Department of Surgery Highlights

 Clinical

New Surgical Program Milestones

The department achieved several major clinical firsts, including:

• The first robotic hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) placement at UR Medicine.
• The first HIPEC (Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) procedure performed at the University of Rochester.

These advances expand treatment options for patients with complex cancers.

Strong Memorial Hospital Marks 100 Years as a Cornerstone of Academic Medicine

Strong Memorial Hospital celebrated the 100th anniversary of its opening on January 4th, 2026, recognizing a century of patient care grounded in research, education, and clinical excellence as a founding institution of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). Read the full story

Transplant Program Growth and Innovation

The Transplant Institute celebrated its 100th living donor liver transplant and the cardiac transplant program completed its 400th heart transplant, demonstrating continued growth and excellence in transplant care. Read more

Leadership Recruitment and Development

Two major divisional leadership appointments were announced:

• Clinton Morrison, MD named Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• Marcoandrea Giorgi, MD recruited from Brown University as incoming Chief of Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery.

These appointments position the department for continued growth across clinical, research, and educational missions.

 Education

Commitment to Education and Workforce Development

Highlights included the 6th Annual Resident Research Day, the announcement of the Summer Research Scholar Showcase, multiple resident and trainee awards, and continued investment in mentorship and academic development across all training levels.

 Research

Major NCI Funding Success

Darren Carpizo, MD, PhD received a $3.7 million NCI U01 award to study cancer dormancy, circadian rhythms, and responses to cancer therapies. This represents one of the first U01 grants housed within the Department of Surgery and a major achievement for the department's research enterprise.

Research Excellence and NIH Funding Expansion

Scott Gerber, PhD secured a new NCI R01 grant focused on pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.

Establishment of the Division of Health Services Research

The department launched a new Division of Health Services Research (HSR) led by Fergal Fleming, MD, MPH, FRCSI. The division formalizes and expands the department's health services research efforts and creates new opportunities for collaboration, training, and extramural funding.

National Cancer Institute K99 Award

Lindsey Mattick, PhD, MPH received a prestigious NCI K99 Pathway to Independence Award, supporting her transition to an independent investigator and highlighting the strength of the department's mentoring environment.

Department Pilot Grant Program Launch

The inaugural Department of Surgery Pilot Grant Awards provided substantial support for faculty and trainee research projects, reflecting a strategic investment in future scientific discovery and program development. The recipients of the awards are as follows: 

Single PI Awards ($50,000/year x 2 years)

• Calvin Cole, PhD:  
  "IGFBP-3 as a Therapeutic Target in PDAC-induced Skeletal Muscle Wasting"
• Nikesha Gilmore, PhD: 
  "Defining Immune Cell-Specific and Regulatory Programs of Frailty in Older Cancer Survivors"
  

Multi-PI Award ($100,000/year x 2 years)

• Jo Leckenby, MBBS, PhD and Michelle Janelsins, PhD, MPH: 
   "A combined approach to mitigating chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicities"

Trainee Awards ($25,000 x 1 year)

• Teresa Pullano, MD (mentored by Drs. Michael Vella and Mark Gestring):  
  "Clinical Assessment of Methocarbamol in Chest Wall Trauma:  The CALM-CHEST Investigator Initiated Randomized Clinical"
• Kathleen Carino, MD (mentored by Drs. Ryan Campagna, Nicholas Bedrin, and Derek Wakeman): 
  "SIMORS: Intraoperative Crisis Simulation Training with Validated Teamwork Metrics"
• Michael McCabe, MD (mentored by Drs. Juliet Emamaullee and Roberto Hernandez): 
  "Immune predictors of liver transplant candidacy in patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases"
   

Major National and International Recognition

Faculty received numerous prestigious honors, including:

• Paula Cupertino, PhD receiving both a Distinguished Fulbright Scholar Award and the David Satcher Community Health Improvement Award.
• Abdelhafeez Abdelhafeez, MD receiving Oxford University's Vice Chancellor's Award for Equity in Global Cancer Care for Children.
• Multiple faculty and trainees presented nationally at ASCO, ACS, and other major scientific meetings, reinforcing the department's growing research profile.