General surgery, thoracic surgery, plastic surgery and urologic surgery began in the early 20th Century at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Over the past 50 years, surgical fields have become increasingly specialized, and today, the department provides care in a wide range of specialties represented by its divisions and sections. All divisions and sections are active in their fields’ research and offer a post-graduate residency/and or fellowship.
In 2010, the Division of Public Health Sciences was established to conduct world-leading research, education and outreach to prevent cancer and other diseases and promote population health. The division also seeks to improve quality of, and access to, health care in Missouri and beyond.
Our divisions and sections
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
The division provides leading-edge medical and critical care, research, and training while maintaining its reputation as a pioneer in developing treatments for heart and lung diseases in adults and children.
Section of Cardiac Surgery
Nationally recognized Washington University cardiac surgeons offer the latest advances in technology and innovative therapies while striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with heart conditions.
Section of Thoracic Surgery
Board-certified, internationally recognized Washington University thoracic surgeons treat a variety of lung diseases . Additionally, these advanced surgeons practice at one of the most active transplant centers in the world.
Section of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery
Washington University pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons provide industry-leading treatments to children with a range of congenital cardiac disorders, from atrial septal defects to single ventricle anomalies, neonatal surgeries, surgery for congenital heart disease and tracheal reconstruction.
Division of General Surgery
The Division of General Surgery at Washington University spans seven surgical specialties with clinicians and researchers developing and testing new treatments, taking research from bench to bedside, and leading national organizations.
Section of Acute and Critical Care Surgery
Washington University acute and critical care surgeons specialize in traumatic injuries, emergency surgeries, geriatric trauma, general surgeries, wound and burn care, and critical care.
Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Washington University colorectal surgeons provide the highest level of care for colorectal cancer patients and work with gastroenterologists to provide comprehensive care to patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Section of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic & GI Surgery
Washington University HPB-GI surgeons specialize in diseases of the liver, biliary tree, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, and retroperitoneum, and are at the forefront of research for improved therapies and treatments for these disorders.
Section of Minimally Invasive Surgery
The minimally invasive surgeons at Washington University strive to increase patient benefits by decreasing size of surgical incisions in upper gastrointestinal, hernia, solid organ and weight loss surgeries.
Section of Surgical Oncology
The renowned faculty of the Section of Surgical Oncology provide the most up-to-date care for breast and endocrine system diseases, melanoma and sarcoma while advancing treatments through leading-edge research.
Section of Transplant Surgery
Washington University transplant surgeons offer the latest advancements in kidney, liver, lung, islet cell and pancreas transplants while drawing upon a long, successful history as leaders in the field.
Section of Vascular Surgery
Washington University vascular surgeons offer minimally invasive surgical treatments for patients with vascular diseases, such as thoracic, aortic or renal aneurysms, thoracic outlet syndrome and arterial, venous and lymphatic diseases.
Division of Pediatric Surgery
Washington University’s board-certified pediatric surgeons offer compassionate, comprehensive treatment for a spectrum of medical conditions in children, from birth defects to hernias, traumatic injuries, burns, and cancerous tumors.
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Washington University plastic and reconstructive surgeons are head-to-toe experts in craniofacial, aesthetic, breast and general reconstructive, gender affirming, hand, limb preservation, lymphedema, nerve and pediatric plastic surgeries.
Division of Public Health Sciences
The Division of Public Health Sciences leads in public health research, education and outreach by providing a platform for investigators across disciplines to collaborate on projects affecting clinical care and outcomes. Epidemiologists, statisticians , behavioral scientists, economists, health communication scientists work with a shared goal – preventing disease and improving the health of populations.
Division of Urologic Surgery
Washington University urologists offer a range of leading-edge treatment options — both surgical and nonsurgical — for medical conditions of the urogenital tract, including the prostate and testicles in males and the kidneys and bladder in both males and females.