Department of Surgery Year in Review | 2023 by UC Davis Health

2023

Department of Surgery Year in Review

Department of Surgery At a Glance

clinical divisions

ACGME residency programs

2,348

129

Endowed Lectureships

military residents

residency applications

female faculty

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / INTRODUCTION

interns and residents

faculty

fellows

military faculty

Dear Colleagues and Friends, The tradition of reflection characterizes the end of a year, and each December, I sit down to examine our previous annual reports and consider the many challenges and accomplishments of the past year. This reflection fills me with a warm sense of pride in our achievements and excitement for what the upcoming year will bring. These reports are a testament to the courage, collaboration, and commitment we see every day throughout our department. From faculty to clinical staff, researchers to residents, and students to support staff, everyone plays an essential role in shaping the stories of our success. These stories tell about growth, milestones, surgical advances, and innovation, all rooted in the core missions of surgical education and clinical care. They remind us of the immense privilege and responsibility we have in caring for our community and educating the next generation of surgeon scientists. This year’s report adds a new chapter to our story, which is filled with optimism and progress, despite some lasting effects of COVID. In this report, you will learn about the relaunch of our Liver Transplant Program, the successful recruitment of a new Chief of the Division of Colorectal Surgery, our achievement of a cardiac surgery milestone, and our celebration of 20 years of robotic surgery at UC Davis Health. We also have several These reports are a testament to the courage, UC Davis surgical advances this year, like collaboration, and commitment we see every day the first pediatric robotic cholecystectomy throughout our department. From faculty to clinical surgery, the first profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap technique for breast reconstruction staff, researchers to residents, and students to and novel personalized physician modified support staff, everyone plays an essential role in endografts for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

shaping the stories of our success.

Another new clinical program development is the opening of the area’s first Center for Lymphatic Disease and the region’s first scarless transoral thyroid surgery, coinciding with the launch of a new section of endocrine surgery. These new treatments illustrate the courage to examine novel approaches and leverage expertise through collaboration. We are pleased to announce that we held our inaugural Pynchon Lectureship in Burn Care this fall, thanks to the generous endowment from the Helen Marie Pynchon Trust. This Lectureship will welcome each year distinguished scholars and experts in the field of burn surgery to speak and teach at UC Davis. We are honored by the continuous support of grateful patients, alumni, and emeritus faculty. Thank you for taking the time to read this year’s report. I hope that after reading these pages, you will share my excitement about the future of surgery and UC Davis Health. On behalf of our entire department, I want to express our gratitude for your continued interest in the affairs of the UC Davis Department of Surgery.

Diana Farmer, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.R.C.S.

Distinguished Professor and Pearl Stamps Stewart Endowed Chair Chair, Department of Surgery, UC Davis School of Medicine Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus, UC Davis Children’s Hospital Founder and Co-Director, Center for Surgical Bioengineering

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Division of Burn Surgery and Reconstruction

Division of Cardiac Surgery

Tina Palmieri, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Bob Kiaii, M.D., F.R.C.S.C., F.A.C.S.

Chief, Burn Surgery

Chief, Cardiac Surgery

Director, Firefighters Burn Institute Burn Center at the University of California, Davis

Professor

Jason Heard, M.D.

ADULT CARDIAC SURGERY

Assistant Professor

Jorge Torres Catrip, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Ian Powelson, M.D.

Section Head, Adult Cardiac Surgery

Burn Reconstruction

Associate Professor

Assistant Professor

Kathleen Romanowski, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Philip Chou, M.D. Surgical Director, Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation

Program Director, Burn Surgery Fellowship

Associate Professor

Sabrina Evans, M.D.

Soman Sen, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Associate Program Director, Cardiothoracic Residency Program

Professor

FACULTY AND CLINICIANS

Assistant Professor

PEDIATRIC CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY Gary Raff, M.D., F.A.C.S. Section Head, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Surgical Director, Pediatric Heart Center Program Director, Cardiothoracic Residency Program Professor

Tim Pirolli, M.D. Associate Professor

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / INTRODUCTION

Division of Colorectal Surgery

Division of Foregut, Metabolic and General Surgery

Division of General Thoracic Surgery

Ankit Sarin, M.D., M.H.A.

Mohamed Ali, M.D., F.A.C.S.

David Tom Cooke, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Chief, Colorectal Surgery

Chief, Foregut, Metabolic and General Surgery

Chief, General Thoracic Surgery

Associate Professor

Senior Associate Medical Officer of UC Davis Health

Director, General Thoracic Surgery Robotics Program

Sean Flynn, M.D.

