The Ochsner Health Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship is an ACGME accredited one-year program offered for physicians who have satisfactorily completed an approved residency in General Surgery and who are eligible for examination by the American Board of Surgery. The fellowship is led by Dr. Forrest Johnston and Dr. Matthew Zelhart supported by world-class physicians and staff within the department. We are currently offering two appointments annually through the Colon and Rectal Surgery Matching Program.

Forrest Johnston, MD
Forrest Johnston, MD - Program Director
Matthew Zelhart, MD
Matthew Zelhart, MD - Assistant Program Director
Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship Group Photo

Colon and Rectal fellows are joined by a team of general surgery residents to form three separate clinical services. Fellow and resident physicians are rotated through each of the clinical services to ensure exposure to each of the staff surgeons. Trainees are encouraged to participate in hospital and clinic-based care to develop an appreciation for the continuum of care delivered by Colorectal surgeons and long-term outcomes of treatments and interventions we provide.

The Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery strives, through conferences, seminars, daily hospital rounds, and operative procedures, to correlate clinical material with basic sciences. Every effort is made to teach the skills of colon and rectal surgery to all trainees. In addition, by maintaining an inquisitive and exciting atmosphere, it is hoped that trainees will be stimulated to make original contributions to the science of colon and rectal surgery. By granting graduated responsibility under staff supervision to each trainee at every level, it is our goal to trainees develop technical skills, judgement, and confidence. In this manner, we are committed to providing and maintaining the highest standard of training and patient care.

Why Choose Ochsner?

Why Choose Ochsner Video

Ochsner Health System is Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, healthcare system with 40 hospitals and more than 100 health centers and urgent care centers. We are one of the largest non-university-based physician-training centers in the US.

U.S. News & World Report named Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans the Best Hospital in Louisiana for the 12th consecutive year.

Ochsner Medical Center is recognized as among the Top Hospitals in the nation by Healthgrades, US News and World Report, and Truven Health Analytics.