Trevor Wood, MD, PharmD, FRCSC, FACS joined UNC Surgery’s Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery earlier this year as an Assistant Professor. He specializes in Colon and Rectal Surgery, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Colorectal Cancer, Diverticulitis. He graduated with his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI), followed by attending medical school at the University of Toronto (Ontario, Canada). He completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of Toronto and a Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA).
What brought you to the Department of Surgery at UNC?
I was drawn to UNC by the collaborative approach the University has to complex surgical disease, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and colorectal cancer. I am excited to work with a world-renowned group of medical doctors, surgeons, nursing staff, and many others.
Additionally, I appreciated the mission of UNC to provide care to all patients in the state and improve access to care to those who need it. I am a strong believer that high quality medical and surgical care is a patient’s right.
What inspired you to become a doctor/surgeon?
After finishing college, I enrolled in pharmacy school. I spent a summer working with the abdominal transplant team in Detroit, Michigan. My first experience in the OR was watching a kidney transplant. I found it remarkable the impact that the surgeon and the team had on this individuals’ life. That specific moment inspired me to enroll in medical school and eventually general surgery.
How did you decide to pursue your current specialty? Has it met your expectations?
I was fortunate enough to complete medical school and general surgery residency at the University of Toronto. During my training I was introduced to Dr. Robin McLeod who became both a research and career/life mentor for myself. Dr. McLeod was a world-renowned colorectal surgeon and innovator/pioneer in the field, especially in inflammatory bowel disease. During my training I was exposed to many patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and I found that being a part of their journey was the most rewarding part of this career.
What are your contributions to your specialty?
After I completed fellowship, my first position was in a city in northern Ontario. I was the first colorectal surgeon in the area. It was a wonderful experience and a privilege to serve this community. While being there, I was able to work with a dedicated group of medical and radiation oncologists and establish a robust and high-quality rectal cancer program that offered patients the same standard of care that they would receive in larger centers.
What profession did you want to be when you were a kid?
As a kid growing up in Canada I wanted to be a professional hockey player and play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unfortunately, I was never very good!
What are some goals you would like to achieve during your time at UNC Surgery?
My goals are to contribute to the excellent reputation that the colorectal surgeons have at UNC. With the numerous opportunities for collaboration and multidisciplinary care, I view this as an ideal situation to provide the highest standard of care to our patients. In my own career, mentorship and education has been instrumental. At UNC we have the privilege to help train and educate medical students and future surgeons. In this role I hope to stimulate interest in both surgery and colorectal surgery.
What is one thing you wish your patients or coworkers knew about you before they meet you?
Seeing a surgeon is a stressful time in someone’s life. Being a part of an individual’s journey is truly a privilege and I take this responsibility seriously. In many instances, I will see a patient for many years, long beyond their initial surgery. As such, it is important to me to get to know my patients and their families and to be available to them throughout their journey.
If you give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be?
Life is full of unexpected events that ultimately will shape who you are. Make the most of your time with family and friends. Surround yourself with mentors that you can rely on and can call for help, not just with work, but also for life advice.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I especially enjoy travelling, seeing new places and new cultures. I enjoy being outdoors and hiking.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
Dedicated
We look forward to Dr. Wood’s dedication in serving the citizens of North Carolina. Read more about his background on his website.