal Dis. 2017 May 6

PMID: 28477435

 

Promising times in rectal cancer treatment [48]

Marecik S, Park JJ

Current Medicine Research and Practice, Mar-Apr 2017, vol. 7, issue 2, 39-40

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmrp.2017.02.005

 

 

Omental Pedicle Flap Does Not Decrease the Incidence of Bowel Obstruction after Abdominoperineal Resection. [47]

Kochar K, Marecik S, Prasad LM, Park J.

Am Surg. 2016 Nov 1;82(11):328-330.

PMID: 28206927

 

No clinical benefit from routine histologic examination of stapler doughnuts at low anterior resection for rectal cancer. [46]

Sugrue J, Dagbert F, Park J, Marecik S, Prasad LM, Chaudhry V, Blumetti J, Emmadi R, Mellgren A, Nordenstam J.

Surgery. 2017 Jul;162(1):147-151

PMID: 28187868

 

Prospective analysis of the sealing ability of the ENSEAL® G2 Articulating Tissue Sealer and transector on human mesenteric vessels in colorectal surgery.[45]

Balachandran B, Melich G, Mustafa T, Marecik SJ, Prasad LM, Gonzalez M, Sulo S, Dabbous F, Park JJ.

Tech Coloproctol. 2017 Feb;21(2):133-138

PMID: 28144764

 

Bio-Thiersch as an Adjunct to Perineal Proctectomy Reduces Rates of Recurrent Rectal Prolapse. [44]

Eftaiha SM, Calata JF, Sugrue JJ, Marecik SJ, Prasad LM, Mellgren A, Nordenstam J, Park JJ.

Dis Colon Rectum. 2017 Feb;60(2):187-193

PMID: 28059915

 

Robotic site adjusted levator transection for carcinoma of the rectum: A modification of the existing cylindrical abdominoperineal resection for eccentrically located tumors [43]

Pai A, Eftaiha S, Melich G, Park J, Lin PL, Prasad LM, Marecik SJ

World J Surg. 2017 Feb;41(2):590-595

PMID: 27778072

 

Risk Factors for Postdischarge Venous Thromboembolism After Colorectal Surgery.[42]

Pai A, Paul S, Ahamed A, Park JJ, Marecik SJ, Prasad LM, Raghunath KJ.

Dis Colon Rectum. 2016 Nov;59(11):e447..

PMID: 27749489

 

Wide local excision of perianal Paget's disease with gluteal flap reconstruction: an interdisciplinary approach. [41]

Borsuk DJ, Melich G, Sugrue J, Calata J, Seitz IA, Park JJ, Prasad LM, Marecik SJ.

J Vis Surg. 2016 Sep 19;2:159

PMID: 29078544

 

Endoscopic control of enterocutaneous fistula by dual intussuscepting stent technique. [40]

Melich G, Pai A, Balachandran B, Marecik SJ, Prasad LM, Park JJ

Surg Endosc. 2016 Sep;30(9):4150-1

PMID: 27501730

 

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision: Save the Nerves and Urethra [39]

Marecik SJ, Pai A, Sheikh T, Park JJ, Prasad LM

Dis Colon Rectum. 2016 Jul;59(7):e410-4

PMID: 27270528

 

Robot Assisted Abdominoperineal Resection: Clinical, Pathologic, and Oncologic Outcomes [38]

Eftaiha S, Pai A, Sulo S, Park JJ, Prasad LM, Marecik SJ

Dis Colon Rectum. 2016 Jul;59(7):607-14

PMID: 27270512

 

Timing Of Intestinal Anastomotic Leaks: When Can We Stop Worrying? [37]

Melich G, Kochar K, Pai A, Coralic J, Marecik S, Park J, Prasad L. 

World Journal of Colorectal Surgery: Vol. 6 : Iss. 3, Article 1. 2016

 

Sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of bowel dysfunction from imperforate anus: A case report. [36]

Eftaiha SM, Melich G, Pai A, Marecik SJ, Prasad LM, Park JJ.

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2016;24:115-8

PMID: 27236579

 

Safety and efficacy of an electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing device in sealing and division of the inferior mesenteric vessels in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.[35]

Pai A, Sugrue J, Bibi S, Melich G, Marecik S, Prasad LM, Park J.

