Jessica N. Cohan

Jessica N. Cohan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah, with an adjunct appointment in Population Health Sciences. She specializes in colorectal surgery, treating conditions like anal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and complex gastrointestinal disorders, while emphasizing patient empowerment and collaborative decision-making.

Education:

• B.S. in Microbiology, California Polytechnic State University (summa cum laude)
• M.D., Weill Cornell Medical College
• Residency in General Surgery, University of California San Francisco
• Fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
• M.A.S. in Clinical Research, University of California San Francisco

Research Interests: Her work focuses on diverticulitis management, geriatric surgical care, and patient decision-making tools, with recent studies on familial disease patterns, rural healthcare disparities, and the impact of physical activity/BMI on colorectal cancer outcomes. She also investigates opioid disposal practices and surgical optimization for older adults.

Scientific Awards:

• Lawrence W. Way Critical Thinking Award
• Haile T. Debas Resident Teaching Award

Clinical & Academic Roles: Dr. Cohan serves at the University Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute, combining clinical practice with research in health policy, geriatric surgery, and colorectal oncology. Her publications span patient education frameworks, surgical outcomes for older adults, and microbiome research.