2008 News

Welcome to Dr. Matthew Nielsen

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-12-31T19:00:00Z

On December 31, 2008, Matt Nielsen, MD, joined the Urology faculty. He comes to UNC from Johns Hopkins and specializes in urologic oncology and robotic surgery..

Welcome to Dr. Matthew Nielsen

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-12-31T19:00:00Z

On December 31, 2008, Matt Nielsen, MD, joined the Urology faculty. He comes to UNC from Johns Hopkins and specializes in urologic oncology and robotic surgery.

Christopher Dekaney Receives K01 Award

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-12-19T19:00:00Z

December 19, 2008 -- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has awarded a 4 year Career Development Grant to Christopher Dekaney, PhD, in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, for his project investigating "The Role of FGFR1 and FGFR2 in Repair of Damaged Intestinal Epithelium." The project will begin January 1, 2009.

Dr. David Ollila is Co-Course Director of 4th Annual UNC Conference on Melanoma

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-12-19T19:00:00Z

The program is intended for dermatologists, dermatological surgeons, surgical oncologists, general surgeons, plastic surgeons, nurse practitioners, nurses and other allied health care professionals interested in the treatment of melanoma.

Printable Brochure (.pdf)

Printable Registration Form (.pdf)

Directions to the Friday Center

Dr. Tim Weiner Awarded the H. Fleming Fuller Award

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-12-18T19:00:00Z

The four criteria are:
- Commitment to treating patients with compassion and respect
- Advocate for highest standards of patient care
- Effectiveness as a professional role model
- Civic Responsibility.
Dr. Weiner is honored as the quinessential workhorse surgeon who delivers the art as well as the science of health care. He works collaboratively along side local pediatricians and general surgeons and has made great inroads in outreach initiatives. Dr. Weiner travels on his own time and expense on a biannual basis to Africa, Vietnam, and Cambodia to volunteer his surgical skills. We congratulate Dr. Weiner and are proud to have this award conferred this year on a member of the Department of Surgery medical faculty. Congratulations, Dr. Weiner! Read More

Dr. Aaron Garrison Recognized for Excellence in Research

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-12-18T19:00:00Z

November 18, 2008 -- On 10/15/08, Dr. Aaron Garrison was presented with the Surgical Forum Excellence in Research Award by the American College of Surgeons for his abstract, “Developmental insight into intestinal adaptation: characterization of intestinal stem cell (ISC) expansion and lucagon-Like Peptide-2 (GLP-2) actions during murine intestinal development.” Dr. Garrison is a PGY-5 General Surgery resident currently conducting research with Dr. Michael Helmrath.

Surgery-Mentored Student Wins Rhodes Scholarship

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-12-08T19:00:00Z

December 8, 2008 -- On Nov. 29, UNC senior Elisabeth “Lisette” Yorke, of Nova Scotia, Canada, was selected as a Rhodes Scholar. The biology major will have the opportunity to study at Oxford University for the next several years. Yorke has volunteered with the NC Jaycee Burn Center since early in 2007. She works with injured patients and participates in burn research under the mentorship of Dr. Bruce Cairns, Associate Professor of Surgery and Director of the Burn Center. Dr. Cairns was honored to recommend Yorke to the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee.

Judith Swasey Presented with Nursing Excellence Awa

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-12-08T19:00:00Z

Swasey, MSN, RN, ANP, is a nurse practitioner and clinical instructor in the division of Surgical Oncology. She has been with UNC for eight years. One of her nominators said, “When Judy is involved in taking care of one of my patients, I am always confident that she will follow-up with every detail of their care. Judy is a tremendous asset to this institution.” Swasey also created and continues to direct the Sole Sisters Program. The group is now in its eighth year and helps women to prepare for the annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure.

The Oncology Nursing Excellence Award, in its seventh year, is presented in memory of Charmayne S. Gray, an outstanding oncology nurse practitioner who died in an auto accident in 2002.

Dr. Tim Weiner Receives H. Fleming Fuller Award

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-11-13T19:00:00Z

"Dr. Weiner is a role model for other physicians to emulate," said Dr. Brian Goldstein, UNC Hospitals Chief of Staff.

"He is recognized by his colleagues as a physician who embodies an unwavering commitment to patient care delivered with honesty, compassion and state-of-the-art skill."

Given annually in memory of Fuller, a Kinston, North Carolina, physician and founding member of the UNC Hospitals' board who died in 1986, the award recognizes doctors who demonstrate compassionate patient care and excellence in teaching and community service.

Weiner developed the Clinical Anatomy course for first-year medical students, a course that has been voted "Course of the Year" for two consecutive years. He has also created a resident manual to assist the interns and residents in caring for pediatric surgery patients. For his teaching and mentoring efforts, Dr. Weiner has been recognized as Teacher of the Year in the Department of Surgery.

"Dr. Timothy Weiner believes in UNC Health Care's mission of providing the best medical care to all North Carolinians regardless of their ability to pay," Goldstein said.

Weiner's personal commitment to providing care to underserved populations has inspired him to become heavily involved in medical mission work. He has taken his love of helping those most in need and surgical skills to Africa, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Weiner joined the Chancellor's statewide bus tour and serves as his department's grassroots ambassador.

"His mix of skill, scholarship, compassion and practicality has helped him connect with community pediatricians and have contributed substantially to their high level of confidence in seeking referral and consultation at UNC Hospitals," Goldstein said.

Weiner first came to UNC Hospitals in 1989 for his residency in General Surgery, after receiving his M.D. at Georgetown University. Following his residencey, Dr. Weiner completed a fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at the Childrens' Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Welcome to Surgery's newest faculty members:

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-11-10T19:00:00Z

Michael Bowdish, MD, Assistant Professor, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Christopher Rupp, MD, Assistant Professor, GI Surgery

Sean McLean, MD, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Surgery

Alexander Toledo, MD, Assistant Professor, Abdominal Transplant

Nirmal Veeramachaneni, MD, Assistant Professor, Cardiothoracic Surgery

And congratulations on the following appointments:

Robin S. Robinson — 2008-11-01T18:00:00Z

Teri Augustine, Assistant to the Chair

David Gerber, MD, to Chief of Abdominal Transplant

Sam Jones, MD, to Assistant Professor, NC Burn Center

William Marston, MD, to Chief of Vascular Surgery

Rob Watson, MD, to Assistant Professor, Abdominal Transplant