2440 N 11th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Main Office: 970-243-0900
Billing Office: 970-287-2282
Fax Number: 970-245-4235
Billing Email: csabilling@prsdata.com
Caleb Van Essen, MD, FSSO
Caleb Van Essen, MD, has been with General Surgeons of Western Colorado since 2021. His medical training includes a Biology BS from Azusa Pacific University. He went on to obtain his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine where he graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha Honor status, receiving awards from the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in medicine, Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society and Research in Surgery award. Dr. Van Essen completed his surgery residency at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA becoming Chief Surgery Resident in 2020. In addition, he completed a prestigious Surgical Education Research Fellowship, publishing multiple studies on surgical training in rural Africa.
His love for teaching continues with patients and students. He holds current faculty positions at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in the Department of Surgery, teaching rural medical students. He also is a surgical faculty member at Swedish Medical Center Residency program, Seattle, WA, teaching fourth year surgical residents and publishing research. He participates in multiple medical professional societies: Society of Surgical Oncology, Colorado Medical Society, American Head and Neck Society, Association for Surgical Education and American College of Surgeons.
He has worked across the globe and enjoys meeting the needs of diverse patient care and personal situations here on the Western Slope. As a Fellow of the Society of Surgical Oncology, his practice includes general surgery with a specialization in pancreas, liver, colorectal and robotic surgery.
He completed an internship with our surgeons in 2020; and found his home in Grand Junction. He and his wife have three children. They love staying active and being in the outdoors. He enjoys woodworking; and he has climbed all of Colorado’s 14ers in 16 days.
Reviews from Dr. Van Essen's patients
Lanetta M.
Doctor Van Essen is a great doctor. He is Knowledgeable and wise along with being compassionate and kind. I will be forever grateful to him. I appreciate him and wish that there was a way that I could repay him for everything that he has done for me.
Sidney D.
I thank Dr. Caleb Van Essen, God family and friends for giving me back a portion of my life I thought was lost forever. Thank you.
Jane B.
I am thankful I landed in the care of Dr. Van Essen. First, he worked with his team to schedule my surgery as soon as possible. Second, he was thorough in regard to my condition and what to expect after surgery. Third, he personally contacted my husband via phone several times before and after surgery as my husband was unable to be with me during my hospital stay. Wow! Fourth, Chelsea, his nurse scheduled blood work and was quick to answer my questions and/or forward concerns to the doctor. I so appreciate such kind and expert care. Thank you.