Scott R. Steele, MD

Dr. Scott Steele is a staff colon and rectal surgeon at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. Scott was born in Minocqua, WI, and attended the Unites States Military Academy at West Point. After graduation, he received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and did his general surgery residency training at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. After a year as a staff surgeon at Fort Hood, Texas, Scott completed his colon and rectal surgery training at the University of Minnesota. He returned to active duty as a staff surgeon at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he then became Chief of Colorectal Surgery and Assistant Program Director of the General Surgery Program. During his Army career, Scott spent several multiple-month tours as a staff surgeon in Iraq and Afghanistan. His military decorations include the Combat Medical Badge, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (6), Army Achievement Medal (4), and Order of Military Merit, among others.

Scott remains an active clinician and manages patients in the Tacoma area. He is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the University of Washington and teaches residents on a daily basis. He is an active participant in multiple surgical societies, and serves as an associate examiner for the American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery and on several national committees of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Scott serves on the editorial boards of Cochrane Colorectal Collaboration, American College of Surgeons Web Portal, Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, and the World Journal of Gastroenterology, and is a reviewer for several other journals as well. His contributions to the medical literature include 75 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 46 book chapters. He has made multiple presentations at national meetings.

Scott, his wife Michele and daughter Marianna live in Olympia, Washington. When not working, Scott enjoys triathlons, CrossFit, and watching Green Bay Packer football.

As a retired USAF surgeon, I appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of the dedicated individuals in our armed services. We owe our freedoms and societal options to all of those who have served our country. Scott, who remains on active duty, must balance his clinical and academic activities against family and military commitments. His service and contributions along with the other medical professionals serving in our military merit our acknowledgment and gratitude.

Information technology is something we are all dealing with on a daily basis, both in our professional and personal lives. Scott and his colleagues have produced a superb and enjoyable issue on information technology. On behalf of the readers and staff of Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, I sincerely thank Dr. Steele for serving as the Guest Editor.