University of Utah Department of Surgery

05/30/2025

As Trauma Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re honoring the strength of survivors like Mike and Janis—and the skilled trauma teams at University of Utah Health who helped save their lives.

Mike was visiting Antelope Island with his family when a group of teenagers carried out a targeted shooting. He was struck in the right side of the chest with a 9mm round, damaging his liver and diaphragm. Mike was life flighted to the University of Utah Hospital, where he underwent extensive surgery and a long recovery. He spent months healing from liver damage, underwent rehab, and continues to carry the bullet today. His initial trauma care was led by surgeon Sarah Lombardo, MD, MSc, with Jade M. Nunez, MD and Alex Trinh, MD managing his diaphragm repair.

Janis was using the crosswalk in Park City during the Sundance Film Festival when she was struck by a car. Life flighted to the University of Utah Hospital, she spent over three months in the hospital—during which time she underwent multiple surgeries, including spinal stabilization, pelvic reconstruction, and eye surgery. Thanks to the attentiveness of her care team, she never experienced a single infection. Her recovery was supported by trauma surgeons Toby M. Enniss, MD, FACS, MBA and Jason B. Young, MD, PharmD, FACS, and plastic surgeons Isak A. Goodwin, MD and Christopher Hamilton, MD.

These stories are a reminder of how quickly life can change—and how expert trauma care can mean the difference between life and death. Thank you to our surgeons, nurses, and entire trauma team for the care, precision, and compassion you bring every single day. 💙 University of Utah Trauma Service

05/27/2025

We are thrilled to welcome T. Clark Gamblin, MD, MS, MBA, FACS, as the inaugural Chief of Surgical Oncology for Huntsman Cancer Institute at University of Utah Health. Dr. Gamblin is a nationally recognized hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeon with over 20 years of experience in the surgical management of complex liver, pancreas, and biliary cancers. His appointment marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide innovative, patient-centered cancer care across the Mountain West.

Dr. Gamblin brings a wealth of expertise in minimally invasive techniques, regional chemotherapy, and data-driven care models, having authored more than 250 peer-reviewed publications and served on national oncology committees. His leadership will be instrumental in expanding access to multidisciplinary cancer care, enhancing research collaborations, and mentoring the next generation of oncology leaders.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Gamblin is an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast, values that resonate with our Utah community. He believes in the power of collaboration and personalized medicine to transform cancer treatment. As he steps into this pivotal role, we look forward to the innovative strides he will bring to our surgical oncology division.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Gamblin to our team!

05/19/2025

Meet JJ Horns, PhD, Assistant Professor within the Department of Surgery and Big Data Biostatistician. Beyond the badge, they love bird watching. 🦅

Catch their full interview TOMORROW at 8 a.m. on our YouTube channel (link will be in BIO), where they share insights on their career, personal passions, and the connection between the two.
 

05/17/2025

Congratulations to the winners of our annual Fellow, Resident, and Medical Student Research Retreat! Each year we dedicate a full day to advancing research, furthering our commitment to fostering innovation and surgical excellence.

We were also honored to welcome our visiting professor and guest speaker, Luke Funk, MD, MPH, FACS, from UW-Madison Department of Surgery who shared valuable insights on navigating careers in surgical research. His perspective added depth to the day’s discussions and inspired meaningful dialogue around academic development.

This year’s retreat featured a wide range of presentations from fellows, residents, and medical students—all highlighting the exceptional work being done across our department.

Winners:
🥇 1st Place – Ian Nickel, MD
🥈 2nd Place – Abagail Alexander, MD
🥉 3rd Place (Tie) – Sasha Kahn, MD & Marshall Wallace, MD
📸 Medical Student Quickshot – Aaron Dadzie, BS

05/15/2025

Tanner Harper, an Idaho farmer, had a severe hand injury while oiling a chain on his beet digger, requiring immediate reattachment surgery. However, due to significant tissue loss, further reconstructive surgery was necessary to restore both function and appearance.

