Department News

Surgical innovation positively impacting the lives of countless patients.

The UNC Chronic Pancreatitis and Autologous Islet Cell Transplant Program, led by Chirag S. Desai, MD, FACS, professor of surgery, has performed its 100th case, cementing UNC Hospitals as one of the most significant centers for surgical therapy for chronic pancreatitis.

Murphy to Serve as Next Surgery Associate Chair of Administration

The Department of Surgery is delighted to announce that Jim Murphy, MHA, FACHE will bring his 18 years of experience at UNC to the Department of Surgery as our next Associate Chair of Administration.  Jim currently serves as ACA for the Department of Neurosurgery and UNC Health’s System Director for Specialty Programs. He has served … Read more

UNC Surgery Welcomes New Faculty Members

UNC Surgery has steadily continued to grow our Faculty and is thrilled to share more about the backgrounds, skills, and passions of our newest Surgeons. Read on about our newest faculty teammates!  Thane Blinman, MD, MBA is a Professor in the Division of Pediatric Surgery and Executive Vice Chair for Business and Innovation. He specializes … Read more

NC Jaycee Burn Center Achieves Repeat ABA Burn Verification

The NC Jaycee Burn Center is pleased to announce that it has once again achieved American Burn Association (ABA) Burn Verification for adults and pediatrics.              The ABA burn verification provides a true mark of distinction for a Burn Center indicating the center provides high quality patient care to burn … Read more

Farber and Parodi Implant First Commercial Endovascular Stent Graft to Treat Complex Aneurysmal Disease Involving Visceral Aorta

  UNC Vascular Surgeons Mark Farber, MD, Professor and Chief of Vascular Surgery and F. Ezequiel Parodi, MD, Associate Professor of Vascular Surgery implanted the first commercial device in a patient on Friday, May 10th, 2024.   The GORE EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) is an endovascular stent graft to treat complex aneurysmal disease involving … Read more

Desai Honored as Triangle Business Journal’s Surgeon of the Year

Chirag Desai, MD, FACS is the Division Chief of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, Professor of Surgery, Executive Medical Director for UNC Healthcare Center for Transplant Care, Surgical Director of UNC’s Liver Transplant Program and Director of Chronic Pancreatitis & Autologous-Islet Cell Transplant Program.         Dr. Desai was honored among the Triangle Business Journal’s … Read more

CT Surgery Teammates Honored at UNC Basketball Game

Members of the Cardiothoracic Surgery team were honored in a tribute delivered at the pre-game ceremony of the UNC-NC State Basketball Game on Saturday, March 2, 2024 for their care of Brian Smith, grandson of Dean Smith. Pictured from L-R:  Scott Smith (Brian’s Dad), Mike Yeung MD (Brian’s Cardiologist), Tommy Caranasos MD (UNC CT Surgeon), … Read more

Spanheimer and Collaborators Advance Depth of Exploration in How Breast Tumors Become Resistant to Therapy

Dr. Philip Spanheimer is an Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology whose work at UNC began in 2019. He specializes in treatment of breast cancers, complex skin cancers, sarcoma, endocrine surgery, and general oncology.  His clinical research focuses on surgical management of cancer and patient outcomes, bringing a patient centered focus to the laboratory to understand disease … Read more

Kim named to new leadership roles in Department of Surgery, NC Basnight Cancer Hospital

HJ Kim, MD, Division Chief of Surgical Oncology, has been appointed vice chair of academic affairs in the UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery and associate physician-in-chief of the N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital. In his new role at the cancer hospital, Kim will work in partnership with Ethan Basch, MD, FASCO, cancer hospital physician-in-chief, … Read more

Clara Lee, MD, MPP Brings Experience, Grants to UNC Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Clara Lee, MD, MPP, FACS, brings surgical and research experience with her return to UNC as Professor of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.  Dr. Lee began work on an R21 NIH Grant on 2/1/24, and is progressing current work on an R01 and a sub-award on another R01.  She discussed her grant and research work, background … Read more

Whitman Brings Years of Experience to Division of General Surgery

Marc Whitman brings over 30 years of medical practice experience to UNC’s Division of General Surgery. He attended medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, followed by Residency in General Surgery including certification in Trauma from Shock through  University of Maryland Medical Systems.  He comes to UNC after practicing as … Read more

Roberto Vidri, MD, MPH Joins Surgical Oncology Faculty

Roberto Vidri, MD, MPH is an Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology.  He specializes in general surgical oncology, gastrointestinal cancer, hepatobiliary surgery, liver metastases, cholangiocarcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, endocrine cancer, complex skin cancers, melanoma, sarcoma.    Fluent in Spanish, he  attended Medical School at the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Centro America (UCIMED), in San … Read more

Booker King, MD Elected Fellow of Southern Surgical Association

UNC Surgery is pleased to announce Booker King, MD, FACS has been elected to the Fellowship of the Southern Surgical Association.  Dr. King is the Director of UNC’s Division of Burn Surgery and Interim Director of the Division of Acute Care & Trauma.  He is also a decorated Colonel, having served more than 20 years … Read more

Ehsan Benrashid on Joining UNC Surgery Faculty, Collaboration and Team-based Patient Care

  Ehsan Benrashid, MD received his training in vascular and endovascular surgery through attending medical school at  University of Virginia Medical School, a Surgical Research Fellowship and General Surgery Residency Duke University Department of Surgery, and Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Fellowship at Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital.  He specializes in aortic disease, peripheral arterial disease, aortic and … Read more

First “HAVOC”(Hemostatic and Valvular Operations in Cardiothoracic surgery) Training Course a Partnership Between UNC, ECU Surgery Depts

The first weekend in December brought the first-ever “HAVOC”(Hemostatic and Valvular Operations in Cardiothoracic Surgery) training course.  A partnership between UNC and ECU Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the course was deemed a tremendous success.   Course director Thomas Caranasos, MD described the event:   This was an incredible opportunity for residents to learn how to deal with … Read more

McLean Named Division Chief of Pediatric Surgery

The Department of Surgery is pleased to announce that Sean McLean, MD, FACS, FAAP has accepted our offer to serve as the next Division Chief of Pediatrics.  He has been serving as the Interim Division Chief since January 2022 and this will become a permanent position effective December 1st, 2023. Dr. McLean graduated from Emory … Read more

North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center Celebrates First Certified Burn Nurses, Survivor Reunion, and Funding Award

The North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center has much to celebrate.  First Certified Burn Registered Nurses in the World  Seven Burn Center nurses earned the distinction of being among among only 165 of the very first certified burn nurses (CBRN) in the world.  Nurses Lauren Alcorn, Paul Bradley, Ashley Kamiya, Morgan Karlok, Derek Miller, Susanna Shelton, and … Read more

Mody, Reid Receive Promotions

Congratulations on these promotions! Gita Mody, MD, MPH has been promoted to Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery.  She is the Director of UNC’s Thoracic Surgical Oncology Program. Read more about Dr. Mody and watch her video here   Trista Reid, MD, MPH, has been promoted to Associate Professor of Acute Care & Trauma Surgery.  She … Read more

José Guillem, MD: Collaboration was Key for Woman Facing Colon Cancer Surgery

Recently, the Today Show featured UNC Gastrointestinal Surgery patient Sherri Rollins.  Rollins, diagnosed with recurrent colon cancer, came to UNC for more treatment options that could expand her quality of life after surgery.   At UNC, she found options and more: “I really liked a gastrointestinal surgeon at UNC Health, who told me the tumor could … Read more

UNC Surgery 2023 Issue 1 Newsletter

Check out the UNC Surgery 2023 Issue 1 newsletter! It covers updates from January – August, including 2023 Graduation, stories of clinical innovation, Nathan. A Womack Surgical Society Research Day, new faculty, staff, and APPs, and more!   2023 Updates from the UNC Department of Surgery are here. Included among these 34 pages are updates, … Read more

Desai Named Division Chief of Abdominal Transplant Surgery and Executive Medical Director of the UNC Healthcare Center for Transplant Care

  From Dr. Caprice Greenberg, Chair of the UNC Department of Surgery:  “I am delighted to announce that Dr. Chirag Desai has accepted our offer to serve as the next Division Chief of Abdominal Transplant Surgery and Executive Medical Director of the UNC Healthcare Center for Transplant Care, effective September 1, 2023″.       … Read more

Yemi Ogunleye, MD Promoted to Associate Professor

Congratulations to Yemi Ogunleye, MD on promotion to Associate Professor in the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.  Dr. Yemi is the Director of Microsurgical Reconstruction, In addition to his role in the Department of Surgery, he has a Joint Appointment in the Department of Urology and is an Associate Member of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive … Read more

Aurelie Merlo, MD Joins Cardiothoracic Faculty

Aurelie Merlo, MD joined the UNC Surgery’s Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery as an Assistant Professor. Read more about her training – including Residency at UNC and why she chose to stay: “We have an amazing team”. What brought you to the Department of Surgery at UNC? I did my training here for residency. When I … Read more

Major John McClellan, MD Joins Division of Acute Care & Trauma

Major John McClellan, MD brings his medical experience in Critical Care, Burn, and General Surgery to UNC as new Assistant Professor in Division of Acute Care & Trauma Dr. McClellan comes to UNC from faculty roles at the University of Washington School of Medicine Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Burn, and Critical Care Surgery … Read more

