https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-rss/?title=Latest%20Surgery%20News%20%26%20Announcements&orgId=109076 A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Surgery en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:40:13 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/berger-named-new-program-director-of-interdisciplinary-breast-surgery-fellowship/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/berger-named-new-program-director-of-interdisciplinary-breast-surgery-fellowship/ The Yale School of Medicine Department of Surgery is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Berger, MD, MS, FACS, will serve as program director of the division of Surgical Oncology’s interdisciplinary breast surgery fellowship, effective immediately. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/welcome-sung-steve-kwon-md-mba/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/welcome-sung-steve-kwon-md-mba/ The Yale School of Medicine Department of Surgery is pleased to welcome its newest faculty member, Sung (Steve) Kwon, MD, MBA, MPH, associate professor of surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/oliveira-inducted-into-the-academy-of-master-surgeon-educators/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/oliveira-inducted-into-the-academy-of-master-surgeon-educators/ The Yale School of Medicine Department of Surgery congratulates Kristin Oliveira, MD, FACS, associate professor in the Division of General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, for her acceptance into the American College of Surgeons’ prestigious Academy of Master Surgeon Educators. Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/mehra-md-mba-appointed-chief-of-otolaryngology/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/mehra-md-mba-appointed-chief-of-otolaryngology/ Saral Mehra, MD, MBA, has accepted the position of Chief of Otolaryngology, effective Aug. 1. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/eosten-joyce-md-appointed-lawrence-memorial-chair-of-surgery/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/eosten-joyce-md-appointed-lawrence-memorial-chair-of-surgery/ Stephanie Eosten Joyce, MD, FACS will serve as chair of surgery for Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (LMH) and regional surgical services lead, effective immediately. Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/kristi-popescu-named-division-director-for-the-division-of-cardiac-surgery-and-division-of-vascular-surgery/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/kristi-popescu-named-division-director-for-the-division-of-cardiac-surgery-and-division-of-vascular-surgery/ The department is pleased to welcome Kristi Popescu as the department's newest division director. She joins the team Aug. 31. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/news/local/increased-push-for-women-over-the-age-of-50-to-get-screened-for-lung-cancer/3758043/ https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/news/local/increased-push-for-women-over-the-age-of-50-to-get-screened-for-lung-cancer/3758043/ Experts say fewer than 20% of eligible people are actually getting screened for lung cancer. Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/head-and-neck-surgery-fellowship-receives-accreditation/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/head-and-neck-surgery-fellowship-receives-accreditation/ The Head & Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship has officially received accreditation from the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS). Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.donatelifect.org/post/dr-hiroshi-sogawa-organ-donation-transplantation https://www.donatelifect.org/post/dr-hiroshi-sogawa-organ-donation-transplantation For Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa, transplantation is one of medicine’s greatest expressions of hope.As Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation at Yale New Haven Hospital and Professor of Surgery at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Sogawa has dedicated his career to advancing the field of transplantation while keeping patients and families at the center of every decision. In a recent conversation with Donate Life CT, Dr. Sogawa described the mission that guides his work: to lead with passion, compassion, an Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-new-haven-hospital-heart-and-vascular-center-receives-gold-level-elso-award/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-new-haven-hospital-heart-and-vascular-center-receives-gold-level-elso-award/ Yale New Haven Health's Heart and Vascular Center (HVC) has been recognized as an Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Center of Excellence for adults, earning the prestigious Gold Level ELSO Award. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/golshan-elected-to-acs-academy-of-master-surgeon-educators/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/golshan-elected-to-acs-academy-of-master-surgeon-educators/ Mehra Golshan, MD, MBA, FACS, has been accepted as a member of the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators of the American College of Surgeons, the academy's highest membership designation. He will be formally inducted in September. Election as a member recognizes nationally and internationally distinguished surgeon educators for excellence in leadership, mentorship and innovation. Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:45:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/leeds-receives-va-career-development-award-to-study-psychosocial-risk-factors-in-cancer-surgery/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/leeds-receives-va-career-development-award-to-study-psychosocial-risk-factors-in-cancer-surgery/ Ira Leeds, MD, MBA, has received a five-year, more than $3 million Veterans Affairs (VA) Career Development Award-2 (CDA-2) to study how psychosocial risk factors contribute to complications following major cancer surgery among veterans. His project will use artificial intelligence to identify psychosocial risks before surgery and evaluate a wraparound nurse navigation model to provide targeted support. Building on previous research showing that addressing these risk factors can reduce related postoperative complications by as much as 50%, the study aims to identify the factors most strongly associated with poor surgical outcomes and lay the foundation for interventions that improve recovery and long-term cancer outcomes for veterans. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.ynhhs.org/articles/robotic-nephrectomy-patient-story?__cf_chl_f_tk=b_Yx9aeHlJmmwDr.Oqu2LNfHn3_xikJ8M1zXVEMzKi4-1783429456-1.0.1.1-yYexgXqDzuzrs2fEtPDzmgYBz_BEqJmFOoG3JGjx0CI https://www.ynhhs.org/articles/robotic-nephrectomy-patient-story?__cf_chl_f_tk=b_Yx9aeHlJmmwDr.Oqu2LNfHn3_xikJ8M1zXVEMzKi4-1783429456-1.0.1.1-yYexgXqDzuzrs2fEtPDzmgYBz_BEqJmFOoG3JGjx0CI Michelle Kim, MD, MS, assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Organ Transplantation & Immunology, recently performed Yale New Haven Hospital’s first two robotic living donor nephrectomies, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s kidney transplant program. Using the da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system, Kim successfully removed donor kidneys from two women who each donated to their husbands, with both donors and recipients recovering well. Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/turaga-team-awarded-points-grant-to-advance-nanotherapy-for-peritoneal-metastasis/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/turaga-team-awarded-points-grant-to-advance-nanotherapy-for-peritoneal-metastasis/ Kiran Turaga, MD, MPH, division chief of Surgical Oncology, along with Anup Sharma, PhD, research scientist, and co-principal investigators Mark Saltzman, PhD, Sterling Professor and chair of Biomedical Engineering, and Michael Girardi, MD, Evans Professor of Dermatology, received a $200,000, two-year POINTS award from Yale to advance a bioadhesive nanotherapy for colorectal and appendiceal cancers with peritoneal metastasis. The project will optimize a nanoparticle platform, generate preclinical data, and build resources to support future clinical translation and large NIH program grant applications. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-surgery-communications-team-update/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-surgery-communications-team-update/ After five years with Yale Surgery, Associate Communications Officer Stevi Kramer has accepted a new position with the Yale Peabody Museum's Student Programs Office, where she will begin on July 6. We thank Stevi for her many contributions and wish her continued success. We are also pleased to welcome Larissa Breedlove, who joins Yale Surgery as Communications Officer on July 13. Larissa comes to us from Weill Cornell Medicine, bringing extensive experience in healthcare communications, executive communications, and strategic storytelling. We look forward to the expertise and enthusiasm she will bring to our department. Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/gruber-named-chair-of-aats-scientific-affairs-and-government-relations-committee/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/gruber-named-chair-of-aats-scientific-affairs-and-government-relations-committee/ Peter Gruber, MD, PhD, has been appointed chair of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery's (AATS) Scientific Affairs and Government Relations (SAGR) Committee for a three-year term. The appointment recognizes his leadership in pediatric cardiac surgery and research, as well as his commitment to advancing research, innovation, and advocacy in cardiothoracic surgery. As chair of SAGR, Gruber will help guide national efforts to strengthen research collaborations, funding opportunities, and technological innovation within the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/celebrating-2026-yale-surgery-citizenship-award-recipients/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/celebrating-2026-yale-surgery-citizenship-award-recipients/ The Department of Surgery honored its 2025–26 Yale Surgery Citizenship Award recipients during the annual Summer BBQ on June 23 at Harkness Patio. The awards recognize faculty and staff whose dedication, collaboration, and service strengthen the department community. This year’s honorees were recognized for their outstanding contributions with the Extra Mile Award, which honors those who consistently go above and beyond, and the Helping Hand Award, which recognizes exceptional contributions to specific projects, initiatives, or circumstances. View photos from the event and see the full list of award recipients here. Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/fraschilla-graduates-from-yale-emerge-program/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/fraschilla-graduates-from-yale-emerge-program/ The Department of Surgery congratulates Alfonsina (Allie) Fraschilla, MBA, division director, on completing the competitive Yale EMERGE Program, an eight-month leadership development initiative that includes executive coaching, leadership training, cross-functional collaboration, and a capstone project advancing Yale strategic priorities. Her capstone, “Reimagining the Yale Alumni Magazine,” explored ways to strengthen alumni engagement and lifelong connection through enhanced storytelling and audience engagement across platforms. Fraschilla oversees operations and finances for multiple surgical divisions and serves as interim division director for Transplant Surgery, reflecting her leadership across the department and broader Yale community. Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/internal-search-surgical-director-for-perioperative-services/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/internal-search-surgical-director-for-perioperative-services/ Yale New Haven Hospital and the Department of Surgery at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) have launched an internal search for a surgical director for perioperative services. This key leadership role will partner with nursing, anesthesiology, and administrative leaders to advance quality and safety, operational excellence, patient experience, resource stewardship, and regulatory compliance across the perioperative environment. Open to YSM surgical faculty, the position reports jointly to the chair of surgery and surgeon-in-chief for Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) and the senior vice president of surgical services for YNHHS. Applications, including a CV and letter of interest, are due by July 17, 2026. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/the-most-effective-weight-loss-surgeries/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/the-most-effective-weight-loss-surgeries/ In today’s health headlines, why your bariatric surgeon may prescribe GLP-1s, the most effective weight loss surgeries, and how to know if your lap-band has broken. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/fairfield/current-former-nicu-patients-reunite-with-their-care-teams-at-yale-new-haven-childrens-hospital-reunion-night-sunday/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/fairfield/current-former-nicu-patients-reunite-with-their-care-teams-at-yale-new-haven-childrens-hospital-reunion-night-sunday/ Dozens of families came together Sunday (June 14) for an annual event in Bridgeport to reconnect with their care teams from Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Fetal Care Center. Yale faculty leaders spoke with WTNH. Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/photos-celebration-of-graduates-2026/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/photos-celebration-of-graduates-2026/ The Department of Surgery held its annual Celebration of Graduates on June 9 in the Rose Garden at Sterling Hall of Medicine, honoring the accomplishments of its 2026 graduating residents and fellows. Faculty, trainees, and guests gathered to recognize years of dedication, clinical excellence, and scholarly achievement. The event celebrated the graduates’ contributions to patient care, research, and education while marking an important milestone as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their surgical and professional careers. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/gray-named-surgical-director-of-adult-ecmo-program/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/gray-named-surgical-director-of-adult-ecmo-program/ Kelsey Gray, MD, has been named surgical director of the Yale Adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program. She succeeds Rita Milewski, MD, who will transition to an educational leadership role within the program after contributing to its growth and national reputation. In her new role, Gray will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to further integrate ECMO, advanced heart failure, and transplantation services and support the care of patients with severe cardiac and respiratory failure. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-pre-award-team-receives-2026-arc-award-for-collaboration/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-pre-award-team-receives-2026-arc-award-for-collaboration/ The Department of Surgery recognizes Kristin R. Ott and Maria M. Marin for their contributions as members of the Yale School of Medicine Pre-Award Team (YPAT), which received the 2026 Yale School of Medicine Staff Appreciation & Recognition Champions (ARC) Award for Collaboration. The team was honored at a ceremony on June 10 for its collaborative support of pre-award activities across the institution. In FY25, Ott and Marin supported more than 100 Department of Surgery proposals, contributing to $1.8 million in awarded funding. “Kristin and Maria exemplify the responsiveness, expertise, and partnership that define the YPAT model,” says Peter Gruber, MD, PhD, vice chair of research. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nRdunRcDvs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nRdunRcDvs On WTNH News 8’s Medical Monday, Kelsey Gray, MD, assistant professor of surgery and director of cardiothoracic transplant in the division of Cardiac Surgery, discusses a new robotic approach to coronary artery bypass surgery offered at Yale New Haven Hospital. The minimally invasive procedure uses robotic technology to perform bypass surgery through small chest incisions, helping eligible patients experience reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Gray shares her perspective on this innovative advancement in cardiac care. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/in-memoriam-harold-stern-md/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/in-memoriam-harold-stern-md/ The Department of Surgery mourns the passing of Harold (“Hal”) Stern, MD, who died on May 24, 2026, at the age of 99. Dr. Stern served as associate professor of surgery at Yale School of Medicine (YSM), where he worked alongside generations of faculty and residents in cardiothoracic surgery. A former president of the medical staff at Yale New Haven Hospital and founding member of the Yale Surgical Society, he was widely respected for his clinical excellence, innovation, and dedication to patients, including the invention of the Stern Chest Tube Passer. Remembered as both a gifted surgeon and influential educator, Dr. Stern leaves a profound legacy in Yale Surgery and the broader New Haven medical community. Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/what-makes-broadway-singing-so-vocally-demanding/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/what-makes-broadway-singing-so-vocally-demanding/ In today’s health headlines, the Tony Awards were just yesterday- what makes Broadway singing so vocally demanding, can singing too hard damage your vocal cords, and how to protect your voice? Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/internal-search-chair-of-surgery-lawrence-memorial-hospital-and-regional-surgical-services-lead/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/internal-search-chair-of-surgery-lawrence-memorial-hospital-and-regional-surgical-services-lead/ A search is underway for the chair of surgery at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Regional Surgical Services Lead. This 50% leadership role will oversee surgical services at Lawrence + Memorial and Westerly Hospital, focusing on clinical excellence, quality, safety, operational integration, physician engagement, and strategic growth. The position reports jointly to the Yale School of Medicine chair of surgery/YNHHS surgeon-in-chief and the LMH/WH chief medical officer. Eligible Yale School of Medicine surgical faculty are invited to apply by submitting a CV and cover letter. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/stephanie-carter-md-leadership-and-vision-in-second-term-as-president-of-yale-minority-housestaff-organization/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/stephanie-carter-md-leadership-and-vision-in-second-term-as-president-of-yale-minority-housestaff-organization/ Stephanie Carter, MD, general surgery resident, has been reappointed as president of the Yale Minority Housestaff Organization (MHO) for the 2026–2027 term after being elected by her peers to continue in the role for a second year. Her continued leadership reflects MHO's commitment to supporting underrepresented-in-medicine trainees through mentorship, recruitment, professional development, community engagement, and pipeline initiatives. In this Q&A, Carter reflects on the organization's growth and impact, highlights accomplishments from the past year, and shares her priorities for the upcoming term. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/residents-earn-top-innovation-awards-for-endovascular-navigation-platform/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/residents-earn-top-innovation-awards-for-endovascular-navigation-platform/ Vascular surgery resident Chaitu Dandu, MD, received two awards for the development of a novel spatial computing platform, LUMEN (Live Unified Model for Endovascular Navigation). The technology—a collaborative effort with radiology—earned second place at the 2026 Yale Health AI Symposium Innovation Pitch Competition and first-place honors at the Yale Innovation Summit’s Health Track. Built on Apple Vision Pro, LUMEN integrates real-time fluoroscopic imaging into a head-mounted display, allowing surgeons to view intraoperative imaging directly within their field of view while improving ergonomics, maintaining sterility, and streamlining workflow. Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-surgical-society-celebrates-excellence-in-surgery-research-and-leadership/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-surgical-society-celebrates-excellence-in-surgery-research-and-leadership/ The Yale Surgical Society (YSS) held its annual alumni dinner on May 21 at New Haven Country Club, featuring an awards ceremony honoring residents, faculty, and alumni for achievements in surgery, research, leadership, and service. The event was led by YSS President Cassius Iyad Ochoa Chaar, MD, MPH, MS. Barbara Ward, MD, received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and Robert Schlessel, MD, received the Distinguished Service Award. Sarah Loh, MD, received the Deepak Narayan Award, and Daniel Kerekes, MD, received the Sam Harvey Award. The inaugural Resident Research Awards were presented to Justin “Jay” Bader, MD, and Shahyan Rehman, MD. Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-surgery-announces-2026-transformational-educators-honor-roll/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-surgery-announces-2026-transformational-educators-honor-roll/ The Department of Surgery is pleased to announce the inaugural Transformational Educators Honor Roll, recognizing 31 faculty members for outstanding contributions to the department’s educational mission. Honorees were identified through resident evaluations and achieved exceptional scores in teaching and trainee engagement categories. The initiative reflects the department’s broader efforts to strengthen teaching evaluation processes and advance transparent recognition of educational contributions across Yale School of Medicine. We congratulate these faculty on this well-deserved recognition. Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/sion-receives-spark-award-to-advance-professional-development-for-women-surgeons-across-africa/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/sion-receives-spark-award-to-advance-professional-development-for-women-surgeons-across-africa/ The Yale Institute for Global Health has awarded Melanie Sion, MD, a $10,000 Global Health Spark Award to support the development of an international professional development program for women surgeons practicing across Africa. Endorsed by the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), Women in Surgery-Africa (WiSA), and the Pan African Association of Women Surgeons (PAWAS), the initiative will provide leadership training, mentorship, communication skills, and wellness support. The program addresses persistent gender-based barriers, including discrimination, burnout, sexual harassment, and limited access to leadership opportunities, while strengthening mentorship networks across the continent. Wed, 27 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/in-memoriam-gary-kopf-md/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/in-memoriam-gary-kopf-md/ Gary Kopf, MD, professor of surgery and pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon at Yale School of Medicine, passed away on May 15, 2026. Over a career spanning more than 45 years, Dr. Kopf helped advance the fields of adult and pediatric cardiac surgery and played a foundational role in building Yale’s congenital heart surgery program at Yale New Haven Hospital. Recruited to Yale in 1980 and named Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in 1981, he was widely respected for his clinical expertise, mentorship, and longstanding commitment to biomedical ethics. Dr. Kopf will be remembered for his dedication to patients, his contributions to the field, and the warmth and compassion he brought to the Yale community. A memorial will be planned for fall 2026, with details to be shared as they become available. Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/roche-appointed-np15-medical-director-at-yale-new-haven-hospital/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/roche-appointed-np15-medical-director-at-yale-new-haven-hospital/ Ansley Roche, MD has been appointed medical director for NP15 at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), a specialized inpatient unit serving patients at Smilow Cancer Hospital, effective June 1. A head and neck surgeon and associate professor of surgery (otolaryngology), Roche will help lead efforts to strengthen collaboration across clinical teams, support quality and safety initiatives, and advance patient-centered inpatient care for oncology patients. She will report jointly to leaders across the cancer service line, Department of Surgery, and YNHH executive leadership. Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/leadership-appointments-announced-in-yale-plastic-surgery-residency-program/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/leadership-appointments-announced-in-yale-plastic-surgery-residency-program/ Adnan Prsic, MD, has been named program director of the Plastic Surgery Residency Program. Kerry Morrison, MD, and Tormod Westvik, MD, have been named associate program directors of the program. Together they will help lead the program with a focus on education, mentorship, innovation, and continued excellence in surgical training. Their combined experience and commitment to resident development will support the program’s ongoing growth and strengthen its tradition of preparing the next generation of plastic surgeons. Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/haykal-receives-2026-healthnetwork-foundation-service-excellence-award/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/haykal-receives-2026-healthnetwork-foundation-service-excellence-award/ Siba Haykal, MD, PhD, section chief of reconstructive oncology in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Yale School of Medicine, has received the 2026 Healthnetwork Foundation Service Excellence Award. The award recognizes physicians selected based on feedback from grateful patients and supporters and includes support for research and clinical activities, as well as recognition at a Healthnetwork Foundation dinner honoring recipients. Haykal is a reconstructive surgeon-scientist focused on complex oncologic reconstruction and advancing patient-centered care. Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/novel-blood-test-detects-rejection-after-lung-transplant/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/novel-blood-test-detects-rejection-after-lung-transplant/ The new test could offer a non-invasive alternative to lung biopsies and improve health outcomes post-transplantation. Tue, 19 May 2026 18:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/prsic-receives-2026-alan-r-feinstein-teaching-award/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/prsic-receives-2026-alan-r-feinstein-teaching-award/ Adnan Prsic, MD, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Alan R. Feinstein Teaching Award, which recognizes outstanding teaching of clinical skills to medical students at Yale School of Medicine. Prsic was honored for his innovative leadership in surgical education, including co-founding the Basic and Advanced Anatomy electives that create a four-year pathway from anatomy training to residency preparation. Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-surgeons-recognized-among-2026-top-doctors/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/yale-surgeons-recognized-among-2026-top-doctors/ Fifty-two surgeons affiliated with the Yale Department of Surgery were recognized on the 2026 “Top Doctors” list in Connecticut Magazine. The annual list, developed in partnership with Castle Connolly, recognizes physicians across Connecticut who are nominated by their peers for excellence in clinical care and leadership in their fields. Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/kuwayama-appointed-vascular-director-of-yale-aortic-institute/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/kuwayama-appointed-vascular-director-of-yale-aortic-institute/ David Kuwayama, MD, has been appointed vascular director of the Yale Aortic Institute, further strengthening the institute’s multidisciplinary leadership model with representation across vascular surgery, cardiac surgery, and cardiology. Since joining Yale in 2023, Kuwayama has helped expand collaboration in the treatment of complex aortic disease and advance minimally invasive and endovascular approaches for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and dissections. In his new role, he will partner with colleagues across specialties to support the institute’s integrated mission in clinical care, research, and education. Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.ynhhs.org/perspectives/less-invasive-heart-surgery https://www.ynhhs.org/perspectives/less-invasive-heart-surgery Yale New Haven Heart and Vascular Center has completed 50 robotic heart surgeries in six months since relaunching its minimally invasive cardiac surgery program, including the highly specialized TECABG procedure. YNHH featured Kelsey Gray, MD for her expertise in robotic-assisted endoscopic bypass surgery, and Marc Pelletier, MD for highlighting the center’s leadership in advanced, patient-centered cardiac care. Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/medical-students-win-top-awards-at-ase-2026/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/medical-students-win-top-awards-at-ase-2026/ Stephanie Carter, MD, and Elena Wilson were honored at the 2026 Association for Surgical Education conference in Atlanta. Carter received the ASE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Award and Scholarship for her contributions to surgical education. Wilson received the Promising Medical Student Surgery Education Research Award for her work on a multispecialty rotation pilot. Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.ynhh.org/news/yale-new-haven-health-hospitals-earn-a-hospital-safety-grades-from-the-leapfrog-group https://www.ynhh.org/news/yale-new-haven-health-hospitals-earn-a-hospital-safety-grades-from-the-leapfrog-group Bridgeport Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, and Westerly Hospital earned “A” Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2026, reflecting a systemwide commitment to preventing medical errors, infections, and patient harm. The grades are based on 32 evidence-based safety measures assessing clinical protocols and patient outcomes, including infections and post-surgical complications. Leaders emphasized that safety is embedded in daily practice through teamwork, clinician engagement, accountability, and continuous quality improvement efforts designed to protect patients from preventable harm. Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/morton-named-chair-elect-of-bariatric-surgery-and-devices-section-of-the-obesity-society/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/morton-named-chair-elect-of-bariatric-surgery-and-devices-section-of-the-obesity-society/ John Morton, MD, MPH, MHA, has been elected chair-elect of the Bariatric Surgery and Devices Section of The Obesity Society. A leader in metabolic and bariatric surgery at Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Health, Morton will serve in the chair-elect role through Dec. 31, 2026, before assuming the position of Section Chair on Jan. 1, 2027. Fri, 01 May 2026 14:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/lerner-and-rimmer-inducted-into-triological-society/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/lerner-and-rimmer-inducted-into-triological-society/ Michael Lerner, MD, and Ryan Rimmer, MD, were inducted into The Triological Society in Phoenix, Ariz. Lerner was recognized for research on quality-of-life outcomes after botulinum toxin treatment, and Rimmer for developing an imaging-based algorithm to improve skull base reconstruction planning. Their induction reflects contributions to advancing clinical and translational research in otolaryngology. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/richburg-receives-asco-young-investigator-award-for-veteran-cancer/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/richburg-receives-asco-young-investigator-award-for-veteran-cancer/ Caroline Richburg, MD, a general surgery research resident, has received the 2026 Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award for Veteran Cancer from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). She was recognized for her project evaluating how sociobehavioral comorbidities and resource referral influence surgical outcomes in veterans with cancer. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/doctors-at-yale-cancer-center-mark-major-milestone-in-robotics-surgeries/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/doctors-at-yale-cancer-center-mark-major-milestone-in-robotics-surgeries/ Doctors at Yale Cancer Center have just marked a major milestone in the number of robotic surgeries to treat diseases of organs, including the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/personalized-chemotherapy-for-abdominal-cancer/ https://medicine.yale.edu/surgery/news-article/personalized-chemotherapy-for-abdominal-cancer/ For patients with cancer metastases of the abdominal lining, a new Yale trial offers a personalized approach to chemotherapy. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 Z https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/spasticity-yale-medicine-offers-advanced-therapies-and-innovative-surgery https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/spasticity-yale-medicine-offers-advanced-therapies-and-innovative-surgery Yale Medicine specialists discuss treatment of spasticity and innovative procedures that can ease symptoms. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z