Dr. Omar Marar: Mentoring, Medicine, and Mastering Surgical Technology

Distinguished colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. Omar Marar, is an esteemed educator at Central Michigan University Health in Saginaw, Michigan. His contributions to the medical field through his surgical practice, as an assistant professor, and as the general surgery sub-internship director have positioned him as a leader in his specialty. 

Dr. Marar completed his fellowship in colon and rectal surgery through Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. His general surgery residency was carried out at St. Barnabas Medical Center. Today, he inspires and informs surgery students, supporting future advancements and innovations in colon and rectal surgery.

What circumstances led you to colon and rectal surgery?

I was attracted to the field of colon and rectal Surgery for two main reasons. First, I recognized the amazing impact one can have on a patient's longevity and quality of life. There have been major advancements in the treatment of colon, rectal, and anal cancer in recent years, and it is now possible to cure a large amount of previously fatal conditions. 

The treatment of benign conditions such as fecal incontinence can have a major impact on a patient's quality of life. Patients who have previously been unable to partake in activities that bring them joy can have their quality of life completely restored with relatively simple procedures. 

The second reason I was attracted to the field is the breadth of techniques that a colon and rectal surgeon can employ, such as advanced robotic and laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy, and traditional open surgery. The field is continually advancing, and colon and rectal surgeons must constantly adapt their skills to keep up with these advancements.

Looking back on the last five years of your career, what has been the highlight?

A career in surgery is filled with tremendous joy as well as immense stress. Unfortunately, not all patients can be cured, and we are exposed to a certain amount of suffering which is inevitable. 

However, for the large number of patients that we can help, there is no greater reward than the gratification and appreciation that those patients express to us. To be able to eliminate pain, cure cancer, and restore quality of life is the most amazing privilege that a person can experience. There is nothing else like it.

What does a typical day look like for you as a surgeon?

One of the best aspects of a career in surgery is that it is not monotonous, particularly in colon and rectal surgery. Each day can present itself with new challenges. Each day typically starts with morning rounds, where we visit all our inpatients in the hospital and formulate plans for their care. 

In my case, this is followed with a morning session with students focused primarily on education. I will then be in one of three places depending on the day of the week—outpatient clinic, endoscopy suite, or the operating room. On some occasions, I manage doing all three in a single day. 

The Outpatient Clinic consists of seeing new patients while following up with established patients. As a colon and rectal surgeon, I perform many minor procedures in the clinic for treating benign conditions such as hemorrhoid banding. 

The endoscopy suite is where we perform colonoscopies to screen for cancer, polyps, or to monitor the progression of benign conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In the operating room, we perform major colon, rectal, and anal surgeries using a variety of techniques and tools such as robotics, laparoscopy, and traditional open surgery.

What is something you do regularly that you recommend to other surgeons?

It is easy to become engulfed in the field of surgery which will inevitably lead to burnout. I have learned that maintaining both physical and mental health is crucial to be able to function well as a surgeon. 

Regular exercise, yoga, and practicing mindfulness are valuable tools for a surgeon. The rigors of surgery tend to take a toll on our bodies and our minds. Spending a small amount of time every day to improve physical and mental wellbeing is the key to a long and fruitful career.

What do you envision for the future of colorectal surgery?

The field of Colon and Rectal Surgery has had some major advancements over the past several decades which has allowed us to perform Surgery with minimal pain and quick patient recovery. The most recent advancement has been the popularization of robotic surgery. 

This allows us to perform complex operations with small incisions, and in some cases, no incisions at all such as the resection of early rectal tumors through a trans-anal approach. There have also been major advancements in Medical and Radiation therapy which can allow for certain conditions to be cured while avoiding Surgery altogether. I expect this trend to continue at an exponential pace.

Anything that you are currently working on that you would like to share about?

I am currently working with some colleagues on publishing a book to guide colon and rectal surgeons to prepare for the Boards and for practice. We are developing a guidebook which is both concise and practical. 

Unfortunately, there is a paucity of resources for colon and rectal surgeons in practice that addresses the issue of board preparation and common issues in practice. We hope to have this guidebook published by the end of this year.