Laila Rashidi
Dr. Laila Rashidi is a highly accomplished Colon and Rectal Surgeon and Assistant Professor who serves as Director of the Colorectal Surgery Department at the Cancer Institute, MultiCare Health System. With 10 years of experience in the field, she oversees a multisurgeon colorectal service, leads standardization and implementation efforts, and promotes minimally invasive and robotic surgical approaches. She has served as Program Director for the Colorectal Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship and the NAPRC program for 4 years, guiding surgical education, training, and excellence in patient care across her system.
Originally trained as an engineer, Dr. Rashidi transitioned to medicine, earning her M.D. in 2010, completing a General Surgery Residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), and a Colorectal Fellowship at the Swedish Colon and Rectal Clinic in 2016. Since beginning her practice as a colorectal surgeon in 2017, she has held influential leadership positions, including co-chairing colorectal and robotic committees within the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). Her career reflects a dedication to innovation, surgical education, and mentorship, guided by the inspiration of her mentor, Sharona Ross, and the support of her parents.
Dr. Rashidi is an avid proponent of technology and minimally invasive techniques in colorectal surgery, emphasizing procedures that reduce invasiveness and enhance recovery. Her professional philosophy centers on respect, integrity, and patient empowerment, ensuring patients have the final voice in decisions about their care. Recognized internationally for her expertise, she continues to inspire colleagues and trainees, advance surgical education, and shape the future of colorectal surgery through innovation, collaboration, and global engagement.
• University of Tehran - BEng
• The University of Texas Medical Branch - MD, General Surgery Residency Program
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA)
• Raleigh Ross Scholar Award
• The John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award
• Outstanding Surgical Resident Award
• Golden Scalpel Award
• Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
• American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS)
• Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA)
• American College of Surgeons (ACS)
What do you attribute your success to?
Her family, her multidisciplinary team (including APPs and surgeons), and her patients; success is a team effort.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
From a residency mentor: 'Never stop' always move forward and push limits; also guidance to avoid complaining and to take responsibility for one's actions.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stand up for yourself, be respectfully assertive so colleagues will respect you, and never accept 'no' as the final answer — persist and work to overcome barriers.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenge: institutional and safety constraints can limit what clinicians think is the right approach. Opportunity: advancing minimally invasive and robotic techniques by persisting, innovating, and pushing the limits safely.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect, empowering and elevating peers and patients, integrity, and trust.