Shannon M. Colohan

Shannon M. Colohan, MD, MSc, FACS, FRCSC is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She practices at UW Medicine's Center for Reconstructive Surgery and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, specializing in cancer reconstruction with microsurgical expertise for breast cancer and sarcoma cases.

Her educational background includes:

• Medical education at Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine (2004)
• Internship in Plastic Surgery at Dalhousie University (2005)
• MSc in Epidemiology from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (2007)
• Residency in Plastic Surgery at Dalhousie University (2010)
• Fellowship in Microsurgery at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2011)

Dr. Colohan's research centers on clinical outcomes in reconstructive surgery, particularly breast reconstruction techniques. Her work evaluates autologous flap methodologies (DIEP/TUG/SGAP), implant-based systems, and healthcare economic impacts. She investigates surgical innovations like fascia-only flaps and monitors technological advances in Doppler probes for flap viability assessment, while also examining psychosocial dimensions such as social media's influence on patient perceptions of breast implant illness.

Her publication history (2012-2020) reveals consistent focus on microsurgical refinement for cancer reconstruction. Key trends include optimization of anterolateral thigh flaps for extremity coverage, development of muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi techniques, and analysis of short-pedicle DIEP flap applications. Recent work addresses socioeconomic factors in reconstruction outcomes and technological monitoring solutions, demonstrating both technical innovation and patient-centered outcome evaluation.

Dr. Colohan actively teaches medical students and residents at the University of Washington, emphasizing patient education and collaborative decision-making. Her clinical practice integrates surgical precision with compassionate care, as evidenced by exceptional patient satisfaction metrics (4.9/5 from 150 ratings). She maintains dual board certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (2012) and holds fellowships with the American College of Surgeons and Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.