Varun Puri, MD, recognized by the St. Louis VA for advancing lung cancer research that improves care for veterans.
Puri receives VA research award
Category: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Overcoming hyperhidrosis: Azra’s journey (Links to an external site)
For most people, sweating is a normal part of life. But for Azra Pervan, now 15, excessive sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis, controlled nearly every part of her life.
Thoracic surgeons establish robotic esophagectomy program
New minimally invasive approach now available at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Motivated by life: Tom’s story (Links to an external site)
Tom Williamson, a competitive distance runner in high school, thought he was simply out of shape when it became increasingly difficult to breathe while doing everyday activities around his Northwest Chicago suburban home. It was something he lived with until an excruciating stomach pain put him in the hospital.
Collaborative research: Transforming surgical approaches in congenital heart disease
Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons advance surgical approaches in life-saving treatment.
Five department faculty receive 2026 Dean’s Impact Awards
Surgeons recognized for exceptional clinical care, education, research and service at WashU Medicine.
SAFE accolade recipients – February/March 2026
Department members received SAFE accolades for collegiality and professionalism.
First cases for JOURNEY clinical trial completed at WashU Medicine (Links to an external site)
The structural heart program at Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital has completed its first cases using the J-Valve transcatheter device as part of the JOURNEY Trial, a national clinical study evaluating a novel treatment approach for native aortic regurgitation.
WashU Medicine team performs region’s first procedure using breakthrough valve technology (Links to an external site)
Cardiologists and cardiac surgeons from WashU Medicine’s cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgery divisions used the ShortCut device to successfully treat a high-risk patient with a failing heart valve.
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery | 2025 Annual Report
The 2025 Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Annual Report showcases clinical, research, and educational milestones from the past year.
Tina Burmeiseter retires after 43 years of service
From a part-time summer job, to a lengthy career as a database analyst in cardiothoracic surgery.
Surprising culprit leads to chronic rejection of transplanted lungs, hearts (Links to an external site)
Blocked lymphatic drainage could play unappreciated role in organ rejection, point to possible treatments.
Wells Resident Research Day 2026
Threlkeld, Liu named winners at 25th Samuel A. Wells, Jr., Department of Surgery Resident Research Day.
Kozower named Editor of the Year by Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Benjamin Kozower, MD, PhD, was recognized for his high quality contributions as editor of Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Living with Marfan syndrome, Marcy’s journey after aortic dissection (Links to an external site)
When Marcy Lagarde felt sudden excruciating pain in her left arm and had trouble lying down she knew something wasn’t right.
Voice of survival: A radio broadcaster’s journey through a rare heart condition (Links to an external site)
When well-known St. Louis radio broadcaster John Carney, 61, experienced a sudden, life-threatening aortic dissection, WashU Medicine experts at Barnes-Jewish Hospital identified the hidden genetic condition behind it—and set out to save his life.
SAFE accolade recipients – December 2025/January 2026
Department members received SAFE accolades for collegiality and professionalism.
Miller named reviewer of the year
Recognized for his contributions to congenital cardiac surgery research by the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Beating the odds: A pastor’s journey through advanced, lifesaving heart care (Links to an external site)
When Pastor Vic Comstock, 63, arrived at a hospital near his home in Moberly, Missouri, he thought he was battling pneumonia.
Pivotal advancement achieved in lung transplantation immunity
Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue contributes to the resistance to chronic inflammation after infection of transplanted lungs.
Repairing hearts (Links to an external site)
Lung and Mediastinal Disease – Washington Manual of Surgery Podcast
Join Dr. Louisa Bai for a discussion with expert thoracic surgeon Dr. Whitney Brandt.
New Plaza West Tower expands WashU Medicine’s advanced, research-driven heart and vascular care (Links to an external site)
16-story tower at Barnes-Jewish Hospital increases access to life-saving care and state-of-the-art imaging across the region
Munfakh honored with lifetime achievement award
Recognizing Dr. Nabil Munfakh’s 25 years of consummate excellence in cardiothoracic surgical care and leadership.
Propelled by passion (Links to an external site)
Finding purpose and perspective in life’s challenges (Links to an external site)
A heart for the community (Links to an external site)
WashU Medicine, St. Louis Children’s Hospital team performs first pediatric “domino” partial heart transplant in Midwest (Links to an external site)
The St. Louis Children’s Hospital, WashU Medicine Heart Center has become one of only eight programs in the nation to perform this rare, lifesaving procedure
Audrey’s brave new chapter (Links to an external site)
Young patient thriving after heart transplant
Care with heart (Links to an external site)
WashU Medicine ranks third in TSF top 20 honor roll
Thoracic Surgery Foundation recognizes WashU Medicine among top 20 for research and education.
Nava receives AATS investigator award
Thoracic surgeon awarded funding for lung transplant research.
SAFE accolade recipients – April/May/June 2025
Department members received SAFE accolades for collegiality and professionalism.
Physician-scientist spotlight: Whitney Brandt, MD
Thoracic surgeon scientist describes lung cancer research and the role of mentorship.
Celebrating our 2025 cardiothoracic surgery fellowship graduates
Graduating fellows reflect on experience at WashU Medicine and look to the future.
Department of Surgery ranks 2nd nationally in NIH research funding in 2024
Blue Ridge rankings place WashU Medicine among the nation’s highest surgery departments for research funding.
Fuhs awarded inaugural Program Coordinator GME Rising Star Award
Surgery fellowship program coordinator awarded Rising Star by the Academy of Educators.
Study finds success in novel aortic valve reconstruction procedure
Scientists use right atrial appendage to revolutionize aortic valve reconstruction in children.
Two surgeons named 2025 Dean’s Scholars
Brandt and Panni named Dean’s Scholars, joining a growing community of dedicated researchers.
Study identifies factors necessary for lung transplant tolerance
A new study led by thoracic immunobiology investigators establishes regulatory Foxp3+ T cells as critical for lung transplant tolerance.
When His Heart Stopped, a New Life Began (Links to an external site)
Kreisel named vice chair for research
Expert in transplant immunology to lead research program in Department of Surgery.
Heart Transplant Specialist Recognized in St. Louis Magazine’s Annual Excellence in Nursing Awards
Advanced practice provider in heart transplant surgery Lynelle Jolliff is recognized at the top of her field in the St. Louis area.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Receives 2024 Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award
Hospital recognized for world-class care in mitral valve repair surgery.
Wells Resident Research Day 2024
Rossetti, Shepherd and Roberts named winners at 23rd Samuel A. Wells, Jr. Research Day.
Top Doctors 2024
Congratulations to the 51 faculty from the Department of Surgery who were recognized in the 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctors list.
Department of Surgery New Faculty: September 2023
Washington University welcomes Drs. Niziolek, Panni, Martin, Brandt and Cullinan to the Department of Surgery.
Department of Surgery New Faculty: August 2023
Washington University welcomes Drs. Welko, Chapman, Badran, Martens and Jones to the Department of Surgery and congratulates Drs. Craft and Al-Aref on their promotions.
Top Doctors 2023
Congratulations to the 41 Department of Surgery faculty recognized on the 2023 Castle Connolly Top Doctors® list.
Top Doctors 2022
Congratulations to the Department of Surgery faculty recognized on the 2022 Castle Connolly Top Doctors® list.