Spanheimer Receives Prestigious National Cancer Institute’s K08 Career Development Award

Congratulations to Philip Spanheimer, MD, for receiving the very competitive and prestigious National Cancer Institute’s K08 career development grant which will support 5 years of funding for his research “Repurposing RET Inhibitors for Endocrine Resistant Breast Cancer”. “We have the unique opportunity to bridge laboratory studies and patient care” said Spanheimer as his study explores … Read more

McLean Accepted into Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine 23-24

Congratulations to Sean McLean, MD, Associate Professor in the Division of Pediatric Surgery on acceptance to the 2023-2024 Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine (LTAM).  LTAM is described as “the most robust leadership development program the School of Medicine offers”.    The program lasts eight months, beginning with orientation, kick-off dinner, and a day-long retreat that will include … Read more

Raff Promoted to Associate Professor

Congratulations to Lauren Raff, MD on promotion to Associate Professor in the Division of Acute Care and Trauma Surgery.  Dr. Raff is the Associate Trauma Medical Director and Associate Clerkship Director. Learn more about Dr. Raff here

Perez Accepted into Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine 23-24

Arielle Perez, MD, MPH is Associate Professor of Surgery, Director, UNC Hernia Center, and Associate Program Director, General Surgery Residency Program Division of General Surgery. We wish her congratulations on acceptance to participate in the 2023-2024 Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine (LTAM).  LTAM is described as “the most robust leadership development program the School of … Read more

Hill, Hollowell Named 2023 Advanced Practice Providers of the Year

Congratulations Advanced Practice Providers of the Year, Lauren Hill, DNP, NP and Jamie Hollowell MSN, ACNP Advanced Practice Providers are a huge part of our UNC Surgery team. Read on for ways their nominating colleagues described each. Lauren Hill, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner: She is the pillar of the thoracic surgery service. She fulfills … Read more

Kapadia, Perez, Wood are 2023 Honorees of UNC’s Academy of Educators

Three Department of Surgery Faculty members were honored for their excellence and impact by the UNC Academy of Educators during the Alan W. Cross Evening of Scholarship on June 6th, 2023. Congratulations to Dr. Jeyhan Wood, Dr. Muneera Kapadia, and Dr. Arielle Perez.   Application/Individualization Phase Clinical Preceptor Excellence in Teaching Award: Jeyhan Wood, MD Application/Individualization … Read more

Meyers Named Newsome Distinguished Professor

Effective May 19, 2023, Dr. Michael O. Meyers, MD, has been named the James F. and Alice B. Newsome Distinguished Professor.            Dr. Meyers’ specialties focus on serving those with gastrointestinal malignancy including esophageal, gastric, colon and rectal cancer, liver cancer, and melanoma. In addition to serving in the Division of … Read more

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Awards Akerman R01 Grant

The UNC Department of Surgery is pleased to announce that the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has awarded Dr. Adam W. Akerman, PhD, an R01 grant and a 4-year funding period for his study entitled: “Enhanced Biochemical Monitoring for Aortic Aneurysm Disease.” Dr. Akerman and his team—which includes Drs. John Ikonomidis and Chris Agala … Read more

Felicia Williams, MD, FACS Selected as Southern Surgical Association Leadership Scholar

Felicia Williams, MD, FACS is the Associate Division Chief, Associate Director of the Burn Intensive Care Unit, and Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Burn Surgery. She has been selected as a Scholar in the Southern Surgical Association’s Leadership Development Program’s Class of 2023.  Learn more about Dr. Williams here  The Southern Surgical … Read more

Damitz, Stitzenberg, Wood & Gallagher Named Exceptional Women in Medicine

Congratulations to these exceptional women physicians and faculty members on the recognition of their excellence as they serve the people of North Carolina and beyond. About the Exceptional Women in Medicine Award: (Award by Castle Connolly Top Doctors):  Awardees are recognized annually, based on peer nominations and outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the field of … Read more

Akinkuotu Named UNC Simmons Scholar

The Department of Surgery is pleased to congratulate Adesola Akinkuotu, MD, MPH, named a University of North Carolina Simmons Scholar. Dr. Akinkuotu is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Surgery. Her specialties include minimally invasive surgery, thoracic surgery, congenital anomalies, and prenatal counseling. As a Simmons Scholar, Dr. Akinkuotu will be eligible to … Read more

Melissa Chen, MD on Joining the Division of Abdominal Transplant

Melissa Chen, MD joined the Division of Abdominal Transplant as an Assistant Professor last Fall. We caught up with her to learn more about her background and goals. Dr. Chen’s medical training began with Medical School at Tulane University School of Medicine. She then conducted research as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow within the Division of … Read more

