Latest Surgery News & Announcements

John Kunstman, MD, MHS, FACS, has been named co-leader of the Pancreas Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center and director of pancreas surgery in the Department of Surgery. A newly established subsection of the Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers, the program brings together multidisciplinary expertise to advance pancreatic cancer care, with Kunstman co-leading alongside oncologists Mandar Muzumdar, MD, and Jill Lacy, MD. His appointment recognizes Kunstman’s leadership in specialized pancreatic surgery and his contributions to advancing research in support of the most complex oncologic cases at Yale.

Breast cancer patients have better survival outcomes following traditional therapies compared to alternative or complementary treatments.

The Department of Surgery has appointed Rachel Greenup, MD, MHA, as co-director of its Surgical Health Services Research Core, effective July 1. Greenup will expand qualitative and mixed-methods research support, complementing the department’s quantitative infrastructure led by co-director Eric Schneider, PhD. Together, they will support early- and mid-career investigators in accelerating research programs while fostering a collaborative community for faculty and trainees interested in health services research through mentorship and idea exchange.

The Department of Surgery has launched the Health Career Collaborative (HCC)–New Haven, a mentorship program connecting local high school students with surgeons and trainees to explore careers in medicine. Developed in partnership with New Haven public schools and supported by the American College of Surgeons H.O.P.E. initiative, the program combines hands-on learning with sustained mentorship. The goal is to expand pathways into healthcare and inspire the next generation of physicians.

Eight Yale School of Medicine faculty members are among the leading experts in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine newly elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

On today’s edition of “Yale New Haven Health Check,” Host Natasha Lubczenko spoke with Daniel Lavy, MD, Colorectal Surgeon, from Smilow Cancer Hospital about a concerning rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger adults.

Howie and Harlan are joined by Yale School of Medicine surgical oncologist Kevin Billingsley, who discusses how robotics and advanced imaging are reshaping what it means to be a surgeon and offers guidance for those facing a cancer diagnosis. Harlan reports on a company testing AI-based prescription renewals and raises concerns about safety and oversight; Howie reflects on new survey data showing declining public trust in health institutions.

Janine Hoffmann, senior administrative assistant in the Division of Surgical Oncology, Section of Breast Surgery, has been named a 2026 Recognition Award recipient by Yale’s Working Women’s Network (WWN). She received the award in the Work Life Champion category, which honors women who take extraordinary measures to help colleagues balance professional and personal responsibilities. Janine was nominated by Administrative Manager Nirvani Brijmohan, whose thoughtful nomination highlighted Janine’s meaningful impact on colleagues across the team.

The Department of Surgery has announced promotions for several members of its administrative leadership and management team, recognizing the scope and impact of their work supporting day-to-day operations and strategic priorities across a department of more than 700 faculty, trainees, researchers, and staff.