I love being a pediatric surgeon because I am able to help children through surgery. It gratifying to make a profound impact in someone's life, particularly when they are so young. There are different challenges in infants, particularly those with severe congenital diseases. I find this motivates me to do my very best.
To this end, I treat all general and thoracic neonatal and pediatric surgical diseases. These include common problems like hernias and appendicitis to rarer diseases such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, esophageal atresia, gastroschisis, omphalocele, and pediatric solid tumors. I have significant experience in minimally invasive surgical treatments for most pediatric surgical conditions. In particular, I perform minimally invasive techniques in the chest and abdomen for inguinal hernia repair, appendectomy, gastrostomy, splenectomy, thoracoscopic and laparoscopic biopsies, colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease, pull through procedures for Hirschsprung disease, and operations for malrotation, reflux (GERD), and pyloric stenosis. I am particularly interested in nutritional support for children. I co-lead a multi-disciplinary team of providers to improve care for children receiving gastrostomy (G) tubes.
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/gastroenterology/g-tube-home-care.aspx.
As the Medical Director of the American College of Surgeons Verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital, we ensure that injured children receive the best care possible. We provide support across the spectrum from injury prevention through rehabilitation.
I am also particularly interested in quality improvement and patient safety. I lead multiple quality improvement projects to improve surgical care for children. We work hard to create an environment where children can have the best outcomes in the safest way possible.

Professional Background

I attended medical school at The College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. I completed my General Surgery residency and Pediatric Surgery fellowship training at Washington University in Saint Louis. I am American Board of Surgery certified in General Surgery and Pediatric Surgery. I have been on faculty as a Pediatric General Surgeon at URMC since 2016. I am a member of several national professional societies including the American College of Surgeons, American Pediatric Surgical Association, Pediatric Trauma Society, and the Association of Academic Surgeons. I am a member of several national committees within these organizations. Further, I co-lead the Pediatric Trauma subcommittee for the New York State Trauma Advisory Council. I also help create and advise content for the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project – Pediatric. I am the Surgeon Champion for NSQIP-Pediatric at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Certified Specialties

Pediatric Surgery - American Board of Surgery

Surgery (General Surgery) - American Board of Surgery

Faculty Appointments

Associate Professor - Department of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery (SMD)

Associate Professor - Department of Pediatrics (SMD) - Joint

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Pediatric Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine. 2014 - 2016

Residency, Surgery (General Surgery), Barnes Jewish Hospital. 2011 - 2014

Fellowship, St. Louis University Nephrology Fellowship Program. 2008 - 2011

Residency, Surgery (General Surgery), Barnes Jewish Hospital. 2007 - 2008

Internship, Surgery (General Surgery), Barnes Jewish Hospital. 2006 - 2007

Education

MD | Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. 2006

Awards

Quality Award: Best Quality Improvement Abstract and Manuscript. 2020

URMC Board Excellence Award - Service Excellence Team Award for SIMORS (Simulation for Operating Room Safety) team – team leader. 2019

URMC 5th Annual Institute for Innovative Education Team Based Care Summit Award for PEPS (Pursuing Excellence in Pediatric Surge. 2019

Best Trauma Abstract Winner:. 2019

recognition of Pediatric Trauma Imaging Group – team leader. 2018

recognition of Pediatric Surgery Quality Improvement Group- team member. 2017

Gregorio A. Sicard Fellow Teaching Award. 2016

Eugene Bricker Teaching Award. 2014

Walter Ballinger II Administrative Chief Resident. 2013 - 2014

Washington University Resident Teacher of the Year. 2013

Resident Representative. 2012 - 2013

Best Basic Science abstract. 2011

Surgery Resident Teaching Award. 2011

Administrative Lab Resident. 2010 - 2011

Surgical Jeopardy Finalist. 2010

Best Basic Science Quick Shot Presentation. 2010

Wells Day Winner - best original resident research. 2010

Surgery Resident Teaching Award. 2010

Surgery Resident Teaching Award. 2009

Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) member. 2005

Research

My primary academic focus is in quality and safety improvement. I lead several quality improvement initiatives including efforts to improve care for children after surgical procedures. We have grant funding to improve care for children and their caregivers after gastrostomy (G) tube insertion. As the Pediatric Trauma Medical Director at Golisano Children’s Hospital, I lead quality improvement efforts in injury prevention and minimizing unnecessary imaging and radiation. Furthermore, I have a leadership role in a departmental initiative to improve value-based care. We have initiated projects to de-implement unnecessary post-operative testing and reduce waste in the operating room. I co-lead the New York State Pediatric Trauma Research Consortium. I am the surgeon representative for Golisano Children’s Hospital for a national pediatric surgery quality improvement collaborative. I am a member of another collaborative researching the effects of social determinants of health on children’s surgical care and outcomes.

