Physician and artist Jeffrey Toman, MD, brings a unique perspective to the practice of colorectal surgery. When he paints a landscape, he strives to get a sense of the whole picture. He takes different angles, lighting, color, and lines into account.

At the University of Louisville Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery, surgeons are dedicated to treating the whole person. Doctors consider the patient's illness, lifestyle, and goals to tailor the best individual treatment plan.

"This multifaceted approach is what attracted me to U of L," says Toman who completed his colorectal surgery fellowship in July 2003.

Inspiration
A 1997 graduate of Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, Toman received his general surgery training at York Hospital, York, Pennsylvania. Patients with colorectal disease and the physicians who care for them, inspired him throughout his residency.

"I admire the capacity of a colorectal surgeon to solve a variety of problems that typically cause patients a great deal of anxiety, discomfort, and embarrassment," he says. "Compassion from the surgeon is as vital as any medical or surgical treatment."

Toman's special interests are inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. He selected U of L, in part, because of its focus on these challenging diseases. " I participated in needed research. I also gained valuable experience with the latest drugs and surgical techniques for IBD and colorectal cancer," he explains.

A Palette of Experience

The Pacific Coast depicted on canvas by Jeffrey Toman, MD.

Toman paints from a palette of his experiences as a seasoned traveler. His impressionistic compositions depict scenes from the Pacific Coast to India. Now a colorectal surgeon in his native California, he draws on what he learned while a fellow at U of L.

"My experience at U of L was a very well-rounded approach to colorectal surgery. It's rewarding to directly apply my skills to help a patient heal." "That," Toman continues, "is the art of medicine."

Return to the Top