Biographical summary
Nicholas P. McKenna, M.D., M.S., is a colon and rectal surgeon at Mayo Clinic with a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes through advanced surgical techniques and compassionate care. His practice focuses on helping patients navigate complex conditions with clarity and confidence, blending expertise in minimally invasive procedures with a patient-centered approach that prioritizes comfort and recovery.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. McKenna provides comprehensive surgical care for patients with complex colon and rectal conditions. His clinical focus includes:
- Minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery: Advanced laparoscopic and robotic approaches designed to minimize pain and speed recovery.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Surgical management of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
- Perioperative care optimization: Evidence-based strategies to enhance outcomes before, during, and after surgery.
Research and Education
Dr. McKenna’s dedication to improving surgical care extends beyond the operating room. He took two years out of his training to focus on research to optimize perioperative care for patients undergoing colon and rectal surgery. His work has been widely published in the field of colon and rectal surgery and he has presented at national meetings, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge and improving patient experiences.
Dr. McKenna earned his medical degree from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and completed both his general surgery and colon and rectal surgery residencies at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, MN. Dr. McKenna also holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Translational Science from the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 2023
FellowColon and Rectal Surgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2022
ResidentSurgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2022
Basic Science MastersClinical and Translational Science, Programs, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2022
MSClinical and Translational Science, Programs, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2022
ResidentSurgery
- 2015
MDUniversity of Central Florida College of Medicine
- 2010
BAWashington University in St. Louis
Activities and honors
Certifications
- 2024
Colon & Rectal SurgeryAmerican Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
- 2023
General SurgeryAmerican Board of Surgery
Awards and honors
- 2021
Dr. Kaare K. Nygaard Award for Excellence in Clinical ResearchMayo Clinic
- 2020
Quality Improvement AwardMayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education
- 2019
Top 10 poster in the Quality Abstract SessionAmerican Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting
- 2019
Top 22 resident/fellow paper and travel awardSociety for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
- 2019
34th Annual Resident and Fellow Research Conference Award winnerSociety for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
- 2018
Top 10 manuscriptAmerican Pediatric Surgical Association
- 2018
Top 10 poster in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Abstract SessionAmerican Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting
- 2017
Best overall abstractAdvances in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2017
- 2014
Honors AwardUniversity of Central Florida College of Medicine
- 2011
Institutional ScholarshipUniversity of Central Florida College of Medicine
- 2010
College HonorsWashington University in St. Louis
- 2010
Excellence in AnthropologyWashington University in St. Louis
- 2008
I.E. Milestone Academic ScholarshipWashington University in St. Louis
- 2006
Dean's ListWashington University in St. Louis
- 2006
Thomas S. Eliot Academic GrantWashington University in St. Louis
Professional memberships
- 2025 - present
MemberAmerican Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- 2024 - present
MemberMayo Clinic Mortality Review Subcommittee (Enterprise) (MC MRS)
- 2019 - 2020
Candidate MemberSociety for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT)
- 2019
DiscussantAmerican Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- 2019
DiscussantSociety for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT)
- 2017 - 2025
Candidate MemberAmerican Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- 2015 - 2023
Candidate MemberAmerican College of Surgeons
- 2015 - 2023
Resident MemberMayo Fellows Association
- 2015 - present
Resident MemberMinnesota Medical Society
Publications