Publications

Journal Articles

Reducing Unplanned Intubations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit After Children's Surgery: A Quality Improvement Project.

Juviler P, Meyers JM, Levatino E, Axford J, Barker E, Correll L, Decker AS, Faria J, Gloff M, Loria A, McKenna M, Schriefer J, Stevens TP, Verna S, Wegman S, Wolcott K, Wakeman D

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2023 September 22 Epub 09/22/2023.

Safely Reducing Unnecessary Radiographs in Suspected Pediatric Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Multidisciplinary Developed Algorithm.

Lander S, Obudzinski S, Michels J, Brayer A, D'amore T, Chess M, Cook CP, Wakeman D, Sanders J

Pediatric emergency care.. 2023 July 3 Epub 07/03/2023.

Evaluation and Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review From the APSA Outcomes & Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

Speck KE, Kulaylat AN, Baerg JE, Acker SN, Baird R, Beres AL, Chang H, Derderian SC, Englum B, Gonzalez KW, Kawaguchi A, Kelley-Quon L, Levene TL, Rentea RM, Rialon KL, Ricca R, Somme S, Wakeman D, Yousef Y, St Peter SD, Lucas DJ,

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2023 April 6 Epub 04/06/2023.

Surgical Management of Ulcerative Colitis in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review from the APSA Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

Rentea RM, Renaud E, Ricca R, Derderian C, Englum B, Kawaguchi A, Gonzalez K, Speck KE, Villalona G, Kulaylat A, Wakeman D, Yousef Y, Rialon K, Somme S, Lucas D, Levene T, Chang H, Baerg J, Acker S, Fisher J, Kelley-Quon LI, Baird R, Beres AL,

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2023 February 21 Epub 02/21/2023.

Value Added from Same-day Discharge after Appendectomy for Children with Simple Appendicitis.

Juviler P, Wilson NA, Livingston MH, Levatino E, Bowden A, Meyers JM, Tesini B, Gleason C, Pegoli W, Arca MJ, Wakeman D

Pediatric quality & safety.. 2023 8 (1):e629. Epub 01/16/2023.

Sustaining the gains: Reducing unnecessary computed tomography scans in pediatric trauma patients.

Mahdi E, Toscano N, Pierson L, Ndikumana E, Ayers B, Chacon A, Brayer A, Chess M, Davis C, Dorman R, Livingston M, Arca M, Wakeman D

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2022 September 26 Epub 09/26/2022.

Management of pediatric appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide multicenter cohort study.

Hegde B, Garcia E, Hu A, Raval M, Takirambudde S, Wakeman D, Lewit R, Gosain A, Parrado RH, Cina RA, Stephenson K, Dassinger MS, Zhang D, Mustafa MM, Koo D, Lipskar AM, Scheidler K, Van Arendonk KJ, Berg P, Gonzalez R, Scheese D, Haynes J, Mina A, Zamora IJ, Lopez ME, Mehl SC, Gilliam E, Lofberg K, Spencer B, Kulaylat AN, Gulack BC, Johnson M, Laskovy M, Brahmamdam P, Shimomura A, Blanch T, Tsao K, Slater BJ

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2022 August 13 Epub 08/13/2022.

Social Determinants of Health are Associated With Postoperative Outcomes in Children With Complicated Appendicitis.

Takirambudde S, Ruffolo LI, Wakeman DS, Dale BS, Arca MJ, Wilson NA

The Journal of surgical research.. 2022 August 5279 :692-701. Epub 08/05/2022.

Long-term functional, psychological, emotional, and social outcomes in pediatric victims of violence.

Ganpo-Nkwenkwa NS, Wakeman DS, Pierson L, Vella MA, Wilson NA

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2022 July 30 Epub 07/30/2022.

Outcomes After Child Physical Abuse and Association with Community-Level Social Determinants of Health.

Ruffolo LI, Gaba H, Dale BS, Sandler M, Vella MA, Stassen NA, Wilson NA, Wakeman DS

Journal of the American College of Surgeons.. 2022 June 16 Epub 06/16/2022.

Prehospital Factors Predict Outcomes in Pediatric Trauma: A Principal Component Analysis.

Ting T, Wakeman DS, Arca MJ, Wilson NA

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2022 May 12 Epub 05/12/2022.

Umbilical Appendix Masquerading as a Patent Omphalomesenteric Duct in a Neonate.

Karakas C, Katzman PJ, Wakeman DS, Chacon M

Pediatric and developmental pathology : the official journal of the Society for Pediatric Pathology and the Paediatric Pathology Society.. 2022 March 28 :10935266221078500. Epub 03/28/2022.

