Thomas E. Read, M.D.

Thomas E. Read, M.D., is Chief, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Clinical Campus of Temple University School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, and is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Temple University School of Medicine. Tom received his undergraduate degree from Harvard and his M.D. degree from University of California, San Francisco. His general surgery training was done at the University of California, San Francisco, where he also spent 2 years conducting basic science research. He received his fellowship training in Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. After completing his fellowship in 1996, he joined the faculty of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, in the Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery. In 2001, Tom moved to Pittsburgh to assume his current positions.

Dr. Read has written 40 original peer-reviewed articles, more than 35 book chapters on colorectal subjects, and he is a reviewer for several prestigious journals. He serves on the Editorial Board of Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery and has edited issue journals on benign anorectal problems and advanced imaging in colorectal surgery. He was recently appointed to the Editorial Board of Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. He is a member of multiple medical societies, serves on several committees of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and is an active supporter of the United Ostomy Association. Dr. Read maintains a busy clinical practice, with a particular interest in colorectal cancer and laparoscopy. In addition to clinical research, Dr. Read has been passionate about surgical education and has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards, from medical students and residents alike.

Tom, his wife Julie, and their son Michael live in Sewickley, PA. Tom is an avid scuba diver and underwater photographer. He also enjoys basketball and other outdoor pursuits.

On behalf of the readers and staff of Clinics of Colon and Rectal Surgery, I thank Dr. Read for serving as a Guest Editor and for providing us with informative and enjoyable discussions of both sides of several controversial topics in colorectal surgery.