Executive Director of the Center for Alimentary and Metabolic Science

Program Director, Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship

Assistant Professor

Professor

Robert Kucejko, M.D., M.S., M.B.A.

Shushmita Ahmed, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Task-Force Chair, Comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program

Assistant Professor

Associate Program Director, General Surgery Residency

Vice Chair of Robotics & New Technologies, Department of Surgery

Miquell Miller, M.D., M.Sc. Director, UC Davis National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer Assistant Professor

Erik Noren, M.D., M.S. Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor

Victoria Lyo, M.D., M.T.M., F.A.C.S. Associate Director of Clinical Research for the Center for Alimentary and Metabolic Science Director of Surgery, Foregut & Esophageal Motility Center Associate Professor

Hazem Shamseddeen, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S.

Clinical Director, Center for Alimentary and Metabolic Science Associate Professor

GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY Hung Sy Ho, M.D., F.A.C.S. Earl Wolfman Endowed Professor, General Surgery Professor

Jonathan Pierce, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Vice Chair for Faculty Development & Wellness

Associate Physician Lead, Lung Cancer Integrated Service Line Professor

Lisa Brown, M.D., M.A.S. Clinical Director, Comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program Divisional Director of Research and Quality Associate Professor

Luis Godoy, M.D., F.A.C.S. Diversity and Inclusion Director, Department of Surgery Assistant Professor, Section of General Thoracic Surgery Affiliate Faculty, Department of Internal Medicine Assistant Professor

Chinh Phan, D.O. Affiliate Faculty, Division of General Thoracic Surgery Medical Director, Interventional Pulmonary Services Director, Interventional Pulmonology Program Associate Clinical Professor

Health Sciences Clinical Professor Co-Director of Surgery Clerkship Surgical Director, Center for Virtual Care Professor

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / FACULTY

Division of Pediatric, General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Division of Surgical Oncology

Shinjiro Hirose, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Granger Wong, M.D., D.M.D., F.A.C.S.

Robert Canter, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Chief, Division of Pediatric, General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery

Chief, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology

Vice-Chair, Department of Surgery

Program Director, Plastic Surgery Residency

Professor

Director of Pediatric Surgery, Shriners Children’s Northern California Director, UC Davis Fetal Care and Treatment Center Professor

Jamie Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor

Erin Brown, M.D., F.A.C.S. Director, Pediatric Surgical Oncology

Ian Powelson, M.D. Assistant Professor

Ara Salibian, M.D. Director, Breast Microsurgery Director, Center for Lymphatic Disease

BREAST SURGERY

Hira Hasain Abidi, M.D. Assistant Professor

Candice Sauder, M.D., M.Ed., F.A.C.S.

Assistant Professor

Associate Program Director, General Surgery Residency

Michelle Zaldana-Flynn, M.D.

Director of Breast Cancer Surgery Program

Assistant Professor

Associate Program Director for Plastic Surgery Residency

Associate Professor

Diana Farmer, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.R.C.S.

Assistant Professor

ENDOCRINE SURGERY

Chair, Department of Surgery Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus, UC Davis Children’s Hospital

HAND PLASTIC SURGERY

Michael Campbell, M.D., F.A.C.S. Section Head, Endocrine Surgery

Clifford Pereira, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.R.C.S. (Eng)

Professor

Distinguished Professor

Associate Professor

Assistant Professor

Jonathan Kohler, M.D., M.A.

Andrew Li, M.D.

Pearl Stamps Stewart Endowed Chair Co-Director, Center for Surgical Bioengineering

Medical Director, Pediatric Trauma Associate Professor

Payam Saadai, M.D., F.A.C.S. Director, Pediatric Colorectal Program Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor

Ravi Sood, M.D., M.S. Assistant Professor

Claire Graves, M.D., F.A.C.S.

HEPATOBILIARY SURGERY

Cameron Gaskill, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S. Director of Global Surgical Oncology Assistant Professor

Minna Wieck, M.D., F.A.C.S. Assistant Professor Associate Program Director, General Surgery Residency

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Division of Transplant Surgery

Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery and Surgical Critical Care

Sophoclis Alexopoulos, M.D.

Rachael Callcut, M.D., M.S.P.H., F.A.C.S.

Chief, Division of Transplantation Medical Director, Transplant Center Surgical Director, Adult Kidney Transplant Program

Chief, Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Vice Chair, Clinical Science

Associate Program Director, General Surgery Residency and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Associate Professor

Professor

Associate Dean, Data Science and Innovation

Ho Phan, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Naeem Goussous, M.D., F.A.C.S.

