WashU Medicine Department of Surgery

11/20/2025

Could freezing tumors replace surgery for some breast cancers? ❄️

Dr. Julie Margenthaler and Dr. Heather Garrett are leading a donor-funded study testing cryoablation, a noninvasive, ultrasound-guided technique that uses subfreezing temperatures to destroy cancer cells.

The approach could one day offer patients faster recovery, less pain, and even activate the body’s immune defenses against cancer. Read more: https://bit.ly/4hKbtjF

11/19/2025

We’re honored to share the inspiring journey of Harry Ratliff — a lifelong St. Louisan whose connection to our hospital began at birth in the lower level of what was once Barnes Hospital. Years later, his story came full circle when he became a patient of Dr. Tsuyoshi Kaneko for aortic valve replacement surgery.

Today, Harry serves on the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital board, using his professional expertise and personal experience to advocate for compassionate, high-quality care. His resilience, gratitude, and dedication to giving back remind us of the lasting impact of exceptional care.

Read more→ https://bit.ly/4hV5vwH

11/17/2025

We join our colleagues across WashU Medicine in mourning the loss of Brian Andrew Van Tine, MD, PhD. Dr. Van Tine was a gifted physician-scientist, a compassionate clinician, and a collaborator whose impact reached far beyond his own division.

Many in our department worked closely with Dr. Van Tine and remember him for his generosity, creativity, and unwavering dedication to patients and trainees. His contributions to cancer research and care will continue to change lives for years to come.

WashU Medicine - Department of Medicine regrets to announces the death of Brian Andrew Van Tine, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and of Pediatrics
WashU Medicine, Director, Developmental Therapeutics (Phase I) Program, Siteman Cancer Center.

“Brian was not only a brilliant scientist but also a compassionate clinician and an extraordinary mentor,” said Dr. Victoria Fraser, Chair of the Department of Medicine. “He had tremendous passion, energy, and creativity. He was completely dedicated to his patients and used his research and tremendous creativity to identify innovative new treatments that improved the quality of life and survival for many patients. He was beloved by patients, family, and colleagues and will be sorely missed.”

The link provides more information about Dr. Van Tine and his many contributions to the medical field.

>https://internalmedicine.wustl.edu/obituary-brian-andrew-van-tine-md-phd/

11/17/2025

We’re proud to spotlight our incredible Office of Surgical Education staff this . From supporting residents and medical students to coordinating accreditation and CME programs, they make surgical education at WashU exceptional and running smoothly every day.

11/14/2025

Decades of breakthroughs. Generations of care. ❤️

WashU Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital have led heart and vascular innovation for more than half a century — from pioneering open-heart surgery to advancing robotic and minimally invasive techniques. Learn how our teams continue to push the field forward ➡️ https://bit.ly/47N0bqy

11/13/2025

Relive the highlights from this year’s Academy of Educators Education Day!🌟

WashU Surgery faculty were recognized for their innovation, mentorship, and leadership in surgical education. Read the full story ➡️ https://bit.ly/495980u

11/12/2025

From daughter to donor — when Erica gave a kidney to her father, they got more than a transplant—they got time. 💚

At the WashU Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Transplant Center, experts like Dr. Adeel Khan and Dr. Jason Wellen make stories like theirs possible through world-class living-donor kidney transplantation.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/47pbCpo

11/11/2025

👏 Congratulations to Dr. Maria Majella Doyle for serving as President of the Western Surgical Association! Her leadership at the 133rd WSA meeting and commitment to mentorship exemplify excellence in surgery. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qTzOYH

11/07/2025

Congratulations to our partners at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, ranked #1 in Missouri, #1 in St. Louis, and #3 in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report! The hospital also achieved national rankings in 11 specialties, reflecting the outstanding care and dedication of our teams.

We’re proud of our WashU Medicine faculty and staff who help make St. Louis Children’s Hospital one of the nation’s best for pediatric care. 💙

11/06/2025

👏 Congratulations to our SAFE Accolades Award winners!
These residents and faculty were recognized for their outstanding dedication to surgical education, mentorship, and training excellence.
🏆Acute and Critical Care: Dr. Lindsay Kranker
🏆 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Resident: Dr. Karim Saoud
🏆Colon and Re**al Surgery Fellow: Dr. Karishma Kodia
🏆General Surgery Residents: Dr. Sophia Pyeatte and Dr. Yilin Yang

We’re proud to celebrate their impact on the future of surgery. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3LfVRsb

11/05/2025

Thank you to Dr. Monica Baskin, Professor of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care and Associate Dean for Cancer Innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, and Deputy Director of Research at the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, for delivering this year’s Dr. Timothy J. Eberlein Lecture.

Her talk, “Mutation in the Maze: Cancer Research,” inspired important conversations about innovation and collaboration in cancer care.

11/04/2025

Better late than never to share our Halloween feelings! 💙💚💛❤️💜
The pediatric surgery team brought Inside Out to life this year — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear all scrubbed in!