The University of Utah Department of Surgery’s Clinical Operations team used data to uncover a major opportunity: up to 20% of surgeries could be performed outside the main OR. 🎧 Listen to the full story here: https://bit.ly/4iv1TDe

A new milestone in robotic microsurgery! Alvin Kwok, MD, MPH, performed U of U Health's first breast reconstruction using the #Symani robot, expanding its use in complex microsurgical procedures. Learn how our teams are exploring the possibilities of robotic microsurgery: https://bit.ly/3UaWEPU

For every story we tell, a hundred more are unfolding. Explore the discoveries, innovations, and people shaping what's next in surgery through our FY26 Annual Report and new "Voices of Surgery" podcast. Discover more: https://medicine.utah.edu/surgery/resources/annual-reports/voices-of-surgery

Voices of Surgery

For every story we tell, a hundred more are unfolding. Across our department, people are challenging assumptions, making discoveries, advancing care, and training those who will push the work further....

medicine.utah.edu

This morning we gathered as a department to discuss the incredible work our teams have done this year! We also launched our FY26 Annual Report, "Voices of Surgery." Explore the report: https://medicine.utah.edu/surgery/resources/annual-reports/voices-of-surgery

Happy National Lung Transplant Day! Today, we're celebrating the incredible teams at University of Utah Health whose expertise, collaboration, and dedication make lifesaving lung transplants possible. We're grateful for our teams and the organ donors who give patients a second chance at life!

We're wrapping up National APP Week with a well-deserved celebration of our incredible Advanced Practice Providers. Thank you to the PAs, NPs, and APPs whose knowledge, care, and commitment help improve our patients' lives every day! 💙 #NationalAPPWeek #UofUSurgery #UofUHealth #APCs #APPWeek

Congratulations to Clark Gamblin, MD, MS, MBA, Erin Ward, MD, and the Surgical Oncology team on successfully performing the first Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) procedure at @uofuhealth.bsky.social and @huntsmancancer.bsky.social last week. #pipac #uofusurgery #hci

Two Department of Surgery programs have been selected as @uofuhealth.bsky.social Destination Care initiatives. The Esophageal Disease Program, led by Nicolas Contreras, MD, and Courtney Scaife, MD, and the Portal Hypertension Program, led by Michelle Buff, MD, and Michael Zimmerman, MD. 🎉

Congratulations to Brian Mitzman, MD, MSCI, on being named the inaugural Executive Editor for General Thoracic Surgery for @TheAnnalsATS, the world's leading cardiothoracic surgery journal. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3RmD41J

Brian Mitzman, MD, MSCI, Named Inaugural Executive Editor for World's Leading Cardiothoracic Surgery Journal

Brian Mitzman, MD, MSCI, has been named the inaugural Executive Editor for General Thoracic Surgery for The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, the world's leading cardiothoracic surgery journal. In this new ...

medicine.utah.edu

Congratulations to Sheri Holmen, PhD, on receiving two NIH R01 awards supporting melanoma research. These awards will support ongoing efforts to better understand melanoma biology and develop new treatment strategies for patients. 🔬

U of U Health's Lung Transplant Program completed a record 50 lung transplants in 2025—the highest annual total in program history. The milestone reflects expanded access to life-saving care across Utah and the Mountain West. Read more: https://bit.ly/4w6CZOW

University of Utah Health Reaches Record Lung Transplant Milestone Through National Collaboration

University of Utah Health performed a record 50 lung transplants in 2025, expanding access to life-saving care. Learn how national collaboration helped make this historic milestone possible.

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Congratulations to @Sasha Kahan, MD, who was selected as a 2026 APSA Scientific Award recipient for her project, “No-Discharge-Antibiotics After Complicated Appendicitis: A Western Pediatric Surgery Research Consortium Prospective Study.” 🎉

Congratulations to Benjamin Brooke, MD, PhD, Chief of Vascular Surgery at @UofUSurgery, on his appointment as Associate Editor for @JVascSurgery. A well-deserved recognition of his leadership, scholarship, and contributions to vascular surgery. #VascularSurgery #SurgeryEducation

Congratulations to Shaun Mendenhall, MD, recipient of the 2026 Mentor of the Year Award from the Plastic Surgery Research Council. Recognized nationally for his impact as a mentor, advocate, and ally to medical students and surgical trainees.

June is Men’s Health Month. Dr. Pastuszak joined Good Things Utah to talk about the health issues men often ignore, from ED and low testosterone to infertility and heart health. Watch the full interview: https://bit.ly/4uGsVdI

University of Utah Health raises awareness to common health issues men ignore

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – June is Men’s Health Month – a time to raise awareness to common health issues and concerns facing men and boys. What Are Common Health I…

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Congratulations to Dr. Ray Price, who has been designated an Honorary Consul to Mongolia, a role that helps strengthen diplomatic, educational, cultural, and business relationships between Mongolia and the United States. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4xpevBl

Raymond R. Price, MD, Named Honorary Consul of Mongolia in Utah

The Utah Mongol Association has recognized Raymond R. Price, MD, FACS, as Honorary Consul of Mongolia in Utah, honoring nearly two decades of extraordinary service strengthening healthcare, education,...

