Each staff surgeon in our department has broad expertise in the comprehensive surgical and medical management of diseases of the small bowel, colon, rectum, and anus. We are proud of the diverse backgrounds of our staff and feel that our focused areas of interest provide trainees with experiences that make our program unique.

William F. Johnston, MD

William F. Johnston, MD

Program Director, Colorectal Fellowship Training Program

Special Interests: treating patients with complex colon and rectal disorders in an individualized, caring, and respectful manner utilizing minimally invasive surgical and advanced endoscopic techniques.

Matthew Zelhart, MD

Matthew Zelhart, MD

Assistant Program Director, Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship Program

Special Interests: minimally invasive and endoscopic management of colorectal disorders.

Brian R. Kann, MD

Brian R. Kann, MD

Surgical Director, Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Chairman, Colon and Rectal Surgery

Special Interests: management of complex inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal malignancies.

Charles B. Whitlow, MD

Charles B. Whitlow, MD

Associate Medical Director for Surgical Services

Special Interests: transanal excision of rectal tumors, sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer, and management of inflammatory bowel disease and its complications, diverticulitis, and advanced endoscopic techniques (EMR/ESD).

Jennifer L. Paruch, MD

Jennifer L. Paruch, MD

Special Interests: complex management of inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal malignancies and pelvic floor disorders.

William Kethman, MD

William Kethman, MD

Special Interests: minimally invasive management of colon and rectal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, and pelvic floor disorders.

Danielle I. Kay, MD

Danielle I. Kay, MD

Special Interests: treating patients with complex colon and rectal disorders utilizing robotic techniques.

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.