Department of
Medical Education

Kevin Trane, MD

Name: Kevin Train

Board Certification: General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery (pending oral exam September 2023)

Medical School: West Virginia University (2015)

Residency: UPMC-Mercy (2020)

Fellowship: University of South Florida (2021)

Faculty Rank: Assistant Professor

Special Clinical/Research Interests:

  • Clinical: Colon and Rectal Cancer, Organ Sparing approaches to Rectal Cancer
  • Research: Clinical Outcomes

Is there a particular population of students (e.g., ethnicity, spiritual, sexual orientation) that you would particularly like to advise?

  • Anyone interested in general surgery or surgical subspecialties

What does a typical day in the life of a surgeon include?

  • Colorectal Surgery is a subspecialty of general surgery that allows for a flexible schedule while treating a wide variety of diseases. It allows me to perform small anorectal cases, colonoscopy, as well as larger abdominal operations while still allowing time for clinic. I perform minimally invasive and open operations so my days are never the same which is on of my favorite parts.

What is the biggest challenge of being a Surgeon?

  • Residency is very challenging and time intensive (5-7 years) in addition to fellowship training if so desired. It is a long road but entirely worth it.
  • I work long hours but it is very rewarding and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

How do you foresee surgery changing over the next 20 years?

  • The treatment for colon and rectal cancer as well as IBD is constantly evolving. There will be new medications and treatments and ultimately some of these diseases may not require surgery. Although this would ultimately affect me, this would be incredible for all patients involved!

What advice would you give a student who is considering a surgery residency?

  • Make sure you are positive you want to do surgery. Shadow as much as you can, take call as a medical student and make sure you understand what it means to be a surgeon for the rest of your career.
  • Find mentors who can help guide you through the process!