Jeremiah “Jig” Deneve Joins UNC’s Division of Surgical Oncology

Jeremiah “Jig” Deneve, DO, FACS recently joined the UNC Department of Surgery as an Associate Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology. Read more about his background, approach to surgery, teaching, and serving patients and loved ones. Dr. Deneve’s medical training includes a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern … Read more

Yeh recipient of the Lustgarten Foundation’s LEAD Project grant

The Lustgarten Foundation has awarded its inaugural Lustgarten Equity, Accessibility, and Diversity (LEAD) Project grant to Jen Jen Yeh, MD, in support of her PROmoting CLinicAl TrIal EngageMent for Pancreatic Cancer App Study (PROCLAIM Study).

Jesse Clement Selected for Emerging Leader Academy

  We are pleased to announce that Jesse Clement, Administrative Coordinator, has been recognized as an outstanding team member and leader in our department! As such, she has been invited to participate in the 2023 Emerging Leader Academy. This is a highly selective program designed for individuals who have been identified as outstanding team members … Read more

Blandon-Hendrix Earns Doctorate of Nursing Practice

Daniel Blandon-Hendrix, UNC Surgery’s Manager of Advanced Practice Providers, has earned his Doctorate of Nursing Practice.  Dan’s dedication as a team leader and to the Department’s mission to serve the people of North Carolina have been invaluable on many levels.  We celebrate Dan in his achievement in this significant career milestone.

Akinkuotu Selected to Receive Junior Faculty Development Award

Congratulations to Adesola Akinkuotu, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Surgery.  She has been selected to receive a competitive Junior Faculty Development Award.   Each year, the Provost’s Office hosts a competition for $10,000 Junior Faculty Development Awards with funds provided by IBM and R.J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. Recipients are selected by the … Read more

UNC School of Medicine Selected as a 2022 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award Winner

The UNC School of Medicine has received the 2022 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The School of Medicine was recognized for its robust DEI infrastructure across campus, numerous efforts designed to provide education and training opportunities for the next generation of doctors, basic science researchers, health … Read more

Leadership, Excellence, and Service: Assistant Professor Maggie Hodges, MD, MPH on Joining UNC Surgery

Maggie Hodges, MD, MPH recently joined the UNC Department of Surgery as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery. Specialized skills combined with a talent for putting patients and families at ease make her a wonderful addition to the team. Dr. Maggie Hodges earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and … Read more

Pascarella, Caranasos Receive Promotions

Congratulations to our faculty who recently received promotions.   Read more about these valued teammates and the depth and breadth of their work: Luigi Pascarella, MD, has been promoted to Professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery. Thomas Caranasos, MD, has been promoted to Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.  

Assistant Professor Elizabeth Gleeson on UNC’s Draw, Specialized Focus on Surgical Oncology and More

Elizabeth Gleeson, MD, MPH joined the UNC Department of Surgery as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology. She discussed the draw of UNC’s cancer and epidemiologic research, as well as providing evidence-based care to the people of North Carolina. Dr. Elizabeth Gleeson received her undergraduate degree from Rice University, followed by a … Read more

Desai Guides Chronic Pancreatitis and Autologous Islet Cell Transplant Center Team to Earn National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence Designation

Chapel Hill, NC, October 27, 2022  – UNC Medical Center – Chronic Pancreatitis and Autologous Islet Cell Transplant Program has been nationally recognized as an approved NPF Center by the National Pancreas Foundation. NPF Centers are awarded after a rigorous audit review to determine that an institutions focus is on multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatitis, treating … Read more

Selfridge Joins UNC Surgery as Breast Surgical Oncologist

Julia Selfridge, MD, joined the UNC Department of Surgery as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology. She joined us to discuss her path to specializing in breast surgical oncology and her goals as a physician and professor. Dr. Julia Selfridge received her undergraduate degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics along with … Read more

Dr. Booker King Speaks on 100th Annual Fire Prevention Week

Dr. Booker King, Director of the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center,  served as featured speaker as part of the ongoing partnership with  ABC11’s Operation Save a Life  to help North Carolinians prevent injuries from fire and other burns.  Dozens of North Carolinians die in a fire every year, with some years surpassing 100 fatalities, and … Read more

Akinkuotu selected to participate in Junior Underrepresented Mentorship and Promotion (JUMP) Start program

Adesola Akinkuotu, MD, MPH was selected from a highly competitive application process to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Junior Underrepresented Mentorship and Promotion (JUMP) Start program, sponsored by the Association of Academic Surgery (AAS) and the Society of University Surgeons (SUS).

