Brian Colwell Jensen, MD

I have been an active member of surgical teams at various institutions including serving as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Arizona, where I was actively involved in starting a new intestinal transplant program. I returned to Georgetown University Hospital and its Transplant Institute, where I was the founding director of an autologous islet cell transplant program and was promoted to Associate Professor of Surgery. I moved to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016 as Surgical Director of liver transplantation, initiating a new Chronic Pancreatitis and autologous islet cell transplant program which I currently direct. The program emphasis is on recurrent and chronic pancreatitis as well as islet cell auto-transplantation, along with other complex pancreatic disorders including cystic diseases and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN).

I feel fortunate to have an opportunity to be a physician and chose this profession because I truly enjoy caring for others while having fun and bringing a positive attitude to the clinic room or bedside in the hospital. I focus on creating a safe space for my patients by reducing stigma and talking openly about issues that are complex and difficult to talk about. Over the last few years, I have become more interested in the interaction of physical health, mental health and addiction. I focus on shared decision making and helping to support my patients healthcare goals. Outside of work, I like to spend time with my family, exercise, read and try new restaurants.

After finishing college, I enrolled in pharmacy school. I spent a summer working with the abdominal transplant team in Detroit, Michigan. My first experience in the operating room (OR) was watching a kidney transplant. I found it remarkable the impact that the surgeon and the team had on this individuals’ life. That specific moment inspired me to enroll in medical school and eventually surgery. Seeing a surgeon is a stressful time in someone’s life. Being a part of an individual’s journey is truly a privilege and I take this responsibility seriously. In many instances, I will see a patient for many years, long beyond their initial surgery. As such, it is important to me to get to know my patients and their families and to be available to them throughout their journey. I enjoy all aspects of colorectal surgery. My specific interests include inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and diverticulitis. When I am not with patients, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I especially enjoy travelling, seeing new places and new cultures. I enjoy being outdoors and hiking.