March 2026

GASTROENTEROLOGY

MEET MEGAN MELLAND-SMITH, MD, OUR NEWEST GI SURGEON

Featuring: Megan Melland‑Smith, MD
Megan Melland‑Smith, MD, recently joined Northwestern Medicine, bringing specialized expertise in hernia care and abdominal wall reconstruction. Her clinical practice spans the full spectrum of hernia disease, from routine repairs to the most complex abdominal wall reconstructions, with a strong emphasis on restoring patients’ quality of life.
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Dr. Melland‑Smith shares her path to surgery, her research interests — and the best career advice she’s ever gotten.
 
What made you want to go into health care?
I was drawn to health care because it combines science, problem-solving and a deep commitment to helping people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Surgery in particular appealed to me because it allows us to make a tangible and often immediate difference for patients.

I was drawn towards the field of abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia repair early in my surgical training. Hernias come in all shapes and sizes from the very small and straightforward to the massive complex hernias that substantially limit a patient’s quality of life. One of the most rewarding parts of reconstructing an abdominal wall is helping patients regain their comfort and confidence and get their quality of life back.

What’s the biggest opportunity in your new role?
In my practice, I care for patients with the full spectrum of hernias from routine or small umbilical and inguinal hernias to the most complex hernias requiring a full abdominal wall reconstruction. While most people associate hernia repairs with mesh, I also specialize in a non-mesh or tissue-based repair for groin hernias. This tissue-based repair is known at the Shouldice technique. There are very few hernia surgeons in the U.S. who know how to do this type of repair. I see a huge opportunity in teaching and disseminating this technique to both surgeons and trainees. 

Another opportunity in this role is the ability to contribute to a multidisciplinary environment where multi-specialty surgery services work closely together to deliver comprehensive care, which allows to care for the most complex hernia patients. I’m also excited to help expand innovative surgical programs, collaborate on research and mentor trainees while continuing to improve outcomes and experiences for patients.

What should other physicians know about the complex hernia care at Northwestern Medicine?
We’re building a dedicated center that supports patients with everything from routine hernias to the most complex abdominal wall issues, as well as chronic groin pain and complications from previous repairs. We’ve branded this as NU-CORE, Northwestern University Center for Abdominal Core Health and Hernia Care.

I’m fortunate to work alongside Mike Rosen, MD, as well as an exceptional multidisciplinary team, which means every patient benefits from the combined expertise of specialists across the hospital. That collaboration allows us to deliver the highest level of care — precise, personalized and truly patient-centered.

Additionally, all our hernia patients are put into a quality collaborative database which allows us to track our outcomes and make sure we are providing the correct hernia repair to each patient. This also facilitates a variety of research opportunities and has allowed us to start randomized controlled trials evaluating repair technique, optimization factors and post-operative recovery.

What are your research interests?
My current clinical research focuses primarily on improving outcomes for patients undergoing hernia repair. We’re studying how different types of mesh and various surgical techniques influence long-term results, as well as ways to enhance recovery, such as strategies to reduce post-operative pain.

Another key area of interest is non-mesh, or tissue-based, repair, the Shouldice technique. We’re examining this technique in depth to better define which hernias and which patients are best suited for this approach. Ultimately, the goal is to tailor treatment more precisely and improve quality of life for every patient.

What excites you about the future of your field?
The future of medicine is incredibly exciting because of the rapid advances in technology, data science and minimally invasive surgical techniques. The field of abdominal wall reconstruction has advanced tremendously over the past 10 years and continues to grow. New mesh products, robotics and data-driven decision-making are transforming how we care for patients. We’re hoping to be able to provide an individualized approach to each patient and their specific hernia, incorporating their quality-of-life goals while achieving the best surgical outcomes.

As an educator, I hope to help train the next generation of surgeons to embrace innovation while maintaining a strong foundation in surgical principles, compassionate patient care and teamwork.

How do you think your work will influence the next generation of GI clinicians?
As a surgeon and educator, I see an important part of my role as mentoring and training the next generation of GI surgeons. I hope to teach trainees all different hernia techniques so that they are comfortable approaching all types of patients with abdominal hernias or core health related issues. My goal is to help trainees grow into confident, well-rounded surgeons who are not only technically skilled but also committed to innovation, lifelong learning and improving outcomes for their patients.

What’s your biggest passion outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and staying active. Maintaining balance is important in a demanding field like surgery, and activities such as exercise, travel and exploring new places in Chicago help me recharge and bring renewed focus back to my work with patients and trainees.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
Always stay curious and never stop learning. Medicine evolves quickly, and maintaining humility and openness to new ideas is essential. At the same time, it’s important to remember that behind every case is a person who trusts us with their care. Keeping patients at the center of everything we do is what ultimately defines a meaningful career in medicine.
Megan Melland‑Smith, MD, Assistant Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Northwestern Medicine.

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