Tech Coloproctol. 2016 Jul;20(7):505-6

PMID: 27170282

 

Combining all forces: abdominoperineal resection in an obese male. [34]

Alsabhan F, Eftaiha S, Pai A, Prasad LM, Park JJ, Marecik SJ.

J Vis Surg. 2016 Apr 19;2:83

PMID: 29078510

 

Repair of a recurrent traumatic rectovaginal fistula using vaginal wall plication to reinforce a rectal wall advancement flap. [33]

Sugrue J, Kaminski J, Patel S, Park J, Prasad L, Marecik S.

J Vis Surg. 2016 Mar 24;2:65

PMID: 29078493

 

Robot-assisted approach to a retrorectal lesion in an obese female. [32]

Eftaiha SM, Kochar K, Pai A, Park JJ, Prasad LM, Marecik SJ.

J Vis Surg. 2016 Mar 21;2:59

PMID: 29078487

Structured training and competence assessment in colorectal robotic surgery. Results of a consensus experts round table.
Petz W, Spinoglio G, Choi GS, Parvaiz A, Santiago C, Marecik S, Giulianotti PC, Bianchi PP.
Int J Med Robot. 2016 Jan 25. doi: 10.1002/rcs.1731.
PMID: 26804812

Transverse incision transvaginal rectocele repair combined with levatorplasty and biological graft insertion: technical details and case series outcomes
Melich G, Pai A, Kwak M, Bibi S, Marecik S, Park J, Prasad LM.
Tech Coloproctol. 2016 Jan;20(1):51-7
PMID: 26577572

Chapter “Robotic Approaches in the Obese Patient”
Pai A, Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Prasad LM
Robotic Approaches to Colorectal Surgery by Ross, Champaigne, Lee et al.
Published Oct 2015

Oncologic and Clinicopathological Outcomes of Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer
Pai A, Marecik SJ, Melich G, Sulo S, Park JJ, Prasad LM
Dis Colon Rectum. 2015 Jul;58(7):659-67
PMID: 26200680

Perineal proctectomy with bio-thiersch procedure for complete rectal prolapse with fecal incontinence.
Calata JF, Pai A, Marecik S, Prasad LM, Park JJ.
Dis Colon Rectum. 2015 Apr;58(4):e45
PMID: 25751805

Chapter “Anatomy”
Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Prasad LM
Rectal Cancer: Modern Approaches to Treatment‏ by Chang et al.
Submitted April 2015 in press

Chapter “Teaching advanced laparoscopic skills in colorectal surgery”
Marecik SJ, Bergamaschi R
Training in Minimal Access Surgery, by Francis, Fingerhut, Bergamaschi
Published 2015

Current status of robotic surgery for rectal cancer: A bird's eye view.
Pai A, Melich G, Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Prasad LM.
J Minim Access Surg. 2015 Jan-Mar;11(1):29-34
PMID: 25598596

Role of epidural and patient-controlled analgesia in site-specific laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Kamiński JP, Pai A, Ailabouni L, Park JJ, Marecik SJ, Prasad LM, Abcarian H.
JSLS. 2014 Oct;18(4)
PMID: 25419110

Sealing of vessels larger than 7 millimeters using enseal in porcine aorta.
Bibi S, Alblawi S, Velchuru V, Thripuraneni G, Quinteros F, Coralic J, Marecik S, Park J, Prasad LM.
JSLS. 2014 Jul;18(3)
PMID: 2539261

Should anastomotic assessment with flexible sigmoidoscopy be routine following laparoscopic restorative left colorectal resection?
Kamal T, Pai A, Velchuru V, Zawadzki M, Park J, Marecik S, Abcarian H, Prasad L.
Colorectal Dis. 2014 Oct 30
PMID: 25359528

Midgut volvulus presenting with acute chylous peritonitis.
Pai A, Park JJ, Marecik SJ, Prasad LM.
Clin Case Rep. 2014 Aug;2(4):159-61
PMID: 25356277

A Randomized Study on 1-Week Versus 4-Week Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism After Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer. Commentary
Pai A, Hurtuk MG, Park JJ, Marecik SJ, Prasad LM.
Ann Surg. 2014 Sep 10
PMID: 25211266

