Conemaugh Health System Welcomes Back Dr. Karleigh Curfman, Fellowship-Trained Colorectal and Robotic Surgeon

Conemaugh Health System is excited to welcome back Dr. Karleigh Curfman, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon following her completion of a prestigious one-year fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at Louisiana State University (LSU).

LSU is renowned for its comprehensive residency programs, making Dr. Curfman’s unique expertise an asset to our community.

With her return, Dr. Curfman brings enhanced expertise in colorectal robotic surgery, a specialization she developed before her fellowship. “I had the privilege of learning from an experienced faculty with extensive knowledge in colorectal robotic surgery,” said Dr. Curfman. “The fellowship allowed me to refine my skills in complex robotic-assisted procedures, which I’m excited to bring back to Conemaugh.”

As the only fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon in Southcentral PA. Dr. Curfman’s advanced training significantly expands Conemaugh’s patient offerings. “I’m returning with greater experience in treating conditions such as rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence, and pelvic floor disorders,” she added. “I’m particularly excited to offer prolapse repair, sacral nerve stimulation, and cutting-edge techniques for pelvic floor disease to our community.”

She will continue to treat a wide range of colorectal conditions, including cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal prolapse, pelvic floor disorders, hemorrhoids, fistulas, abscesses, and fissures.

Before her fellowship, Dr. Curfman performed Conemaugh’s first robotic TAMIS (transanal minimally invasive surgery), a procedure used to remove superficial rectal lesions, masses, or cancers without the need for major abdominal surgery. TAMIS results in minimal pain, shorter recovery times, and quicker restoration of rectal function.

Additionally, Dr. Curfman is the only physician in the region performing the LIFT (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract) procedure, a novel technique for treating anal fistulas that preserves the anal sphincter, reducing the risk of incontinence.

“I’m thrilled to be back in Johnstown and continue offering advanced colorectal surgeries and disease management, now complemented by the latest robotic techniques,” said Dr. Curfman.

Dr. Curfman earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Portsmouth, Dominica. She completed her general surgery residency at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, PA, a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at MultiCare Health System in Tacoma, WA, and her colorectal fellowship at Louisiana State University (LSU) in New Orleans, LA.