University of Utah Department of Surgery

02/04/2026

📸 Yesterday, ACS Executive Director Dr. Patricia Turner received the Society of University Surgeons 2026 Trailblazer Award. She's pictured here alongside Drs. Carla Pugh, Bob Higgins, and Tom Varghese.

We're proud to celebrate her leadership, impact, and dedication to advancing surgery. Congratulations, Dr. Turner! 👏

02/04/2026

02/03/2026

Celebrating National Women Physicians Day with a snapshot from the OR. Just a few of the incredible women across every stage of training who make up our surgical team. Leadership, mentorship, and excellence in action.
 
Cardiothoracic Surgeon - Andrea Steely, MD, MA (Floral Surgical Cap w/ Red Ties)
Fellow - Eleanor Kitchell, MD (Shark Surgical Cap)
Resident - Catherine Stauber, MD (Croissant Surgical Cap)
 

02/02/2026

Thinking about surgery or anesthesiology? USTARS is a 6-week summer program designed to help medical students build skills, gain clinical exposure, explore research, and connect with mentors at the University of Utah.

The application deadline is February 28, 2026. The program runs May 24–July 4, 2026. All applications will be sent to Dr. Elliot Asare. Head to the link in our bio to learn more!

MedicalEducation MedStudent MedicalStudents AcademicMedicine UofUSurgery

01/21/2026

✨ Join us for BOTOX NIGHT! ✨

Details:
• Thursday, February 19
• 5:00 – 8:00 PM
• University of Utah Hospital, Area E
• There will be a 9$ per/unit botox event only special!

Providers:
Erinn Kim, MD
McKenzie Alban, PA-C
Gabby Lagemann, PA-C

📞 RSVP encouraged — space is limited
801.581.7719

University of Utah Health

01/20/2026

01/19/2026

A Message from Our Department of Surgery Chair:

"Dear colleagues,
During MLK Week, I’m grateful for the doors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped open and for the responsibility that comes with walking through them. His influence is still felt in medicine, in surgery, and in the care we give every day. I encourage you to take part in the MLK Week events, to listen, reflect, and engage as we continue this work together.

- With gratitude, Fiemu Nwariaku, MD, FACS, Chair, Department of Surgery"

01/14/2026

Thank you to our new trauma and critical care surgeon, Piroska C. Kopar, MD, MBA, FACS, for an engaging and meaningful Grand Rounds presentation today. With expertise in trauma and acute care surgery, surgical and cardiothoracic critical care, and clinical ethics, Dr. Kopar led a thoughtful discussion on ethics in surgery.

Using a step-by-step case scenario, she highlighted where ethical decision-making comes into play in surgical care, sparking great discussion and reflection. We appreciate her sharing her knowledge and expertise with our community.

01/12/2026

01/01/2026

🎉 2026 is officially here! In celebration, we’re taking a taking a trip down memory lane. 2025 was full of innovative projects, clinical milestones, collaboration, compassion, and excellence. It was a year defined by the incredible people who make our department what it is.

These photos capture just a glimpse of the dedication of our surgeons, staff, APCs, learners, and team members who work every day to advance medical excellence and improve the lives of our patients and families. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful for our shared purpose that carried us through the year.

As we move into 2026, we’re excited for what’s to come: new goals, new opportunities, and continued growth as a department. Here’s to building on this momentum and continuing to make a difference together. Happy New Year! 🎉✨

12/24/2025

We had such a wonderful night celebrating the holidays with our department! The people, the laughter, and the time we get to spend together truly make this team so special. Beyond the celebration, we’re proud of the medical excellence we deliver every day and the meaningful impact we have on our patients’ lives. It’s an honor to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate group, committed to making a difference for the patients and families we serve.

This year also marked our first-ever “Garland Awards”, a lighthearted and fun way to celebrate the personalities that make our department unique.

As we reflect on an incredible year, we’re grateful for all we’ve accomplished together and for the joy we share as a team. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and joyful holiday season!

UofUHealth

12/16/2025