Valentine N Nfonsam, MD, MS, FACS

Professor, Surgery
Interim Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology

Valentine N. Nfonsam, MD, MS, FACS, is a professor with the University of Arizona Department of Surgery Division of Surgical Oncology. He specializes in colon and rectal surgery, colorectal oncology, and complex pelvic floor disorders.

Dr. Nfonsam performs surgeries for inflammatory bowel disease, anorectal disease, and benign and malignant colorectal diseases. He is an expert in the surgical management of pelvic floor disease, especially fecal incontinence. He also performs colonoscopies and endoscopic treatment of polyps. Dr. Nfonsam is one of just a few surgeons in the nation using minimally invasive techniques for colon and rectal surgery, such as advanced laparoscopy, single-incision surgery, and robot-assisted surgery, which have been shown to reduce the patient's wound infection rate, post-operative pain, length of stay in the hospital, and overall recovery time.

A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, Dr. Nfonsam completed his surgery residency training at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New Hyde Park, New York. During his surgical training, he completed a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) research fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Nfonsam comes to the University of Arizona from the University of South Florida, Tampa, where he completed a two-year fellowship in colon and rectal surgery. He has taught a course in total mesorectal excision (TME) in rectal cancer treatment, which is an essential component in the management of rectal cancer.

Dr. Nfonsam's research focuses on colorectal cancer in young patients, inflammatory bowel disease, and the management of pelvic floor disorders. He has published articles on his research in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national and international meetings.

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Degree(s)

  • MD: University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, 2003
Honors and Awards
Top Doc Award, United Ostomy Associations of America, 2015-2016
Best Doctor in Colorectal Surgery, Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, 2015
Banner University Medical Group Endless Possibilities Award, 2015
Nomination for a grant submission to the Phi Beta Psi Sorority, University of Arizona, 2015
Nomination for a grant submission to the V-Foundation for Cancer Research, University of Arizona, 2015
Caregiver of the Month, University of Arizona Medical Center - Tucson, 2013
Leader in Patient Satisfaction, University of Arizona Medical Center - Tucson, 2011
Residency
Northshore/Long Island Jewish Hospital, 2006-2009
University of Texas Southwestern, 2003-2005
Internship
University of Texas Southwestern, 2003-2005
Fellowship
Cleveland Clinic, MIS Research, 2005-2006
University of South Florida, Colon and Rectal Surgery, 2009-2011
Board Certifications
American Board of Surgery - General Surgery, 2010
American Board of Surgery - Colon and Rectal Surgery, 2012 (Eligible)
Specialties
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Hemorrhoids
Fissures
Diverticulitis
Benign Colorectal Polyps
Management of Complex Stomas
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Benign Colorectal Disease
Benign Anorectal Disease
Colon & Rectal Surgical Oncology
Pelvic Floor Disorders