In modern medicine, the finest physicians are often those who bridge the worlds of clinical practice and teaching. Dr. Omar Marar, M.D., a distinguished colon and rectal surgeon at Central Michigan University Health in Saginaw, Michigan, embodies this balance. As a board-certified surgeon in both General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery, and an assistant professor, Dr. Marar demonstrates how patient care and medical education can work hand in hand to improve healthcare outcomes.
Since 2018, Dr. Marar has been a vital figure in both the operating room and the classroom. His days are often split between performing complex surgical procedures and guiding medical students and residents through the intricacies of surgery. This dual role allows him to bring real-world experience into his teaching, ensuring students gain not just theoretical knowledge but practical insights from ongoing patient cases.
Dr. Marar believes that being an educator enhances his abilities as a surgeon. “Teaching forces you to slow down, explain your decisions, and think critically about why you do what you do,” he explains. This reflective process benefits his patients by reinforcing precision, safety, and evidence-based practices in every procedure.
At the core of Dr. Marar’s work is a dedication to patient-centred care. Specialising in colon and rectal surgery, including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, he addresses some of the most complex and sensitive medical conditions with skill and empathy. His approach involves taking the time to understand each patient’s unique circumstances, discussing treatment options thoroughly, and ensuring they feel supported through every stage of their care.
Patients benefit from his extensive surgical training, which includes a fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and a residency at St. Barnabas Medical Center. His technical expertise is complemented by a compassionate bedside manner, which helps ease anxiety and build trust—qualities that are equally valuable in his role as a mentor.
As director of the General Surgery Sub-Internship Program at CMU Health, Dr. Marar is deeply involved in developing medical education programs. His teaching style blends academic rigour with practical application, encouraging students to think like surgeons from their first day in the program.
He actively integrates lessons from patient care into his curriculum. For example, case studies from recent surgeries can become teaching tools, illustrating everything from surgical planning to post-operative care. This real-time connection between practice and education helps students see the direct impact of their learning.
His commitment to teaching has earned him accolades, including the 2021 Dr. Debasish and Chinu Mridha Spirit of Teaching Award. More importantly, it has earned him the respect and gratitude of the students who credit him with shaping their careers.
In addition to his clinical and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Marar contributes to surgical research, particularly in colorectal cancer treatment and minimally invasive procedures. His published work in peer-reviewed journals advances knowledge in the field, and his conference presentations—such as at the 2024 American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting—provide valuable insights to the wider medical community.
By staying engaged with research, Dr. Marar ensures that both his patients and his students benefit from the latest advancements in surgical science.
The intersection of patient care and medical education is where Dr. Omar Marar thrives. His career demonstrates that these two commitments are not competing priorities but mutually reinforcing pursuits. Patients receive care informed by the latest research and enriched by the reflective discipline of teaching, while students learn from a physician actively engaged in cutting-edge clinical practice.
In a time when healthcare faces both staffing shortages and rapid technological change, professionals like Dr. Marar are essential. They ensure that the next generation of doctors is not only technically proficient but also compassionate, adaptable, and grounded in real-world patient care.