Bio
Robert W. Beart, M.D., is professor of surgery, Charles W. and Carolyn Costello Chair in Colorectal Diseases, and Audrey Skirball-Kenis Chair for Colorectal Diseases at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He graduated from Harvard Medical School and received his surgical training at the University of Colorado and the Mayo Clinic. He worked at the Mayo Clinic from 1976 to 1992 and has been at USC since 1992.

Beart, pioneered the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis at the Mayo Clinic, established the division of colorectal surgery in the Keck School Department of Surgery, and launched the USC Center for Colorectal Diseases at USC University Hospital and USC/Norris Cancer Center and Hospital. The Center for Colorectal Diseases offers a range of diagnostic tests to evaluate patients with symptomatic disorders of defecation, including diarrhea, constipation or incontinence.

Beart's clinical involvement in colorectal diseases covers the spectrum, from chronic constipation and diarrhea, anorectal problems and diverticulitis, to fecal incontinence, inflammatory bowel disease and polyps. His interests also extend to cancer, not only the primary treatment of disease, but the management of unusual cancer problems and recurrent cancer.

Beart brings a unique and substantial experience in some highly complex areas to this university, including the avoidance of colostomies and the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. His main research interests include continence preservation, colostomy avoidance and the management of recurrent colorectal cancer. He is a past president of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and is Board certified and recertified in general and colorectal surgery


Education
Doctor of Medicine, Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 1971

Internships
University of Colorado Medical Center, 1971 - 1972

Residencies
University of Colorado Medical Center - General Surgery, 1972 - 1975
University of Colorado Medical Center - Chief Resident, Surgery, 1975 - 1976
University of Colorado Medical Center - Transplant Fellow, 1974 - 1975
Mayo Clinic, Rochester - Fellow, Colon & Rectal, 1977 - 1978

Board Certification
American Board of Surgery, 1993
American Board of Colon/Rectal Surgery, 1995

Professional Society Memberships
American College of Surgeons
American Gastroenterological Association

Clinical Interests
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Colon Cancer
Anal Problems (hemorrhoids, pain, incontinence)
Avoiding Colostomy
Transfusion Free (bloodless medicine)