Colin Fath, MD - Beacon Medical Group Surgical Services Elkhart

About Dr. Fath

While Colin T. Fath, MD, started his college career as a chemical engineering major, he pivoted toward medicine as he saw many engineers moving into management roles as they progressed in their field. “In the hospital I have the opportunity to keep practicing science, work closely with people, and have more chances to be of service in my community,” he says.

The field of medicine was also a familiar one to him with both grandfathers, his father, and one of his sisters in this line of work. Dr. Fath chose to focus on acute care and typically treats surgical emergencies, such as a car accident or an inflamed appendix. “My role is to guide those who are at their very sickest back toward safety,” he says. “Between emergencies, I treat general surgical problems such as hernias, lumps and gallbladder disease.”

He studied at the University of Notre Dame where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He then graduated from Wayne State School of Medicine, Detroit, with his Medical Degree. His residency was completed at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, in general surgery and his fellowship in surgical critical care was at University of Kentucky, Lexington.

Dr. Fath sees his role as advisor, with the final decision always with the patients he was done his best to make well-informed. He educates patients on their condition, treatment options and what to expect in the various scenarios. “The right choice depends on each individual’s specific situation and values,” he says.

He believes that while people will eventually become ill, they will be better able to tackle a setback and other challenges in life if they have first taken care of their health.

In his own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  My grandfather. He was an immigrant, World War 2 veteran, and a moral center of his family and community.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  My first job was a retail position at Media Play, a Best Buy like chain that went bankrupt soon after I left. Their used section with employee discount was a massive deal, and it provided most of my high school crew’s games and movies.

What is your favorite food? Movie?  Food: Root beer floats after a long hike    Movie: Serenity

What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  Best subject: Science    Worst subject: English

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  Jules Verne. It would be interesting to discuss with one of the pioneers of speculative and science fiction how the future turned out.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?  Hiking, rock climbing, classic science fiction

What is something most people don’t know about you?  I generally have a serious and professional manner. Where I trained, however, I am most remembered for my comedy roasts.