Clinical and radiographic predictors of the need for facial CT in pediatric blunt trauma: a multi-institutional study.

Nguyen BN, Edwards MJ, Srivatsa S, Wakeman D, Calderon T, Lamoshi A, Wallenstein K, Fabiano T, Cantor B, Bass K, Narayan A, Zohn R, Chess M, Thomas RD

Trauma surgery & acute care open.. 2022 7 (1):e000899. Epub 04/24/2022.

Reduction of surgical site infections in pediatric patients with complicated appendicitis: Utilization of antibiotic stewardship principles and quality improvement methodology.

Wakeman D, Livingston MH, Levatino E, Juviler P, Gleason C, Tesini B, Wilson NA, Pegoli W, Arca MJ

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2021 September 21 Epub 09/21/2021.

Diagnostic Yield of Axial Computed Tomography Scans for Pediatric Axial Skeletal Injuries.

Maqsoodi N, Louis C, Botros M, Baldwin A, Jefferson J, Moses JT, Wakeman D, Mesfin A

Spine.. 2021 July 146 (13):867-873. Epub 1900 01 01.

Implementation of a gastrostomy care bundle reduces dislodgements and length of stay.

Ruffolo LI, Pulhamus M, Foito T, Levatino E, Martin H, Michels J, Schriefer J, Wolcott K, Wakeman D

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2020 October 13 Epub 10/13/2020.

Opioid stewardship in pediatric surgery: Approaching zero.

Calderon T, Hedges E, Livingston MH, Gitzelmann C, Pegoli W, Wakeman D

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2020 September 9 Epub 09/09/2020.

Emergency department utilization following pediatric gastrostomy tube placement is driven by a small cohort of patients.

Ruffolo LI, McGuire A, Calderon T, Wolcott K, Levatino E, Martin H, Foito T, Pulhamus M, Wakeman DS

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2020 August 13 Epub 08/13/2020.

Sternal fractures in children: An analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank.

Vogel AM, Wakeman DS, Wesson DE, Naik-Mathuria B, Shah SR, Lau P, Rosenfeld EH

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2019 January 31 Epub 01/31/2019.

Transitional care for patients with surgical pediatric hepatobiliary disease: choledochal cysts and biliary atresia.

Aspelund G, Mahdi EM, Rothstein DH, Wakeman DS,

Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology.. 2018 December 15 Epub 12/15/2018.

Prevalence and Perceptions of Team Training Programs for Pediatric Surgeons and Anesthesiologists.

Esce A, Rodeberg DA, Rothstein DH, Browne M, Wakeman D,

The Journal of surgical research.. 2018 December 232 :559-563. Epub 08/07/2018.

Creating a safer operating room: Groups, team dynamics and crew resource management principles.

Wakeman D, Langham MR

Seminars in pediatric surgery.. 2018 April 27 (2):107-113. Epub 02/09/2018.

Chronic stridor secondary to erosion of esophageal foreign body into mediastinum

Lookabaugh S, Wakeman D, Pegoli Jr W, Chaturvedi A, Benoit MM.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports. 2018; 37: 13-15.

"Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Rare Variant and Cautionary Tale".

Nicole A. Wilson, Walter Pegoli, Jr., Christopher A. Gitzelmann, Theresa Foito, John J. Faria, Derek Wakeman.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2017; 24: 21-24.

Perforated appendicitis in a preterm neonate: A case report with literature review.

Bose S and Wakeman D.

Case Studies in Surgery. 2017; 3(4): 6-10.

Current status of surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux in children.

Wakeman DS, Wilson NA, Warner BW

Current opinion in pediatrics.. 2016 June 28 (3):356-62. Epub 1900 01 01.

Proline Absorption and SGK1 Expression are Inhibited in Intestinal Tis7 Transgenic Mice.

Lu J, Garcia AM, Geisman T, Wakeman D, Warner BW, Swietlicki EA, Levin MS, Rubin DC

Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.. 2016 38 (4):1532-43. Epub 04/07/2016.

Tis7 deletion reduces survival and induces intestinal anastomotic inflammation and obstruction in high-fat diet-fed mice with short bowel syndrome.

Garcia AM, Wakeman D, Lu J, Rowley C, Geisman T, Butler C, Bala S, Swietlicki EA, Warner BW, Levin MS, Rubin DC

American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology.. 2014 September 15307 (6):G642-54. Epub 07/24/2014.

Enterocyte expression of epidermal growth factor receptor is not required for intestinal adaptation in response to massive small bowel resection.

Rowland KJ, McMellen ME, Wakeman D, Wandu WS, Erwin CR, Warner BW

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2012 September 47 (9):1748-53. Epub 1900 01 01.

