Calista M. Harbaugh

Calista M. Harbaugh, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School, where she serves as Associate Chair in the Department of Surgery. Her clinical practice focuses on colorectal diseases, including cancer, diverticular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, with expertise in laparoscopic and robotic techniques.

• Education: BSE in Biomedical Engineering (University of Michigan, 2009)
• MD (University of Michigan Medical School, 2014)
• MSc in Health and Healthcare Research (University of Michigan, 2019)

Dr. Harbaugh's research in health services investigates systemic optimization of colorectal cancer care delivery. Her work examines surgical quality metrics, equity in healthcare programs, and cost-effective interventions.

Recent publications address Medicare Advantage surgical care quality, statewide pay-for-performance equity, and multidisciplinary tumor board effectiveness. She integrates elite athlete performance strategies into surgical training and develops competency-based pediatric surgery curricula.

• Scientific Awards: Summa Cum Laude, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, National Clinician Scholars Program Fellow

A Center Member at the Rogel Cancer Center, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, and MExperts-Opioid Research Institute, she focuses on transforming surgical care through research, education, and clinical innovation.