Faculty

Jasneet Bhullar, MD

Program Director

Dr. Bhullar is a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, Michigan State University/College of Human Medicine and is the Program Director of Colorectal Surgery Fellowship, Ascension - MSU/CHM.

He completed his surgery residency at Providence Hospital - Michigan State University/College of Human Medicine, followed by a colorectal surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He is board certified in general surgery and colorectal surgery.

He has over 45 peer-reviewed original research publications, four book publications, over 15 book chapters, and currently serves as the editor for Colon and Rectum for Gray's Anatomy textbook. He is on the editorial board of over 10 surgical journals and is a peer reviewer for over 20 scientific journals.

He serves as the Chair of the International Committee of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) and is on the Program Committee of SSAT for 2024. Additionally, he is on the core accreditation committee for the Fellowship Council.

He holds four patents for research on animal models of human cancers and chemotherapy delivery agents. His research has earned many regional, state, and national awards and has been cited internationally over 880 times, including in clinical practice guidelines.

Ernesto Drelichman, MD

Associate Program Director

Dr. Drelichman completed his general surgery at Providence-Providence Park Hospital in Southfield, Michigan and his fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

In 2004, he joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he was an Associate Professor of Surgery, Chief of Surgical Endoscopy and Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. He also served on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline Committee.

He was recently re-elected as the Chairman of the Michigan Cancer Consortium (MCC). As chairman of the MCC, and the Chief of Surgical Endoscopy, and a colorectal surgeon, he is specialized in colorectal cancer risk assessment, screening, and the management of hereditary and sporadic colorectal cancer along with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn's and Colitis), and proctology.

Dr. Drelichman is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Arpit Aggarwal, DO

Physician Faculty & Former Fellow

My passion for colorectal surgery stems from the blend of intricate anatomy with critical decision-making to tackle delicate concerns with expertise and precision. The comprehensive scope encompassing lifestyle/behavioral education, medical management, office procedures, endoscopy, proctology, and abdominal cases truly allows for a holistic approach to patient care and a well-balanced lifestyle.

Amer M Alame, MD

Physician Faculty Member

Dr. Alame is board certified in general surgery and specializes in advanced colorectal surgical procedures. He earned his medical degree at the prestigious University of Miami in Florida. After completing general surgery training at St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Dr. Alame completed fellowship training in colorectal surgery at the University of Miami.

As a fellowship trained, minimally-invasive colorectal surgeon, Dr. Alame is specially trained and experienced in advanced colorectal treatment options including Laparoscopic Colon Resections, da Vinci Robotic Surgery, Trans-anal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS), hemorrhoid stapling procedures (painless hemorrhoidectomy) and more.

Dr. Alame stays up-to-date on the latest surgical procedures through his memberships in many surgical communities including the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colorectal Surgeons, da Vinci Surgery Community, and the Detroit Surgical Association.

Dr. Alame has lectured on multiple occasions on the management of colorectal diseases and has authored many articles in medical journals including the influential Clinics in Colon & Rectal Surgery, and has published in the textbook Advanced Techniques in Minimally Invasive & Robotic Colorectal Surgery.

His interests include Single Incision Laparoscopic Colon Resections (belly button surgery), da Vinci Robotic Surgery, InterStim implant for fecal incontinence and minimally-invasive management of inflammatory bowel disease.

Gautham Chitragari

Physician Faculty Member

Dr. Chitragari completed his general surgery residency at Augusta University in Augusta, GA, and his fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is fellowship trained and specializes in colon and rectal surgery. He is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery.

His special interests include minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Dr. Chitragari treats a wide variety of colorectal diseases including colon/rectal cancer, diverticulitis, and anorectal conditions such as hemorrhoids and fissures. He became a Fellow of the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons in 2024. He has authored several research papers, won numerous awards, and is a committee member of ASCRS.

Devin Schlund

Physician Faculty Member

Dr. Devan Schlund is a highly accomplished surgeon with dual board certifications in both general and colorectal surgery. He is graduate of Wayne State University – School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at the esteemed Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, followed by a specialized fellowship in colorectal surgery at the Cook County Hospital and Health System, also in Chicago. His commitment to stay at the forefront of medical advancements lead him to pursue additional training in minimally invasive surgery as well.

Dr. Schlund has a wide variety clinical interests including emergency general surgery, colorectal cancer surgery, diverticulitis treatment, hernia repairs, biliary tract conditions, both benign and malignant anorectal conditions, and conditions related to the pelvic floor as well. His special focus lies in minimally invasive surgical techniques, and he is dedicated and passionate about colorectal cancer screening. Dr. Schlund performs procedures at both Beaumont and Ascension facilities.

Amer M. Zeni

Physician Faculty Member

Dr. Amer Zeni is a distinguished practitioner and life-long Midwesterner. He is double-boarded in general and colorectal surgery, with a special interest in robotic surgery techniques.

He has received numerous accolades including the TOP Doc recognition by Hour Detroit Magazine, the Poppy Award from nursing staff, and the Surgical Instructor of the Year Award. Dr. Zeni is also actively involved in clinical research.

His passions include treatment of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hernias, and anorectal problems such as hemorrhoids. He is dedicated to making patients feel at ease while addressing their medical concerns and takes pride in maintaining a patient-centered, professional approach to care.