Colon & Rectal Surgery at the University of Louisville -- Faculty & Staff

Our Researchers

We are proud to introduce our researchers. Their work in basic research are forging new pathways to a cure for digestive diseases.

Research Fellows:
Suhal Samad Mahid, MBBS, MRCS, PhD

Daoud Dajani, MD

Research Associate: Edward B. Weller

Suhal Samad Mahid, MBBS, MRCS, PhD
Dr. Suhal Samad Mahid joined the Section as a research fellow in March 2004. He completed his basic surgical training at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, England.

In 1999, Suhal Samad Mahid graduated from Imperial College, London, England. It was there that he became interested in surgery as a first-year medical student. "I thrive in this environment, and it gives me great pleasure to play a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary approach to patient care," he says.

One of the ways in which Suhal Samad Mahid hopes to ensure that patients receive the appropriate surgical intervention is by participating in the Section's ongoing genetics research. Specifically he is using the latest microarray or "gene chip" technology to identify potential genes that may be responsible for the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This may help physicians to better differentiate Crohn's colitis from ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis. This distinction is often difficult to make based on clinical findings and biopsies alone.

During his tenure at U of L, Suhal Samad Mahid received his PhD in physiology from U of L, while also pursuing an advanced degree from the University of London.

"I hope to pave the way for other international fellows who wish to take advantage of this unique training opportunity."

An avid sportsman, Suhal Samad Mahid competes in mini marathons and plays cricket.

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Daoud Dajani, MD
A native of Amman, Jordan, Dr. Daoud Dajani joined the Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery as a research fellow in October 2007. He received his medical doctorate from Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, earlier in 2007.

"I applied to the Section's program because of the amazing experience I had at the University of Louisville as a foreign medical student," says Dajani. "As a research fellow in the laboratory, I am privileged to collaborate with a dynamic team of investigators who share a life-long commitment to learning."

Dajani is participating in the laboratory's ongoing genetic research related to inflammatory bowel disease and IBD-associated colorectal cancer. He also hopes to pursue an advanced degree during his tenure at U of L.

"My goal is to become a highly skilled researcher before entering my general surgery residency," he says. "Ultimately, I would like to remain in the United States and specialize in surgical oncology."

When he is not in the lab, Dajani enjoys basketball and playing the piano.

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Edward B. Weller
Edward B. Weller joined the Section as a research associate in August 2007. He hopes the experience will better prepare him for medical school.

A recent graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Weller says, "I look forward to practicing medicine one day and to the rewards of having a direct hand in the healing process."

He says he was attracted to the Section because of its reputation and its ongoing genetic research into the cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Weller is assisting in research, which hopes to identify genes that, together with environmental factors, may increase the risk of developing IBD in certain individuals. He is also becoming skilled at PCR, genotyping, DNA extraction, and maintaining the laboratory's database.

"I would recommend this program to graduate students who wish to dedicate a year to honing their skills at the bench before entering medical school," says Weller. "The Section's laboratory provides a stimulating environment with mentors who really care about you and your career."

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