Derek Wakeman, M.D.

I love being a pediatric surgeon because I am able to help children through surgery. It is very gratifying to make a profound impact on 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, undescended testicles, pyloric stenosis, and appendicitis. I am particularly interested in treating congenital neonatal diseases (intestinal atresias and diaphragmatic hernia), colorectal diseases (anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung's disease), pathologic reflux disease, 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's disease, and operations for malrotation, reflux (GERD), and pyloric stenosis.
From an academic perspective, I am interested in patient safety. I plan to join hospital committees to further improve safety and patient outcomes at Golisano Children's Hospital.

Professional Background

I treat all general and thoracic neonatal and pediatric surgical diseases. Clinically, I am particularly interested in treating congenital neonatal diseases (intestinal atresias and diaphragmatic hernia), colorectal diseases (anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung's disease), pathologic reflux disease, 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's disease, and operations for malrotation, reflux (GERD), and pyloric stenosis.
I have particular interests in safety and quality improvement. In particular, I wish to research the impact of simulation and checklists on improving surgical patient outcomes. I am also interested in resident and fellow education; in particular, incorporating high fidelity simulation to enhance the educational experience and prepare young surgeons for the operating room. I am a member of a national committee for patient safety through the surgical section of the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).

Research