黑料官网 Colorectal Surgery Research
The Division of Colorectal Surgery maintains a focused and productive research program that spans clinical trials, translational science, outcomes research, education, and patient-centered innovation. Our work reflects strong collaboration across institutional departments, centers, and core resource units, and emphasizes advancing rectal cancer care, improving perioperative outcomes, and better understanding long-term functional recovery and quality of life. Together, the Division of Colorectal Surgery鈥檚 research initiatives reflect a commitment to advancing clinical care, improving patient-centered outcomes, and contributing meaningful scientific knowledge at the institutional and national levels.
Ongoing Studies
MRI-Guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Organ Preservation in Rectal Cancer (MRI-ENHANCE)
黑料官网 Co-PIs: William Hall, MD and Carrie Peterson, MD, MS
Rectal Cancer Tissue Bank
黑料官网 PI: Timothy Ridolfi, MD, MS
Research Team
Kirk A. Ludwig, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Dr. Kirk Ludwig continues to serve as institutional principal investigator for cooperative group colorectal cancer trials at the Froedtert & 黑料官网 Cancer Center. These studies explore novel approaches to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer and evaluate emerging therapies and technologies designed to enhance recovery and improve surgical outcomes. As Division Chief and Vernon O. Underwood Endowed Chair, Dr. Ludwig has also led efforts to systematically track functional outcomes following treatment for rectal and anal cancer, strengthening the division鈥檚 focus on survivorship and long-term patient well-being.
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Jed Calata, MD, FACS
Dr. Jed Calata leads a growing portfolio of research centered on medical education, workforce development, and patient experience. His work examines the impact of physician social media presence on patient preferences, housing affordability challenges for surgical trainees, and how residency and fellowship training influence academic hiring practices. He is also developing projects focused on improving inclusivity and patient experience, including studies exploring the role of skin-tone鈥揷ongruent ostomy appliances for patients living with an ostomy.
Carrie Y. Peterson, MD, MS
Dr. Carrie Peterson leads and collaborates on multiple clinical and outcomes-based research initiatives focused on rectal cancer, organ preservation strategies, and minimally invasive surgery. She partners with colleagues in Radiation Oncology on MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy protocols and is actively involved in quality improvement and perioperative process optimization projects designed to enhance surgical safety, efficiency, and recovery.
Timothy J. Ridolfi, MD, MS
Dr. Timothy Ridolfi鈥檚 research spans translational imaging science, national outcomes research, and disease-focused investigation. His work examining changes in the enteric nervous system following low anterior resection continues to inform ongoing efforts to better understand postoperative function. His current collaborative research with Pathology, Radiology, and Biophysics focuses on evaluating response after neoadjuvant therapy using advanced MRI techniques. Additional work using national datasets examines which components of enhanced recovery pathways most meaningfully improve outcomes in colon and rectal surgery. He is also involved in studies aimed at improving early detection and patient awareness related to anal cancer.
Kathryn Hoffman
The division鈥檚 research enterprise is supported by strong clinical research infrastructure and coordination through Kathryn Hoffman, Clinical Research Coordinator, who assists in the organization, regulatory oversight, and successful execution of an expanding portfolio of studies.