A prospective study of in vivo and ex vivo sealing of the human inferior mesenteric artery using an electrothermal bipolar vessel-sealing device.
Bibi S, Coralic J, Velchuru V, Quinteros F, Marecik S, Park J, Prasad LM.
J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2014 Jul;24(7):471-4
PMID: 24987843

Management of Anastomotic Leak: Lessons Learned from a Large Colon and Rectal Surgery Training Program.
Blumetti J, Chaudhry V, Cintron JR, Park JJ, Marecik S, Harrison JL, Prasad LM, Abcarian H.
World J Surg. 2014 Apr;38(4):985-91
PMID: 24305917

Spontaneous ureterocolic fistula secondary to diverticulitis: report of a case and review of literature.
Pai A, Coralic J, Park JJ, Marecik S, Prasad LM.
Int J Colorectal Dis. 2014 Mar;29(3):417-8
PMID: 24322738

Obesity increases the risk of postoperative peripheral neuropathy after minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery.
Velchuru VR, Domajnko B, Desouza A, Marecik S, Prasad LM, Park JJ, Abcarian H.
Dis Colon Rectum. 2014 Feb;57(2):187-93.
PMID: 24401880

Robot-assisted right colectomy: surgical technique and review of the literature.
Witkiewicz W, Zawadzki M, RzÄ…ca M, Obuszko Z, Czarnecki R, Turek J, Marecik S
Wideochir Inne Tech Malo Inwazyjne. 2013 Sep;8(3):253-7 Epub 2013 Mar 6.
PMID: 24130643

Is Hybrid Robotic Laparoscopic Assistance the Ideal Approach for Rectal Cancer Dissection?
Zawadzki M, Velchuru VR, Albawi S, Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Prasad LM
Colorectal Dis. 2013 Aug;15(8):1026-32 Epub 2012 Dec 12.
PMID: 23528255

American College of Surgeons Video Anthology Collections (Ciné-Med)
VA-33: Colorectal V: Advanced I
ACS-3130 Robotic Abdominoperineal Resection with Sacrectomy
VA-34: Colorectal VI: Advanced II
ACS-3133 Intersphincteric Dissection Followed by Robotic Abdominoperineal Resection for Anterior Rectal Cancer
ACS-3289 Rectocele Repair, Transvaginal Technique with Mesh and Levatorplasty
New release Nov 2013

Endoclip closure of a large colonic perforation following colonoscopic leiomyoma excision.
Velchuru VR, Zawadzki M, Levin AL, Bouchard CM, Marecik S, Prasad LM, Park JJ.
JSLS. 2013 Jan-Mar;17(1):152-5
PMID: 23743390

Chapter “Laparoscopic Colon and Rectal Surgery”
Marecik SJ, Bergamaschi R
Corman’s Colon and Rectal Surgery 6th Edition by Corman M
Published Oct 2012

Chapter “Robotic Left Colon Resections” 
Prasad LM, Marecik SJ
Master Techniques in Colon and Rectal Surgery by Fleshman J, Wexner S
Published Jan 2012

Robotic Cylindrical Abdominoperineal Resection with Intraabdominal Levator Transection
Marecik SJ, Zawadzki M, deSouza AL, Park JJ, Abcarian H, Prasad L
Dis Colon Rectum. 2011 Oct;54(10):1320-5
PMID: 21904149

Incisional hernia, midline versus low transverse incision: what is the ideal incision for specimen extraction and hand-assisted laparoscopy?
deSouza A, Domajnko B, Park J, Marecik S, Prasad L, Abcarian H.
Surg Endosc. 2011 Apr;25(4):1031-6.
PMID: 20737171

A Comparison of Robotic and Open Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Adenocarcinoma.
deSouza AL, Prasad LM, Ricci J, Zimmern A, Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Abcarian H.
Dis Colon Rectum. 2011 Mar;54(3):275-82
PMID: 21304296

The evolving role of robotic colorectal surgery – the importance of comparative studies.
deSouza AL, Prasad LM, Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Blumetti J, Abcarian H.
Dis Colon Rectum. 2011 Mar;54(3):376; author reply 376-7
PMID: 21304314

Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer: The Potential Advantage of Robotic Assistance.
deSouza AL, Prasad LM, Marecik SJ, Blumetti J, Park JJ, Zimmern A, Abcarian H.
Dis Colon Rectum. 2010 Dec;53(12):1611-1617.
PMID: 21178854

Robotic assistance in right hemicolectomy: is there a role?
deSouza AL, Prasad LM, Park JJ, Marecik SJ, Blumetti J, Abcarian H.
Dis Colon Rectum. 2010 Jul;53(7):1000-6.
PMID: 20551751

Robotic colon and rectal surgery: a series of 131 cases.
Zimmern A, Prasad L, Desouza A, Marecik S, Park J, Abcarian H.
World J Surg. 2010 Aug;34(8):1954-8.
PMID: 20458584

Endoscopic-assisted closure of a chronic colocutaneous fistula.
Prasad LM, deSouza AL, Blumetti J, Marecik SJ, Park JJ.
Gastrointest Endosc. 2010 Sep;72(3):662-4.
PMID: 20417508

Robotic pursestring technique in low anterior resection.
Prasad LM, deSouza AL, Marecik SJ, Park JJ, Abcarian H.
Dis Colon Rectum. 2010 Feb;53(2):230-4.
PMID: 20087100

Robotic Colorectal Surgery – Teaching and Skill Acquisition
Marecik SJ, deSouza AL, Prasad LM
Semin Colon Rect Surg, 2009 Dec;20(4):201-6

Evaluation of midlevel and upper-level residents performing their first robotic-sutured intestinal anastomosis.
Marecik SJ, Prasad LM, Park JJ, Jan A, Chaudhry V.
Am J Surg. 2008 Mar;195(3):333-7; discussion 337-8.
PMID: 18206847

A lifelike patient simulator for teaching robotic colorectal surgery: how to acquire skills for robotic rectal dissection.
Marecik SJ, Prasad LM, Park JJ, Pearl RK, Evenhouse RJ, Shah A, Khan K, Abcarian H.
Surg Endosc. 2008 Aug;22(8):1876-81.
PMID: 18163166

Single-stapled double-pursestring anastomosis after anterior resection of the rectum.
Marecik SJ, Chaudhry V, Pearl R, Park JJ, Prasad LM.
Am J Surg. 2007 Mar;193(3):395-9.
PMID: 17320542

A comparison of robotic, laparoscopic, and hand-sewn intestinal sutured anastomoses performed by residents.
Marecik SJ, Chaudhry V, Jan A, Pearl RK, Park JJ, Prasad LM.
Am J Surg. 2007 Mar;193(3):349-55; discussion 355.
PMID: 17320533

Dr. John Park MD

  • At Institution Since: 2004
  • Program Director Since : 2013
  • Board Certification: Board Certified

Society Memberships

SAGES

ACS

ASCRS

Other

CSCRS

Areas of Expertise

Laparoscopic, Robotic Colorectal. Incontinence

Teaching Qualifications

Summary of Qualifications

John J. Park, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.C.R.S.
Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Associate Professor of Surgery
Chicago Medical School at
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Program Director
Colorectal Minimally Invasive Surgical Fellowship at
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Site Program Director, General Surgery Residency
Metropolitan Group Hospitals Residency in General Surgery

Division of Time

Percentage of Time Spent in Clinical Activity: 85%
Percentage of Time Spent in Research Activity:15%

Case Load as Reported By Fellow(s)

1 Fellow(s) performed 37 cases with 38 procedures during the 2025-2026 Fellowship Year.
1 Fellow(s) performed 756 cases with 851 procedures during the 2024-2025 Fellowship Year.

List of Contributing Faculty

John J Park MD 33%
Area of Expertise
Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Role in Training
Co-Program Director/Teaching Faculty
   
Slawomir Marecik MD 33%
Area of Expertise
Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Role in Training
Program Director/Teaching Faculty
   
Kunal Kochar MD 33%
Area of Expertise
Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Role in Training
Teaching Faculty
   

Accreditation History

Director Program Length Start End  
Slawomir Marecik Advanced Colorectal 3 2025 2028  

Our work has been presented at many international conferences throughout the years and can be watched at:

https://vimeo.com/user4261268