Ikonomidis Receives NIH R56 Award from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Congratulations to John Ikonomidis, MD, PhD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery on his NIH R56 award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for “Device-Based Pathway Intervention: Mechanistic Study of Cellular Localization of Proteolytic Enzymes in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Disease”. 

Yeh and Collaborators receive 5 year NIH U01 Award

Dr. Jen Jen Yeh, in collaboration with Drs. Naim Rashid (UNC Biostatistis) and Susan Tsai (Medical College of Wisconsin) received a $4,616,009 NIH U01 award for the period 9/1/2022 – 8/31/2027 from the National Cancer Institute for the project entitled, “Integrating tumor and stroma to understand and predict treatment response”.

2022 Nathan A. Womack Research Day Celebrates Award Recipients, Keynote

The 2022 Nathan A. Research Day was a huge success! Thanks to Distinguished Visiting Professor Dr. Jayme Locke, MD, MPH. Award winners recognized: Jaclyn Portelli Tremont, MD: George F. Sheldon, MD Surgical Research Award for best oral presentation Hannah Trembath, MD: Best Clinical Science Poster Presentation Joe Kearney, MD: Best Basic Science Poster Presentation Olivia … Read more

Dr. Caprice C. Greenberg Named Next UNC Department of Surgery Chair

  Please join us in welcoming Caprice C. Greenberg, MD, MPH as the next UNC Department of Surgery Chair. She will join the Department on August 15. Dr. Greenberg is a world-renowned health services researcher and surgical oncologist, and she most recently served as chair of the Department of Surgery at the Medical College of … Read more

Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) Team Recieves Gold Designation

Please join us in congratulating the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) team as they received a Gold Designation as a Beacon Unit from the American Association of Critical-Care Nursing! The UNC SICU was one of only 30 ICUs in the nation to receive this recognition. Despite two years of the pandemic and limited resources, the … Read more

North Carolina Cancer Hospital at the UNC Medical Center Receives NAPRC Accreditation

North Carolina Cancer Hospital at the UNC Medical Center is the only organization in North Carolina accredited by the Commission on Cancer’s National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer. The story was first posted on UNC Health Newsroom January 20, 2022 North Carolina Cancer Hospital at the UNC Medical Center has received accreditation from the Commission … Read more

Dr. Mary Kate Bryant Receives the Best Clinical Paper in the Raymond Alexander Resident Paper Competition

Congratulations Dr. Mary Kate Bryant for receiving the Best Clinical Paper in the Raymond Alexander Resident Paper Competition at the 35th Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Annual Scientific Assembly! The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge to advance the care and rehabilitation of … Read more

Mody Receives K23 Grant From the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gita Mody for receiving a K23 grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for her project entitled “Improving Thoracic Surgical Care using electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePROs)”. The grant is from 1/1/2022-12/31/2026 for a total of $1,010,785.

Jessica Phillips Invited to Participate in the 2022 Emerging Leader Academy

We are pleased to announce that Jessica Phillips has been recognized as an outstanding team member and leader in our department! As such, she has been invited to participate in the 2022 Emerging Leader Academy. This is a highly selective program designed for individuals who have been identified as outstanding team members with future leadership … Read more

Kim co-PI on $2M NIH RO1 Grant with Radiology Collaborators

UNC Department of Surgery is pleased to recognize co-PI Professor Lawrence Kim, MD, in the division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery who was awarded a four-year R01 funding ($2M) in September 2021. Along with Associate Professor of Radiology Zhanhong Wu, PhD, as co-MPI of a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases … Read more

UNC named a American College of Surgeons NSQIP Meritorious hospital for 2020

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program recognized UNC for achieving meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care for the 2020 calendar year for both ALL CASES and HIGH RISK CASES!  This award is for the Adult NSQIP Program at UNCH, Chapel Hill Campus. We were one of 90 out of 706 eligible … Read more

Katharine McGinigle Receives Award from Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation

Congratulations to Katharine McGinigle, MD, MPH, Associate Professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery. Dr. McGinigle received an award from the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation (SVS) for her work entitled, “Using Precision Medicine to Define Adaptive Treatment Strategies for Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.” The award is in the amount of $25,000. The mission … Read more

Hayes Named Howard Chair of Surgery

We are incredibly excited and proud to announce that Dr. Andrea Hayes (formerly Hayes-Jordan), Professor and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief of the UNC Children’s Hospital has accepted the position of Chair of the Department of Surgery at Howard University College of Medicine. This is an outstanding accomplishment for Dr. Hayes … Read more

Kapadia Promoted to Professor

Congratulations to our faculty who recently received promotions: Muneera R. Kapadia, MD, MME, has been promoted to Professor in the division of gastrointestinal surgery.

