Laila Rashidi, MD

Dr. Laila Rashidi is a double board-certified colorectal surgeon and nationally recognized leader in minimally invasive and robotic colorectal surgery, specializing in advanced techniques for complex diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. She practices at MultiCare Health System in Tacoma, Washington, where she serves as Director of Colorectal Surgery, Program Director for the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), Chair of the Robotic Surgery Committee, and Program Director for the Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery Fellowship.

Dr. Rashidi is dedicated to advancing sphincter-preserving procedures through robotic, transanal, and natural orifice techniques, and has performed more than 1,500 robotic procedures. She was among the first surgeons in the United States to adopt single-port robotic surgery following FDA approval.

A graduate of the University of Tehran, where she earned her degree in Engineering, Dr. Rashidi went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch and her Colorectal Surgery Fellowship at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Rashidi is deeply engaged in surgical education and research, serving as teaching faculty for APDCRS and SAGES fellow courses. She is the principal investigator of numerous local and national research projects focused on improving outcomes in colorectal cancer, same-day colectomy, surgical education, and quality and financial metrics.

Dr. Rashidi’s contributions have been recognized nationally. She has been honored by Castle Connolly Top Doctors, America’s Top Doctors, and Seattle Magazine Top Doctors, and was named one of the Top 50 Women in Medicine by Preferred Health Magazine. She also received the Health Care Heroes Award from the Puget Sound Business Journal.

A passionate advocate for women in surgery, Dr. Rashidi founded Women in Northwest Surgery (WINS) in 2019 to promote mentorship, equity, and collaboration among female surgeons.

Her career exemplifies a commitment to innovation, education, and excellence in surgical care — values that align closely with the mission of the Institute for Surgical Excellence.