Latest Surgery News & Announcements

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.

Michelle H. Kim, MD, MS, has received a 2026 Excellence in Care Award from the National Kidney Foundation. She was honored March 5 at the Night of Hope Reception benefiting NKF Connecticut. The award recognizes outstanding efforts in patient care, innovative research, and improving quality of life for patients with kidney disease. Kim’s clinical work focuses on adult and pediatric kidney transplantation, minimally invasive living kidney donor surgery, and robotic surgery, with a commitment to advancing living donor transplantation and expanding access to transplant for children with kidney failure.

Vincent Mase, MD, and Ansley Roche, MD, have been promoted to the rank of associate professor.