Biographical summary
Nimesh D. Naik, M.D., is a colon and rectal surgeon at Mayo Clinic who combines advanced surgical expertise with a deeply personal commitment to the people he serves. He cares for patients facing complex
colorectal conditions with technical precision, thoughtful communication, and genuine compassion — ensuring that every patient understands their diagnosis, their options, and the path forward.
Dr. Naik believes exceptional colorectal care should address more than the disease itself. His approach is grounded in evidence-based treatment while prioritizing the preservation of function, dignity, independence, and long-term quality of life. He works closely with each patient to develop an individualized plan that reflects not only the medical realities of their condition, but also their goals, concerns, and priorities.
A particular focus of Dr. Naik's practice is helping patients with challenging cases — including those who have been told that limited or no surgical options remain. With specialized expertise in minimally invasive and robotic colorectal surgery, he uses advanced techniques to perform complex operations through small incisions when appropriate. These approaches may
reduce postoperative pain, shorten hospitalization, and help patients return more quickly to the activities and people most important to them.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, Dr. Naik evaluates complex, recurrent, and locally advanced colorectal cancers with careful attention to every available treatment option. He brings together surgical innovation, detailed preoperative planning, and collaboration across specialties to identify safe and thoughtful strategies that may not have been previously considered. His goal is to offer patients not only expert care, but also clarity, confidence, and renewed hope at some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Naik enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 dogs, golfing, travelling, watching Formula 1 racing and is a massive supporter of multiple sport teams.
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
Interests
- Anorectal disease
- Benign diseases of the colon and rectum
- Bowel-sparing operations for Crohn's
- Colon and rectal polyps
- Colon, rectal, and anal cancer
- Colonoscopy
- Complex pelvic tumors
- Diverticulitis and Diverticular disease
- Enterocutaneous fistulas
- Familial adenomatous polyposis
- Hereditary/genetic colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel disease including: indeterminate colitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease
- Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer, rectal cancer and benign colorectal diseases
- Multidisciplinary complex pelvic tumors
- Multidisciplinary patient care
- Ostomy dysfunction surgery
- Parastomal and abdominal wall hernias (open and robotic)
- Polyposis syndromes
- Polyposis syndromes and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis) including pouch reconstruction
- Presacral tumors
- Re-Operative corrective surgery (for leaks, ileal pouch leak and dysfunction)
- Recurrent colon and rectal cancer
- Robotic surgery for pre sacral tumors
- Surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer with intraoperative radiation treatment (IORT)
- Surgical education
- Surgical Innovation
- Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)
- Ulcerative colitis
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 2021
FellowColon and Rectal Surgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2020
ResidentSurgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2014
InternDepartment of Surgery
- 2013
Doctor of Medicine - Research Distinction TrackUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2008
BS - Biology: Physiology and Chemistry: Pre-health EmphasisNorthern Arizona University
Activities and honors
Awards and honors
- 2024
The Golden Glove AwardGraduating Class of 2024, Creighton University School of Medicine
- 2022
Outstanding Junior Surgical Educator of the YearGeneral Surgery Residency, Creighton University School of Medicine
- 2022
Barton Hoexter, MD Award, Top 5 Best Videos of the DecadeAmerican Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- 2021
Barton Hoexter, MD Award, Best Video AwardAmerican Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- 2020
Chief Resident Teacher of the YearDepartment of Surgery
- 2018
Judd ClubMayo Clinic
- 2016
"Best in Show" Oral PresentationAccredited Education Institutes, American College of Surgeons
- 2015
Judd ClubMayo Clinic
- 2013
Outstanding Senior Student in SurgeryClass of 2013, University of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2012
Gold Humanism Honor SocietyUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2011
Leadership Award of ExcellenceUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine
- 2008
Gold Axe AwardNorthern Arizona University
- 2008
The President’s Prize, presented by Dr. John D. Haeger, President of NAUNorthern Arizona University
- 2001
Chief Scout of CanadaScouts Canada
Professional memberships
- 2023 - present
Question WriterAmerican Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
- 2020 - present
MemberAmerican Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- 2016 - 2020
Abstract ReviewerACS-AEIs Abstract Committee, Accredited Education Institutes, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Publications