Shannon Margaret Colohan, M.D.

Dr. Colohan is a UW assistant professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery and works primarily at the Center for Reconstructive Surgery at UW Medical Center. Her area of expertise is reconstructive plastic surgery, with a specific focus on cancer reconstruction.

She grew up in Ontario and pursued her undergraduate and medical education at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree (neuroscience and biology) in 2000 and graduated from medical school in 2004. From there, she completed her plastic surgery residency training at Dalhousie and passed her Canadian written and oral board examinations (FRCSC) in 2010. She received additional fellowship training in breast and microsurgery at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, TX.

In addition to her interest in reconstruction, she also has expertise in epidemiology and study design. During her residency training she spent a year in London pursuing a Master's degree in epidemiology. With this, she endeavors to carry out clinical research related to surgical outcomes.


Patient Care Philosophy
She believes that educating patients about their options and involving them in all aspects of their care is key to achieving good outcomes. This is based on good communication and working with a great team of extended healthcare professionals who are all involved in a patient's care.


Scope Of Care
Reconstruction of complex surgical defects, primarily oncologic reconstruction including breast, sarcoma & melanoma; all forms of breast reconstruction including implant-based and autologous tissue (pedicled or free-flap); and aesthetic surgery of the breast and body.


Personal Interests
Traveling, reading, music and the arts. She also has an interest in interior design and enjoys spending time with family and friends.


Clinical Interests
Reconstruction of cancer defects including microsurgical techniques to reconstruct the breast; and general reconstruction using free flaps, pedicled flaps and perforator flaps. 


Research Interests
Clinical outcomes in reconstructive plastic surgery, with emphasis on breast reconstruction; fat grafting for reconstruction of oncologic defects; and optimizing surgical techniques to improve the functional and aesthetic appearance of reconstructive procedures.


Teaching Interests
She enjoys teaching medical students and residents, which is a big part of why she wanted to work in an academic medical center. She believes that good teachers are the key to the success of future surgeons, and feels lucky to be able to contribute to this.


Languages
English

Expertise
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery