Kim C. Lu

Dr. Kim C. Lu is Professor of Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine, specializing in colorectal surgery within the Division of Gastrointestinal and General Surgery. He joined OHSU in 2005 after completing his fellowship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and was promoted to Professor in 2024. He maintains clinical practice at OHSU's Center for Health & Healing and Portland VA Medical Center, treating colon, rectal, and anal cancers alongside benign anorectal conditions.

His educational background includes:

• M.D. from Harvard Medical School (1993)
• General Surgery Residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis (1997-2004)
• Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (2004-2005)

Dr. Lu's research spans colorectal oncology, surgical education, and healthcare disparities. His work examines recurrence patterns in rectal cancer, progression of anal intraepithelial neoplasia, and management of immunocompromised patients with diverticulitis. He investigates surgical techniques like strictureplasty for Crohn's disease and develops simulation-based training tools for endoscopic procedures. His scholarship consistently addresses disparities in cancer care related to psychiatric illness and HIV status.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in anal and rectal cancer management, with emphasis on treatment variations, lymph node staging controversies, and salvage therapy optimization. His work frequently utilizes national databases to identify practice patterns and outcomes disparities, while his surgical education research pioneers virtual reality applications for resident training.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Department of Surgery Marquam Hill Teaching Award (2024)
• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (2007)
• Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (2008)

As Program Director for OHSU's Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship since 2009 and Chair of the Department of Surgery Promotion and Tenure Committee, Dr. Lu mentors surgical fellows, residents, and medical students. Nationally, he serves as senior examiner for the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and contributes to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons' Pelvic Floor Steering Committee. His leadership established OHSU's colorectal cancer biorepository and shaped institutional diversity initiatives through the School of Medicine Diversity Task Force.

Dr. Lu is a sought-after lecturer on colorectal malignancies and benign diseases, with his research directly informing clinical practice guidelines. His ongoing work focuses on optimizing cancer surveillance protocols and addressing systemic barriers in surgical oncology care.