Richard E. Karulf, M.D.

Dr. Richard E. Karulf is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, and President and CEO of Colon and Rectal Associates, based in St. Paul, MN. Rick was born in Wichita, KS, and received his undergraduate degree from the United States Air Force Academy. After 2 years serving as a missile launch officer, he earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis. He completed a general surgery residency at Wright State University in Dayton, OH, and fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. Following his fellowship, Dr. Karulf served in the Air Force at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, San Antonio, TX. He advanced to become Chairman and Program Director of the Department of General Surgery. He left the active duty USAF in 1997 and retired from the Air Force Reserve with the rank of colonel. Rick returned to Minnesota and joined the large colorectal surgery group in Minneapolis-St. Paul. He was elected to his first term as President and CEO of Colon and Rectal Surgery Associates in 2002.

Dr. Karulf has authored or coauthored over 25 book chapters and peer review publications. He is a member of several medical societies and serves as the webmaster of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Karulf is an active researcher but still maintains a busy clinical practice in which the management of diverticular disease plays a major role. He also makes time to educate fellows, residents, and medical students.

Rick, his wife Deb, and his son Erik, live in Eden Prairie, MN. When not working, Rick enjoys reading mysteries, playing golf, and spending time with his family.

On behalf of the readers and staff of Clinics of Colon and Rectal Surgery, I thank Dr. Karulf for serving as a Guest Editor and for providing us with a superb issue on diverticular disease.