Due to the severity of Harper’s injury, a multidisciplinary team of providers at University of Utah Health, including specialists from both the Department of Orthopedics and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, collaborated to provide comprehensive care. Laura Wong, MD, PhD, led the reconstructive efforts, utilizing her microsurgical expertise to restore Harper's hand. Brian Foster, MD, also played a key role in the initial reattachment, ensuring that Harper received the most comprehensive care possible.

Thanks to the combined efforts of Wong, Foster, and the surgical team, Harper now has stable coverage of his hand as we works to regain as much range of motion as possible.

Read the full story of Tanner’s recovery and the team’s collaborative approach HERE: https://healthcare.utah.edu/patient-stories/plastic-surgery-and-orthopedics-combine-efforts-save-farmers-hand-after-serious

After a devastating farm ac

05/14/2025

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Surgical Oncologist, Elliot Asare, MD, MS, CMQ, FACS, explores the research and advancements in skin cancer and melanoma treatment happening at Huntsman Cancer Institute at University of Utah Health.

Learn how his team is leading the way in improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of care.

Watch the full video here: https://bit.ly/4dmwFKE

Tune into Surgeon Sessions as we explore the research, advancements, and breakthroughs shaping the future of medicine—beyond the operating room. In recogniti...

05/02/2025

Congratulations to Larry Kraiss, MD, vascular surgeon, on being named a 2025 Health Care Champion. This award recognizes his enduring commitment to delivering exceptional care, especially to patients in rural communities. He was honored at the 10th Annual Affiliate Symposium hosted by University of Utah Health.

Watch the tribute video here: https://bit.ly/3Yrd5qa

The Health Care Champion award was established as a method for U of U Health teams to honor and recognize individuals who champion programs and partnerships ...

04/24/2025

We are happy to share that Courtney Crombie, MD, has been named one of the Best Plastic Surgeons for 2025 by !

Courtney Crombie, MD, is one of our amazing plastic surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, with a particular passion for complex breast surgeries and fat grafting techniques. She is also a valued member of our University of Utah Health team and continues to make a significant impact in both the academic and clinical settings.

We're proud to have her as part of our faculty and to see her recognized for the exceptional care she provides to her patients. ❤️

04/21/2025

It's National Pediatric Transplant Week! University of Utah Transplant

Liver transplants in children are complex and require specialized care. In 2019, Zachary Kastenberg, MD, MS, and Jean Botha, MD, recognized a critical gap in pediatric care and set out to build a dedicated liver transplant program for children. In just one year, they performed 15 successful liver transplants, improving access to life-saving treatment for children in need.

Liver surgery is one of the most complex procedures performed on children, highlighting the need for specialized, in-house expertise. Now, their vision is growing. Together, they’re laying the foundation for a Liver and Pancreas Specialty Center of Excellence for Children that will streamline care, offering comprehensive services in-house to ensure the highest quality of treatment for pediatric liver patients.

This partnership isn’t just transforming care; it’s reshaping how pediatric liver diseases are managed across the region.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4jKzbMx

04/18/2025

Thankful for Bob Carter, MD, PhD, CEO of University of Utah Health, and SVP of Health Sciences The University of Utah, hosting an open discussion for our department! It was a privilege to hear his insights on the future of system leadership and how U of U Health plans to grow clinically while supporting our academic and research missions. During his open discussion, members of our department had the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts.

We also appreciated the updates shared by Fiemu Nwariaku, MD, MBA, Chair of the Department of Surgery, on our ongoing progress in clinical care, education, and research. Excited to continue this journey of growth and collaboration!

04/14/2025

Guy Jacobson was facing end-stage interstitial lung disease when he received a double lung transplant at U of U Health—on his 59th birthday.

His story underscores what’s possible when timing, surgical expertise, and multidisciplinary coordination come together. It also highlights the ongoing need for organ donation and the critical impact it has on patient outcomes.

🔗 Read the full story HERE: https://bit.ly/3R6lIT9

On his 59th birthday, Guy Jacobson received the ultimate gift—a second chance at life through a double lung transplant.