BEHIND THE MASK

Annual Report 2022–2023

Letter from the Chair

“We believe it’s essential to bring our authentic selves with us every day; to be who we are, and to share who we are with each other within our work environment not only to build camaraderie and teamwork but also to create a truly inclusive culture. This Report—The Souls of Surgery: Behind the Mask—is a labor of love, a project that not only displays our core values of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice, but one that also reflects our unwavering commitment to the unique community that we humbly serve.”

Read full letter

At the Forefront

Total cases

Total RVUs

Total visits

Grants awarded

Data collection, sample collection, non-interventional trials

Active clinical trials

$ in total grant funding (direct/indirect)

$ in total clinical trial funding (direct/indirect)

Sections

Get to know the surgeons and faculty members who make up UChicago Medicine’s Department of Surgery. These short videos capture the people—and their lives—behind the mask.

Cardiac Surgery

Dr. Christopher Salerno is a world renowned pioneer in the field of cardiac surgery. Hear about what inspires everyday as well as his commitment to being a patient advocate, and catch a glimpse of his personal journey.

Colon & Rectal Surgery

Dr. Konstantin Umanskiy is one of colorectal surgery’s most celebrated surgeons. In his video profile, you’ll hear about his childhood growing up in Ukraine and for his love for competitive sailing which he pursues in his off time.

General Surgery

Dr. Sarah Shubeck is an expert in the field of breast oncology. In her video, you’ll hear about her mother’s struggle with this disease when Dr. Shubeck was young and how it inspired her to help women facing breast cancer.

Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery

As a specialist in otology and neurotology, Dr. Terence Imbery focuses on hearing disorders, and has been “blessed” to be able to give people the gift of hearing. Outside the operating theater, he enjoys teaching and spending time with his wife and dog.

Pediatric Surgery

Dr. Marion Henry leads an active pediatric clinical practice, spearheads the Clinical Care/Access DEI Subcommittee, while also leading a busy family life. In addition, Dr. Henry is a staunch advocate in the fight to end gun violence against children.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Maureen Beederman finds satisfaction in the fact that her specialty focuses on “making people whole again.” Caring for her patients, her newborn, and her students keeps Dr. Beederman grounded in a demanding, yet deeply rewarding career.

Thoracic Surgery

Dr. Jessica Donington, is Chief of the Section of Thoracic Surgery. Outside of the operating theater, Dr. Donnington enjoys working with her hands—gardening, quilting, and baking, as well as spending time with her family and two Bernese Mountain dogs.

Transplant Surgery

Dr. Rolf Barth is a devoted family man and dedicated transplant surgeon. In a field where a lack of donor organs is a constant and harsh reality, Dr. Barth finds solace in his colleagues and his promising research.

Trauma & Acute Care Surgery

Dr. Andrew Benjamin shares how the traumas he faced in childhood have molded him into the empathic and gifted trauma surgeon he is today. A strong connection to family and his patients keep him grounded.

Urology

A surgeon, educator, wine connoisseur, and guitararist, Dr. Piyush Agarwal has many interests. When he’s not using cutting -edge technologies like blue light cystoscopy to find small, hard-to detect tumors, Dr. Agarwal enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy

Christopher Williams is an accomplished Physician Assistant. He finds assisting in the surgical theater deeply satisfying. Outside of the OR, he is a father, brother, son, husband, friend, music lover, and video game enthusiast.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Spotlight

Dr. Ervin Kocjancic recently joined the Department of Surgery as an expert in reconstructive urology and gender affirmation surgery. When he’s not working as a clinician, he indulges his passion for opera and global travel. 

Go behind the mask with a current resident.

Dr. Anthony Douglas, MD is a second-year resident in the Section of General Surgery. Hear about his background, how he found the path to general surgery at UChicago, and what life is like as a resident both in and out of the operating room.

IN RECOGNITION

The continued success of the University of Chicago Department of Surgery is due in part to the generous support and contributions of alumni, friends, foundations, corporations and other institutions. The Department of Surgery gives a heartfelt thank you to the following individuals and organizations for contributing $10,000 or more in 2022–23.

American College of Surgeons

Maria Luisa Cicognani and Peder Oien

Frank & Dolores Corbett Charitable Fund

Brenda Feis and Lawrence Feis

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Frechette Family Foundation

Leonard and Ann Harsy

Peggy Heim

Merle Holland

Peter Holland

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Kovler Family Foundation

Leslie Lewinter-Suskind and Robert Suskind

Darren Lutz

Tina Lutz

Bernard Mark

Sharon Mark

The Steve Nash Foundation

Erik Nelson

Oberkotter Foundation

Sharon Ouwenga and Warren Ouwenga

Pediatric Cancer Foundation

PNC Foundation

Neil L. Ross and Lynn E. Hauser

Ryan Salvador

The Schwab Fund for Charitable Giving

Earl and Brenda Shapiro Family Foundation

Linda Simon

Karl Singer

Kasey Singer Fund

Keith Stohlgren

Dr. Alexis C. Strongin and Mr. Steven H. Strongin

Alexis & Steven Strongin DAF Fund

Styliades Hellenic Foundation

Anna G. Theodore

Peter Theodore

Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas

Weiner-Marc Foundation

Harriet Wulfstat and Allan Wulfstat

past reports

2021

2020

2019

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