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Category: News Stories
Updates and information from the Department of Surgery, divisions, sections, faculty and trainees.
Burns: Part 1 – Washington Manual of Surgery Podcast
Join general surgery resident Dr. Oluseye Oduyale for a discussion with Dr. John Kirby, director of the Burn and Wound Healing Programs at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
In memoriam: Thomas H. Covey Jr., MD
Thomas H. Covey Jr., MD, former acting surgeon-in-chief of Jewish Hospital, passed away March 20.
Pancreas: What it is and why it matters
Learn about the functions of the pancreas, related diseases, and treatment options.
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.
What a day of eating looks like after bariatric surgery
Dietary health after weight loss surgery.
Why support groups matter after weight loss surgery
Find a supportive community on the road to wellness after weight loss surgery.
Colorectal cancer awareness: A leading surgeon’s essential insights
Paul Wise, MD, answers frequently asked questions about colorectal cancer.
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.
Warner honored with Presidential Citation Award
The Society of University Surgeons posthumously presented Brad Warner with the Presidential Citation Award at the Academic Surgical Congress.
Comprehensive care of Marfan Syndrome – Q&A with surgical expert
Leading vascular specialist, J. Westley Ohman, MD, provides insights on detecting and living with and managing with Marfan syndrome.
Martin named president of the Society of University Surgeons
Director Martin recognized for leadership and significant contributions to pediatric surgery.
SAFE accolade recipients – December 2025/January 2026
Department members received SAFE accolades for collegiality and professionalism.
Method spots early signs of infection after breast cancer reconstruction (Links to an external site)
Rapid detection, treatment of infections could avoid complications, additional surgeries after mastectomy
Sacks named inaugural managing director of ASPS journal portfolio
Director of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Justin Sacks, MD, MBA, appointed to national office at American Society Plastic Surgeons.
Pancreas: Part 1 – Washington Manual of Surgery
Join Dr. Katharine Caldwell for a discussion with expert surgical oncologist, Dr. Dominic Sanford.
Postoperative Care – Washington Manual of Surgery
Join Dr. Katharine Caldwell for a discussion with expert acute and critical care surgeon Dr. Isaiah Turnbull.
Surgery faculty provide international care
Surgical faculty provide life-saving care and clinical education, both at home and abroad.
Pivotal advancement achieved in lung transplantation immunity
Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue contributes to the resistance to chronic inflammation after infection of transplanted lungs.
SAFE accolade recipients – November/December
Department members received SAFE accolades for collegiality and professionalism.
The Good Surgeon project explores the Kemper Art Museum at WashU
Residents and faculty focus on the art of attention during recent Good Surgeon event.
Community outreach champion – Frank Olumba, MD
General surgery resident is recognized for his commitment to community outreach.
Swana named urologic surgery residency program director
Urologic surgeon-educator to lead residency training program.
Munfakh honored with lifetime achievement award
Recognizing Dr. Nabil Munfakh’s 25 years of consummate excellence in cardiothoracic surgical care and leadership.
Wanken named program director of vascular surgery integrated residency
Vascular surgeon-educator to lead training program.
Doyle serves as WSA president
Renowned transplant surgeon completes term as head of Western Surgical Association.
Surgery faculty recognized at Education Day 2025
Three surgeons were recognized at the 2025 Academy of Educators sponsored Education Day.
Belgeri celebrates 45 years of service at WashU Medicine
St. Louis native traverses career path facilitating funding for surgical innovation research.
Breast cancer startup founded by WashU Medicine researchers acquired by Lunit (Links to an external site)
Prognosia’s AI-based imaging tech could improve prevention, early detection of breast cancer
SAFE accolade recipients – September/October 2025
Department members receive SAFE accolades for collegiality and professionalism.
Dr. Timothy Eberlein Is ACS President-Elect (Links to an external site)
Renowned surgical oncologist and former chair of surgery elected President-Elect of the ACS.
Three surgeons admitted into American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators®
Awad, Leis, Sacks recognized for excellence in surgical education.
Wylie joins Section of Acute and Critical Care Surgery and Division of Vascular Surgery
Trauma surgeon joins critical surgical care section on October 1.
Care with heart (Links to an external site)
On the passing of Gregorio Sicard
Gregorio Sicard, MD, former chief of vascular surgery and director of general surgery, passed September 6.
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.
Ohman named director of the Division of Vascular Surgery (Links to an external site)
Surgeon and researcher specializes in aortic disease, will be first director of new division
2025 Division of Urology graduation celebrates trainees
Congratulations to the residents and fellows who graduated this spring.
Pediatric plastic surgery nurse recognized with Excellence in Nursing Award
Regional accolade celebrates nurse Sybill Naidoo for excellence in service to the community.
Celebrating our 2025 cardiothoracic surgery fellowship graduates
Graduating fellows reflect on experience at WashU Medicine and look to the future.
Three surgeons elected into AOA class of 2025
Alpha Omega Alpha inducted three new members from the Department of Surgery.
SAFE accolade recipients – March/April 2025
Department members received SAFE accolades for collegiality and professionalism.
Brown and Gillanders receive Focused Practice Designation
Endocrine surgeons recognized for expertise in complex thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
Hill receives 2025 AHPBA Steve Sotsky Award
General surgery resident’s research was recognized for second consecutive year.
Clanahan recognized with Outstanding Resident Teacher Award
General surgery resident Julie Clanahan, MD, was recognized at ASE annual meeting.
Amber Leis, MD, joins the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic surgeon joins WashU Medicine on May 1.
Fuhs awarded inaugural Program Coordinator GME Rising Star Award
Surgery fellowship program coordinator awarded Rising Star by the Academy of Educators.