McGinigle, Williams, and Stitzenberg Receive Promotions

Congratulations to our faculty who recently received promotions: Katharine McGinigle, MD, MPH, has been promoted to Associate Professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery. Felicia Williams, MD, has been promoted to Associate Professor in the Division of Burn Surgery. Karyn Stitzenberg, MD, MPH, has been promoted to Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine … Read more

Charles Appointed Associate Editor of JAMA

JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Charles MD, MPH, as Associate Editor. Dr. Charles is the Oliver Rowe Distinguished Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Division of General and Acute Care Surgery, Director of Adult ECMO, and Director of Global Surgery at the UNC Institute … Read more

Raffs Receive NC TraCS Health Equity Research Award

Announcement courtesy of Kim Morris, Department of Medicine, September 29, 2021 Lauren Raff, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, and Evan Raff, MD, associate professor of medicine in the division of hospital of medicine were awarded an NC TraCS Health Equity Award to improve rapid response outcomes in patients whose primary language is … Read more

Schneider Joins UNC Surgery After Completing Critical Care Fellowship with the Department

Andrew Schneider, MD, joins the UNC Department of Surgery as an Assistant Professor in the Division of General, Trauma, and Acute Care Surgery. He sat down to discuss his childhood dream to become a doctor, the impact COVID-19 had on his surgical training, and the advances in medicine he hopes to see in the next … Read more

David Ollila Receives Award From the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF)

Congratulations to David Ollila, MD, James and Jesse Millis Distinguished Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery. Dr. Ollila received an Award from the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) for the project entitled “Artificial Intelligence-Aided Digital Pathology to Improve Diagnosis in Metastatic Melanoma.” The award is for $25,000 from 8/1/2021 thru 7/31/2022. … Read more

Stem Joins Division of GI Surgery with Specialty in Colorectal Procedures

Jonathan Stem, MD, joins the UNC Department of Surgery as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery. He sat down to discuss what inspired him to become a doctor, forming bonds with his patients, and the advice he gives to all of his trainees. Dr. Jonathan Stem received his undergraduate degree from Princeton … Read more

Stephanie Downs-Canner Receives 2020-2021 Craver Medical Student Teaching Award

It is with great pleasure we announce that Dr. Stephanie Downs-Canner, Assistant Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology has been chosen by the Academy of Educators as the recipient of the 2020-2021 Craver Medical Student Teaching Award. Joseph M. Craver, M.D. ’67, a retired Thoracic Surgeon in Atlanta, GA, gifted the Craver Medical Student … Read more

Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Awards

Vascular Resident Dr. Colby Ruiz and PGY 1 Preliminary Intern Dr. Julia Button received Kaiser Permanente Excellence in Teaching Awards at the 2021 UNC School of Medicine’s Whitehead Lecture and Awards ceremony on August 4.

Damitz Elected Vice President of ASPS/Plastic Surgery Foundation Board

Dr. Lynn Damitz has been elected Vice President of the American Society of Plastic Surgery/Plastic Surgery Foundation Board, Health Policy & Advocacy. Her 2-year term will begin on November 1, 2021. The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF) supports the research and international activities of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) members. The PSF works … Read more

Joseph Kearney, MD, receives AHPBA 2021 Steve Sotsky Award

Dr. Kearney is a recipient of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association 2021 Steve Sotsky Award. This annual award recognizes outstanding work in the field of pancreatic research by a trainee. This award was created in memory of the father of AHPBA member, Dr. Tara Sotsky Kent. Mr. Steve Sotsky died of pancreatic cancer in September 2013. … Read more

5 Years of Best Clinical Clerkship!

For the 5th year in a row, Luigi Pascarella, MD, Clerkship Director, along with Drs. Barnhouse and Klipstein won an award from the UNC School of Medicine Student Government. Their course titled “Hospital, Interventional, and Surgical Care” was selected by the Class of 2022 as this year’s recipient of the Best Clinical Clerkship. This award … Read more

Dr. Meredith Kugar Wins Cefalo House Officer Award

Congratulations to Meredith Kugar, MD, Plastics PGY5, for receiving the Robert C. Cefalo House Officer Award, which recognizes members of the Hospitals’ house staff. Dr. Kugar was selected based on her demonstrated empathy for patients and their families, effectiveness in patient communications, advocacy for patient care, and professionalism. We are proud to have her represent the … Read more

Spanheimer Receives SOM Physician-Scientist Award

Dr. Philip Spanheimer is one of six scholars who will receive support from the UNC School of Medicine Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP). This program is a pipeline to recruit, train and retain the most promising individuals to our clinical training programs where they will receive mentorship and support to foster their research careers. Spanheimer’s … Read more

Lux, Libertas! Letter to UNC Board of Trustees

The following letter was sent to Richard Y. Stevens, UNC Board of Trustees Chair, on June 21, 2021. Dear Mr. Stevens: We write this letter in response to the call for action of our elected Faculty Chair, Frank A. Daniels Distinguished Professor Mimi Chapman. We are unified in our faculty voice in response to the … Read more

Watch Our Graduation Video!

