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!

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.

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.

Ask the Research Director: Research During Residency with Ryan C. Fields, MD

Residency applicants need to know the fit of a program’s research education to their interests and needs. Ryan C. Fields, MD, the Director of Resident Research for the General Surgery Residency Program at Washington University, explains why WashU is an ideal location for research in surgery.

Disparities After Surgery: Readmission from Complications More Common for People of Color

Physicians at Washington University School of Medicine conducted a research study on the disparities of post-surgery complications and readmission, visualizing differences of readmission between white and non-white patients. Patients of color are more likely to require readmission after surgery, which may be related to other lived disparities, such as barriers to accessing equal healthcare to their white counterparts.

Toriola and Zayed Awarded NIH Research Grants

Surgeons Adetunji Toriola, MD, PhD and Mohamed Zayed, MD, PhD from the Department of Surgery have received prestigious R01 grants from National Institutes of Health (NIH) for their research in cancer and vascular medicine, respectively.

The Importance of Comfort: Patient Gender Selection in Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal screening, diagnosis and treatment are integral parts of overall health, but obstacles related to patient comfort can prevent effective medical intervention for colorectal illness. Having a diverse, accessible department of colorectal surgeons reassures patients and advances the optimal benefits for their colorectal health.

Dr. Evarts Graham and the History of Cardiothoracic Medicine and Research at Washington University

Exploring the history of research in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery begins with the career of surgeon and clinical researcher Dr. Evarts Graham. A gifted cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Graham’s research included one of the earliest studies of smoking as it contributed to lung cancer, and this pioneering work has directed similar research on smoking cessation and health impacts for decades.

Paradigm Shift

Closeup image of glass knives on stone table with text overlay that reads: "Paradigm Shift."

The 30th anniversary of the Plastic Surgery Research Laboratories marks an exciting period of growth in the area of plastic and reconstructive surgery research.

The Right Tool for the Job

Multidisciplinary research helps surgeons choose the right tool for stroke and peripheral arterial disease patients.

Pediatric Surgery | 2020 Annual Report

Two images of WashU Pediatric Surgery faculty (from left to right) Baddr Shakhsheer, MD, and Brad Warner, MD, and Jessie Vrecenak, MD, with text overlay that reads "Ahead of the Curve Pediatric Surgery.”

The Department of Surgery 2020 Annual Report features clinical, research and educational accomplishments from the Division of Pediatric Surgery.

Use of Robotics in Bariatric Surgery is on the Rise

Davinci Surgical Robot

A new study from the Department of Surgery shows that the use of robotics for weight loss surgery has increased in recent years. Bariatric surgeons and public health scientists examine this rise and what it might mean for the future of weight loss surgery.

Colorectal Cancer Care

Washington University Colon and Rectal provides the highest level of care for patients with colorectal cancer.

Campus Catch-Up

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

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

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

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.

Society of Urologic Oncology Fellowship

The Division of Urology announces an SUO-approved fellowship designed to train urologic oncologists by providing a broad clinical and research experience.

Making Informed Decisions

Researchers in Minimally Invasive Surgery study the impact of patient self-education on health care decisions regarding hernia repair and surgical mesh.

Avoiding Amputation

Plastic and Reconstructive, ACCS and Vascular surgeons are taking innovative steps in growing a limb salvage service for patients who might otherwise require amputation.

A PLAN for Securing Research Funding

Business Director Emily Hixson Shepherd is growing as a leader in the Department of Surgery  Innovations in medicine save lives. Surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis—whom we often recognize for their accomplishments in the operating room—are at the forefront of clinical, public health, and basic and translational research in their respective […]