Research in the Division of Colorectal Surgery includes programs in surgical quality and outcomes, clinical treatment, basic science investigations, and more.
Our Researchers
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Evie Carchman, MD: Identifying new targeted therapies to combat anal cancer
Dr. Carchman studies molecular pathways, including the autophagic pathway, which result in the development of anal dysplasia and progression to anal cancer. Her team has demonstrated that topical therapy that results in autophagic induction decreases both anal cancer and anal dysplasia development in an HPV mouse model of anal cancer, and that this treatment effect correlates with the induction of autophagy. Dr. Carchman is assessing the role of autophagic induction in the prevention of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.
Elise Lawson, MD, MSHS: Improving quality of care for surgical patients
Dr. Lawson is Executive Director of the Surgical Collaborative of Wisconsin, a state-wide surgeon-led organization that aims to optimize quality, reduce costs, and promote delivery of care that is safe, effective, equitable, and patient-centered. Dr. Lawson’s research investigates variation in the delivery of colorectal cancer care, specifically addressing disparities in access, management, and outcomes.
Latest Research News
Brown Lab Awarded Grant to Study the Transplantation Immune Response in Down Syndrome
People with Down syndrome have an increased risk of certain cancers, congenital heart defects, autoimmune diseases, and cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. What do all of these conditions have in common? They all involve irregularities …
Wisconsin Surgery Research Roundup: August 2025
Wisconsin Department of Surgery members engage in remarkable research that yields many impactful publications every month. We’re highlighting several of these publications monthly to showcase the diversity of research in the department; see selections from …
Dr. Joshua Mezrich Awarded Grant to Study Dietary Intervention to Improve the Quality of Donated Organs
When a potential organ donor is declared brain dead, the care of the donor is medically managed to ensure their organs remain healthy and available for donation. Division of Transplantation Professor Joshua Mezrich, MD believes …
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