The Department of Surgery graduated 6 fellows and 10 residents at a ceremony on Friday evening. Our congratulations go to Dr. Staci Aubry, Dr. Lauren Daugherty, Dr. Stephanie Gray, Dr. Ronald Hardin, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, Dr. Mia Klein, Dr. Jeffrey Lipman, Dr. Peter Marcinkowski, Dr. Anna Pavlov, Dr. Micah Pherson, Dr. Karishma Reddy, Dr. Manuel … Read more

Joshua Herb Receives Pope Clinical Trainee Award

Dr. Joshua Herb, General Surgery Resident, was honored with a prestigious Pope Clinical Trainee Award, given to senior fellows who demonstrate excellence in cancer research and clinical care. Nominations for this competitive selection are voted on by all Department Chairs and Division Chiefs of cancer-related clinical and research areas. The awards are supported by the … Read more

Medical Honor Society, Alpha Omega Alpha, Inducts 8 Surgery Faculty and Residents

We are pleased to congratulate our department members recently inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA). This prestigious accomplishment is indicative of their scholarship, leadership, professionalism and service. Membership in the national society is a lifelong honor available to medical students, residents, fellows, faculty members, alumni, clinicians, and distinguished leaders in medicine who, based on merit, … Read more

Perez, Downs-Canner, and Pascarella Honored by UNC Academy of Educators

Three Department of Surgery faculty members were recognized for their exemplary service by the UNC Academy of Educators. Yesterday evening, Dr. Arielle Perez, Dr. Stephanie Downs-Canner, and Dr. Luigi Pascarella received awards at the Academy of Educators’ Alan W. Cross Evening of Scholarship. Arielle Perez received the Application/Individualization Phase Clinical Preceptor Excellence in Teaching Award for … Read more

Analiese Lahey, Undergraduate Senior in Rossman Lab receives Fulbright Scholarship

Congratulations to Analiese Lahey, an undergraduate student in the Rossman lab. She received a Fulbright scholarship! Analiese is finishing up her senior year at UNC and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a Chemistry minor.  For her Fulbright research, she will be going to Dr. Weiland Hutner’s group at the Max … Read more

David Gerber selected for a 2021 Nursing Staff Recognition Week “Friend of Nursing” Award

Congratulations to David Gerber, MD, George F. Sheldon, MD Distinguished Professor of Surgery and Chief of Abdominal Transplantation has been selected for a 2021 Nursing Staff Recognition Week “Friend of Nursing” Award. The Friend of Nursing award was established in 2009 as a way to recognize the collaborative relationship between Nursing and Medical Colleagues. Through … Read more

Jeffrey Johnson Wins Tracks 2k Pilot Award

Jeffrey Johnson, MD, receives Grant from the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute. Jeffrey Johnson, MD, is a Surgical Oncology Fellow in the Department of Surgery.  He received a TraCS $2K pilot grant for his proposal titled “Deep Learning-Aided Digital Pathology to Improve Diagnosis and Identify High-Risk Features in Melanoma Sentinel Lymph Nodes.” The … Read more

Benjamin Haithcock, MD, Honored as Healthcare Champion

UNC Health and the North Carolina Tar Heels chose Benjamin Haithcock, MD, Profession in the Division Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery as this month’s Healthcare Champion. Dr. Haithcock has been a non-cardiac thoracic surgeon who also performs lung transplants at UNC since 2007. His favorite part of the job is patient care and teaching residents. Hear … Read more

Stephanie Downs-Canner Awarded UNC Lineberger Development Award

Congratulations to Stephanie Downs-Canner, MD, Assistant Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery on receiving a UNC Lineberger Development Award. The UNC Lineberger Developmental Funding Program is intended to support the development of cancer research led by the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and to stimulate new … Read more

Jihane Jadi: 2021 George F. Sheldon, MD Leadership Award Recipient

Congratulations to Jihane Jadi, the 2021 George F. Sheldon, MD, Leadership Award Recipient. Since 2000, the Department of Surgery has recognized a fourth-year medical student who demonstrates outstanding academic and clinical achievement, and who possesses personal characteristics that promise a future leadership role in surgery. Originally named the Hugh Williamson Award, it was renamed in … Read more

