E38: The Colonoscopy Chronicles with Dr. Dan Margo

What happens when you're the only surgeon for hundreds of miles and every decision matters?

 

Host Dr. Randy Lehman welcomes Dr. Dan Margo, a seasoned rural surgeon from northern Minnesota, who has spent decades mastering the art of surgical practice in isolation. Dr. Margo shares hard-won insights from his years serving remote communities, including the unique challenges of being a visiting surgeon and the critical importance of collegiality in rural practice. 

 

They dive deep into colonoscopy techniques–including abdominal pressure maneuvers and advanced lesion removal strategies–while exploring everything from Miralax prep protocols to pre-anesthesia evaluation timing. Dr. Margo demonstrates why rural surgeons must be master diagnosticians, skilled technicians, and compassionate caregivers all rolled into one.

 

Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with practical surgical wisdom from the frontlines of rural healthcare, where innovation is born from necessity and every patient interaction truly counts.

 

0:00 Introduction

2:58 Dr. Margo's Background

5:22 Why Rural Surgery Is Special to You

23:52 How I Do It: The Colonoscopy

1:35:40 Financial Corner

1:37:06 Resources for the Busy Rural Surgeon

Resources Mentioned:

🌐 Foregut Disease Foundation course: https://foregutdiseasefoundation.org/2025-course

🌐 North American Rural Surgical Society: https://www.northamericanrss.org/

🌐 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Guidelines: https://www.asge.org/home/resources/publications/guidelines

🌐 Cologuard test (alternative screening method for colorectal cancer): https://www.cologuardtest.com/