Michelle F. DeLeon, M.D.

Michelle F. DeLeon, M.D., is a double board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

She specializes in the surgical treatment of colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and complex benign colorectal and anorectal conditions, including:

• Complex pelvic tumors
• Colorectal cancer
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Diverticular disease
• Hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses, and fistulas

Dr. DeLeon has specialized training in minimally invasive colorectal surgery, including robotic and laparoscopic procedures. She has extensive experience performing sphincter-saving procedures, including J-pouch surgery and Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS). She has a particular interest in the treatment of young-onset colorectal cancer.

She takes an individualized approach to care and considers each individual's diagnosis, treatment options, recovery and quality of life when developing a surgical plan.

"Every patient comes to colorectal surgery with a different diagnosis and a different set of priorities. My goal is to understand both — to treat the disease effectively while choosing an approach that considers each individual's long-term health, function and quality of life," says Dr. DeLeon. "I value helping patients navigate their options and making decisions together about the right treatment approach for them."

Reflecting her commitment to surgical education, Dr. DeLeon serves as Program Director of the Mayo Clinic Colorectal Surgery Fellowship. Throughout her career at Mayo Clinic, she has held a variety of leadership and educational roles and is actively involved in residency advising, clinical competency initiatives, and quality-focused committees. In recognition of her dedication to teaching, she was named Surgery Faculty Teacher of the Year in 2023.

Dr. DeLeon is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and is a member of the Association of Women Surgeons. She is board certified in both general surgery and colon and rectal surgery.

Outside of medicine, Dr. DeLeon enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, as well as caring for the family's Doberman, Zoe.