Adam Akerman Wins Tracks 2k Pilot Award and Jr. Faculty Development Award

Adam Akerman, Ph.D, receives Grant from the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute and a Jr. Faculty Development Award Adam Akerman, Ph.D, is an Assistant Professor in the division of . He received a TraCS $2K pilot grant for his proposal titled “Development of a method for targeted gene delivery to the murine thoracic … Read more

Kristalyn Gallagher Elected for Membership in the Society of University Surgeons

Congratulations to Kristalyn Gallagher, DO, Associate Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery for being elected for membership in the Society of University Surgeons (SUS). Membership into the Society is given to persons of well-established professional position and demonstrated scholarly or creative ability that positively impacts their field. The application process is … Read more

Gita Mody Wins One of Only Four Faculty Research Fellowship Awards From the American College of Surgeons

Congratulations Gita Mody, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. The American College of Surgeons and its Scholarship Program Committee announced Dr. Mody, as one of only four Faculty Research Fellowship award recipients for 2022-2024. “Receiving the American College of Surgeons Faculty Research Fellowship Award for my project ‘Improving Thoracic … Read more

David Gerber, MD, Honored as Healthcare Champion

UNC Health and the North Carolina Tar Heels chose David Gerber, MD, Division Chief of Abdominal Transplant, and George F. Sheldon, MD Distinguished Professor of Surgery as this months Healthcare Champion.

Milestone Achieved for UNC Chronic Pancreatitis and Autologous Islet Cell Transplant Program

Three years after performing its first case, the program, created and led by Chirag Desai, MD, FACS, has performed its 50th case, making UNC one of the most significant centers for surgical therapy for this disease. The article first appeared in healthcare news on February 19, 2021. The UNC Chronic Pancreatitis and Autologous Islet Cell … Read more

Avital Yohann, MD, Receives Fogarty Global Health Fellowship Award

Congratulations to Avital (Tali) Yohann, MD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, who was offered a position in the 2020-2021 class of the UJMT Fogarty Global Health Fellowship Program. This mentored training opportunity is based in Malawi over the duration of the award, where she will gain experience and expertise in the conduct of research. The program provides … Read more

UNC Structural Heart Program in Chapel Hill was ACC Certified as a TAVR Center of Excellence

Today the UNC Structural Heart Program in Chapel Hill was ACC Certified as a TAVR Center of Excellence. This is quite a distinction as we are the first program in the state of North Carolina to be awarded this honor. Congratulations to the wonderful team on such a momentous achievement! Thank you to everyone for … Read more

McGinigle and Yi Receive Grants from NC TraCS Institute

UNC Department of Surgery Faculty members Katharine McGinigle, MD, MPH, and Xianwen Yi, MD, PhD, received grants from the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute. Katharine McGinigle, MD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Vascular Surgery and the Surgical Director of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program. She, along … Read more

Hayes-Jordan, featured in USA Today About the Shortage of Black Doctors in the U.S.

America has an urgent need for Black doctors: ‘It’s hard to be what you can’t imagine’ Nada Hassanein published in USA TODAY December 26, 2020 Dr. Andrea Hayes-Jordan was confused when she didn’t match into a pediatric surgery training program. She had it all: research, publications, strong references. “You know why you’re not getting in?” a … Read more

Happy Holidays from UNC Surgery

We appreciate all that you do for the patients of North Carolina. Happy Holidays from all of us in the Department of Surgery.

Congratulations to Our Carolina Care Excellence Award Winning Surgical Providers

Please join us in congratulating our 13 providers who will receive the 2020 UNC Health Care and UNC Faculty Physicians Award for Carolina Care Excellence! UNC Health Care administers the CG-CAHPS (Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey to solicit feedback from our patients. We asked our patients if they would … Read more

Stephanie Lumpkin Receives One of 2020’s Prestigious Pope Clinical Trainee Awards

Dr. Stephanie Lumpkin, General Surgery Resident has been selected to receive one of 2020’s prestigious Pope Clinical Trainee Awards. Supported by the John William Pope Foundation, awardees are named by the University of North Carolina’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center with nominations voted on by all Department Chairs and Division Chiefs of cancer-related clinical and research areas. The Pope … Read more

Ugwuji Maduekwe Elected AAS Councilor for Class of 2013

Congratulations to Ugwuji Maduekwe, MD, Assistant Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Maduekwe was elected as a Councilor for the Association for Academic Surgery for the Class of 2013. Each year, one Council member is elected for a two-year term for each year-of-entry group. Dr. Maduekwe’s Statement of Interest to AAS: I first … Read more