Deletion of p38-alpha mitogen-activated protein kinase within the intestinal epithelium promotes colon tumorigenesis.

Wakeman D, Schneider JE, Liu J, Wandu WS, Erwin CR, Guo J, Stappenbeck TS, Warner BW

Surgery.. 2012 August 152 (2):286-93. Epub 1900 01 01.

Ret heterozygous mice have enhanced intestinal adaptation after massive small bowel resection.

Hitch MC, Leinicke JA, Wakeman D, Guo J, Erwin CR, Rowland KJ, Merrick EC, Heuckeroth RO, Warner BW

American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology.. 2012 May 15302 (10):G1143-50. Epub 03/15/2012.

p38 MAPK regulates Bax activity and apoptosis in enterocytes at baseline and after intestinal resection.

Wakeman D, Guo J, Santos JA, Wandu WS, Schneider JE, McMellen ME, Leinicke JA, Erwin CR, Warner BW

American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology.. 2012 May 1302 (9):G997-1005. Epub 03/01/2012.

Regulation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) by p21 is critical for adaptation to massive small bowel resection.

Leinicke JA, Longshore S, Wakeman D, Guo J, Warner BW

Journal of gastrointestinal surgery : official journal of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.. 2012 January 16 (1):148-55; discussion 155. Epub 11/01/2011.

Rectal duplication in an infant.

Wakeman D, McDuffie LA, Warner BW

Surgery.. 2011 June 149 (6):846-7. Epub 12/03/2009.

Intestinal adaptation after small bowel resection in human infants.

McDuffie LA, Bucher BT, Erwin CR, Wakeman D, White FV, Warner BW

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2011 June 46 (6):1045-51. Epub 1900 01 01.

Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling modulates chemokine (CXC) ligand 5 expression and is associated with villus angiogenesis after small bowel resection.

McMellen ME, Wakeman D, Erwin CR, Guo J, Warner BW

Surgery.. 2010 August 148 (2):364-70. Epub 05/14/2010.

Extent of small bowel resection does not influence the magnitude of intestinal adaptation in the mouse.

Wakeman D, Longshore SW, McMellen ME, Santos JA, Guo J, Erwin CR, Warner BW

Journal of pediatric surgery.. 2010 June 45 (6):1274-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Diagnosis of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula: is there a need for gastrointestinal contrast?

McDuffie LA, Wakeman D, Warner BW

The Journal of pediatrics.. 2010 May 156 (5):852. Epub 01/13/2010.

Urogenital nonunion--a rare anomaly associated with the undescended testis.

Wakeman D, Warner BW

American journal of surgery.. 2010 May 199 (5):e59-60. Epub 1900 01 01.

Growth factors: possible roles for clinical management of the short bowel syndrome.

McMellen ME, Wakeman D, Longshore SW, McDuffie LA, Warner BW

Seminars in pediatric surgery.. 2010 February 19 (1):35-43. Epub 1900 01 01.

Diagnosis of Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula: Need for Gastrointestinal Contrast?

McDuffle LA, Wakeman D, Warner BW.

J Pediatr. 2010; 156(5): 852.

Bowel resection induced intestinal adaptation: progress from bench to bedside.

Longshore SW, Wakeman D, McMellen M, Warner BW

Minerva pediatrica.. 2009 June 61 (3):239-51. Epub 1900 01 01.

Fornix lesions impair context-related cingulothalamic neuronal patterns and concurrent discrimination learning in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Smith DM, Wakeman D, Patel J, Gabriel M

Behavioral neuroscience.. 2004 December 118 (6):1225-39. Epub 1900 01 01.

Transitional care for patients with surgical pediatric hepatobiliary disease: choledochal cysts and biliary atresia.

Apselund G, Mahdi E, Wakeman D.

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. In editorial review.

Books

Meckel's Diverticulum In: Encyclopedia of Gastroenterology, 2nd Edition (Kuipers, ed.). (2018)

Authors: Ruffolo LI and Wakeman DS.

Publisher: Elsevier. 2018

Succeeding in Paediatric Surgery Examinations (2012)

Chapter: Short bowel syndrome

Authors: Leinicke JA; Wakeman DS; Warner BW

Publisher: Radcliffe Medical Press Ltd, London UK 2012

Succeeding in Paediatreic Surgery Examinations (2012)

Chapter: Short bowel syndrome

Authors: Wakeman DS; Leinicke JA; Warmer BW

Publisher: Radcliffe Medical Press Ltd, London UK 2012

The Washington Manual of Sugery, 6th ed (2011)

Chapter: Burns

Authors: Wakeman D and Southard RE

Publisher: Lipincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelpha, PA 2011