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A $16.8M PCORI-funded national study led by UC San Diego Health is testing ways to improve sleep and reduce ICU delirium. Joseph Tonna, MD, and University of Utah Health will serve as key partners in this five-year study. Read more: https://bit.ly/3RPewyo

University of Utah Joins National PCORI-Funded Study to Improve Sleep and Reduce Delirium in ICU Patients

A new $16.8 million PCORI-funded study will test better ways to improve sleep and reduce delirium for patients in intensive care units, an issue that affects thousands of critically ill adults each ye...

medicine.utah.edu

Congratulations to Alvin Kwok, MD, on receiving a grant from the Plastic Surgery Foundation. His project, “Investigating the Role of Surgical Timing on Postoperative Opioid Consumption,” will explore factors influencing opioid use following surgery. #PlasticSurgery #UofUSurgery

Congratulations to Laura Wong, MD, PhD, and co-investigator Greg Hobson, DO, on receiving a Plastic Surgery Foundation Pilot Research Grant for their project, “Defining the Boundaries of the Zone of Injury in Lower Extremity Reconstruction.” #research #uofusurgery

Please join us in welcoming Andrew Bain, MD, our new Pediatric Surgery Fellow for 2027–2029! Dr. Bain is completing his General Surgery residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. We’re excited to have him join our team. Welcome, Dr. Bain! #PediatricSurgery #UofUSurgery

Firefighters face long-term cancer risks from toxic exposures. R. Drew Durtschi, MD, and John P. Smith, DO, are advancing urologic screening within a statewide initiative focused on early detection. @huntsmancancer.bsky.social Read more: https://bit.ly/4sQc0EH

Esophageal cancer care is being redefined at @huntsmancancer.bsky.social Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health through a fully integrated model delivering faster treatment and improved outcomes. See how this approach is transforming care: https://bit.ly/3Qg1SHM

Some families are told their child is cursed. Others are told to leave them behind. In Uganda, bladder exstrophy carries stigma and limited access to care. Anthony Schaeffer, MD, MPH, and team are working to change that. Read more: https://bit.ly/3PM9OjM

Bladder Exstrophy In Uganda

Bladder exstrophy, a rare birth defect once condemned children in Uganda to isolation and stigma. Today, pediatric urologist Anthony Schaeffer, MD, and his team are performing life-saving surgeries th...

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Happy National Doctor’s Day! We asked a few of our surgeons what they wanted to be growing up… and their answers did not disappoint. So grateful for our incredible doctors today and every day! #nationaldoctorsday

Join Dr. Eric T. Volckmann on April 8 (6–7 PM) for a free webinar on surgical weight management. Review current options, patient expectations, and long-term outcomes. Register: https://uofuhealthcare.utah.edu/weight-management-seminar-april-8-2026

It’s Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, and clinical trials are transforming care in the Mountain West, where Dr. Bogdana Schmidt is expanding bladder cancer trials and Dr. Alejandro Sanchez is advancing hereditary kidney cancer care. Read more: https://bit.ly/4lMK4zH

Happy Match Day! 🎉 Between the General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, and Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Programs, we are beyond thrilled to introduce our 14 new phenomenal interns. ❤️ Congratulations, we are thrilled to have you! #MatchDay

Congratulations to Kshama Jaiswal, MD, FACS, on receiving the ASE Distinguished Mid-Career Educator Award! 🎉 This national honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to surgical education and leadership. Well deserved!

How do you recognize a nerve injury — and when is intervention time-sensitive? Dr. Robert Teixeira shares key insights on evaluation, motor nerve urgency, and surgical vs. non-surgical options within a multidisciplinary peripheral nerve program. Read more: https://bit.ly/4r2wARl

How to Recognize a Nerve Injury and Your Best Options for Recovery

Early signs of a nerve injury are your body’s warning to get help fast. Discover what symptoms to watch for and the minimally invasive nerve repair techniques to help you recover.

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A Montana patient exclaims, “I have my joy back.” after a life-changing Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum with Dr. Katie Russell, one of our pediatric surgeons. 💙 We’re proud to deliver expert pediatric surgical care across our region. Read more: https://bit.ly/4bmkk8t

Montana Patient Undergoes Nuss Procedure to Fix Pectus Excavatum: “I have my joy back”

While feeling relentless chest pressure that stole his breath, 28-year-old Chris Soto, feared something was terribly wrong. After months without answers, he discovered the true cause: a severe case of...

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