A Lasting Impact

Glover Copher and Eileen Smith

With the funds established by renowned surgeon-scientist Glover Copher, MD, general surgery resident Eileen Smith, MD, was able to pursue surgical education research while being fully supported.

A Beautiful New Heart: Audrey’s Story

Baby Audrey smiling in red dress at birthday party holding parents' hands.

Audrey was born with a rare combination of heart conditions. Thanks to an organ donor and the St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center team, she celebrated her first birthday at home with a new heart.

Body Mass Index: Explained

Washington University bariatric surgeons use measures like body mass index (BMI) to determine whether their patients are eligible for weight loss surgery.

Meet the Staff: Emily Shepherd, Business Director

Meet the Staff graphic with photos of Emily Shepherd

Staff members at Washington University School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery are essential in supporting the institution’s mission of excellence in clinical outcomes, research and education. Meet Business Director Emily Shepherd!

High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction

Doctor taking a blood pressure reading with cuff and stethoscope.

Both high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction are common among older men. Understanding the relationship between these conditions could help men find the treatment that’s right for them.

Called to Serve

Sean Glasgow in the operating room

When Sean Glasgow, MD, is not serving as a faculty member, he’s serving the United States military as a citizen Airman at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. For Glasgow, being both a surgeon and a member of the medical team at the Air Force Reserve is incredibly rewarding. 

Demystifying the Circulatory System

Blood cells circulating through a vessel

The Department of Surgery explains terminology and components of the circulatory system. We use plain language to explain to describe what arteries, vessels, and related structures are, how they are different and some common conditions that affect them.

Four-Year Grant Awarded to Acute and Critical Care Research Project

Dr. Isaiah Turnbull, a researcher and surgeon at Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, has received a four-year $1.5 million grant for his research on immunosuppression induced by burn injuries. This work is in partnership with the Military Burn Research Program.

A Durable Treatment for Recurrent Hernias

Research by Washington University hernia surgeons finds a durable solution for treating complex recurrent ventral hernias. The findings are published in the journal Surgery.

Neurogenic Bladder: Common Causes

Problems with signals from the nervous system to the bladder cause neurogenic bladder.

Neurogenic bladder is a condition in which the nerves signaling to the bladder have been damaged, resulting in dysfunction of the bladder muscles and function. Common causes include genetic nerve problems, birth defects, injury, stroke, diabetes, infection, brain or spinal cord tumors. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicinal treatments and surgery.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Comparison of IBS and IBD symptoms with medical illustration of the digestive system.

Inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome are two different gastrointestinal conditions. Learn more about each, and how Washington University Colon & Rectal Surgery provides team-based care for inflammatory bowel disease.

Frye Wins Top Gun at SAGES 2022

SAGES Top Gun winner Corbin Frye holding trophy with Chris Eagon and Michael Brunt

General surgery resident Corbin Frye, MD, won the SAGES Top Gun competition for the second year in a row. Frye and his fellow residents hone laparoscopic skills at the Washington University Institute for Surgical Education.

Introduction to Robotic Surgery Training at WISE

Photo collage of general surgery residents training on surgical robots in WISE Center with text that reads "Introduction to Robotic Surgery Training at WISE"

General surgery residents at the Washington University Institute for Surgical Education get hands-on experience with the latest innovations in surgical technology during an introduction to robotic surgery training course.

7 Things to Know About Lymphedema

Lymphedema is swelling caused by a blockage or damage to the lymphatic system. Most cases of lymphedema in the United States happen after cancer or cancer treatment. Understanding this condition can help with lymphedema prevention, management and treatment.

What is HIPEC Surgery?

Hyperthermic or heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) surgery is a two-step procedure that treats certain cancers in the abdomen. This is a procedure conducted by surgeons in the Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Campus Catch-Up

Campus Catch-Up 2.25.22

The Washington University campus community is making headlines every day. Members of the School of Medicine are regularly featured in local, national and international news stories. Department of Surgery faculty, staff and medical students are leaders in their specialties, and share their expertise when called upon. Campus Catch-Up collects some of these stories and celebrates members of the community who are receiving recognition.

Coaching After Amputation: Sam’s Story

Sam Schaefer returning to his active lifestyle after amputation surgery. Text overlay reads "Coaching After Amputation: Sam's Story"

Sam Schaefer suffered from constant pain after an injury left him with a rare neurological condition. After a below-the-knee amputation at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, he is back to playing hockey, breaking world records and coaching at a local gym.

Cancer Staging: What, Why and How?

Featured graphic illustration of cancer cells in human lung with text overlay that reads "Cancer Staging: What, Why and How"

Cancer staging is an essential step in the cancer treatment process. When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, staging tests indicate the extent and progress of cancer. Knowing this information assists physicians in deciding treatment options and can also predict health outcomes for the patient.

Mackinnon Receives AAPS Honorary Award

Susan Mackinnon, MD, the Minot Packer Fryer Professor of Plastic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) 2022 Honorary Award.

The Impact of Persistent Smoking on Outcomes After Lung Cancer Surgery

Researchers from Washington University and Siteman Cancer Center conduct research on patient health outcomes after surgery for stage I non-small cell lung cancer to understand if persistent smoking after surgery is associated with worse survival. They conclude that persistent smoking after surgery decreases the survival rates of patients.

From Fellow to Faculty: Jacob Miller, MD

Photo of Dr. Miller at St. Louis Children's Hospital with text overlay that reads "From Fellow to Faculty: Jacob Miller, MD"

Washington University pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Jacob Miller, MD, specializes in the surgical treatment of congenital heart and lung conditions at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Miller joins the faculty after completing world-class surgical training at the School of Medicine.

2021 Annual Report for the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery does essential, life-saving work for our patients at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where surgeons are shaping the future of surgery. To highlight the year’s accomplishments among our surgeons, are proud to share the 2021 Annual Report for the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, which is now available online.

Department of Surgery 2021 Annual Report

With another year in the books, we are proud to share the Department of Surgery 2021 Annual Report, demonstrating our mission in action. You can read the Annual Report online to learn how the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has continued its leadership in patient care, research, education and health equity in a year of challenges and successes.