UC Davis Health Chief Research Information Officer (CRIO)

Instructor on Record, 4th Year Trauma Clerkship

Assistant Professor

Lea K. Matsuoka, M.D., F.A.C.S. Section Chief, Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Transplant Center

Professor

John Anderson, M.D., F.A.C.S. Professor

Professor

Ian Brown, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S.

Neal Mineyev, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Director, Wraparound Violence Prevention Program

Assistant Professor

Junichiro Sageshima, M.D., F.A.C.S. Surgical Director, Living Donor Kidney Transplant Program Professor

Associate Professor

Christine Cocanour, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Tanya Rinderknecht, M.D., F.A.C.S. Assistant Professor

Anamaria Robles, M.D. Assistant Professor

Edgardo Salcedo, M.D., F.A.C.S. Program Director, General Surgery Residency Surgical Director, Center for Simulation and Education Enhancement Interim Vice Chair of Education, Department of Surgery

Section Chief, Surgical Critical Care

Professor

Associate Dean of Academic Advancements, UC Davis School of Medicine

David Shatz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Professor

Joseph Galante, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S.

Sawyer Smith, M.D., M.B.A.

Interim Chief Medical Officer

Assistant Professor

Professor

Kathryn Stadeli, M.D., M.P.H.

Rachel Hight, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Assistant Professor

Associate Professor

Military-Civilian Partnership Liaison

Gregory Jurkovich, M.D., F.A.C.S. Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs and Quality Donant Endowed Chair in Trauma Medicine and Trauma Research Distinguished Professor

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / FACULTY

Professor

Program Director, Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

Associate Program Director, General Surgery Residency

David Leshikar, M.D.

Garth Utter, M.D., F.A.C.S. Professor

Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Research Sean Adams, Ph.D. Vice Chair, Basic Science Scientific Director, Center for Alimentary and Metabolic Science Professor

Bethany Cummings, D.V.M., Ph.D. Associate Scientific Director, Center for Alimentary and Metabolic Science Director, UC Davis Veterinary Scientist Training Program Director, UC Davis DVM/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program

Misty Humphries, M.D., M.A.S., R.P.V.I., F.A.C.S. Interim Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery

Associate Professor

Dake Hao, Ph.D.

Director, Vascular Center and UC Davis Wound Care Center

Assistant Researcher

Program Director, Vascular Integrated Residency Program

Jinhwan Kim, Ph.D.,

Program Director, Research Experience in Surgery (RESURG) Professor

Nasim Hedayati, M.D., M.A.S., F.A.C.S., R.P.V.I. Medical Director, UC Davis Vein Center Professor

Assistant Professor Surgery Assistant Professor Bioengineering

K.C. Kent Lloyd, D.V.M., Ph.D. Director, UC Davis Mouse Biology Program Associate Director, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

Melissa Keller, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor

Assistant Professor

Aijun Wang, Ph.D.

Mimmie Kwong, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Vice Chair, Translational Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Assistant Professor

Co-Director, Surgical Bioengineering Laboratory

Steven Maximus, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Chancellor’s Fellow

Director, Aortic Program Assistant Professor

Professor of Surgery Professor of Bioengineering

U.S. Military Faculty Conner Caples, M.D.

Austin Holmes, M.D., M.P.H.

Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor (U.S. Air Force) *Vascular

Anders Davidson, M.D., M.A.S.

Jennifer Linde, D.O.

Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor (U.S. Air Force) *Vascular

Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor (U.S. Air Force) *Trauma

Associate Program Director, Vascular Surgery Integrated Residency 4th Year Clerkship Director

Angela Geise, M.D. Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor (U.S. Air Force) *Vascular

Shaun Gifford, M.D. Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor (U.S. Air Force) *Vascular

Lindsey Nazarek, D.O. Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor (U.S. Air Force) *Trauma

Rachel Russo, M.D., F.A.C.S. Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor (U.S. Air Force) *Trauma

Scott Adrian Zakaluzny, M.D., F.A.C.S. Volunteer Clinical Professor (U.S. Air Force) *Trauma

Thomas Heafner, M.D. Volunteer Assistant Clinical Professor (U.S. Air Force) *Vascular

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Faculty News Misty Humphries, M.D., named President-Elect of the Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Society Dr. Humphries will serve a one-year term as President-Elect before taking the helm as President in 2024. She is currently a Professor of Surgery and is serving as Interim Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery, Interim Medical Director, Vascular and Wound Care Centers at UC Davis Health, and Program Director, UC Davis Integrated Vascular Residency Program.

Tina Palmieri, M.D., awarded Master of Critical Care Medicine Designation The Society of Critical Care Medicine recently recognized Tina Palmieri, M.D., with the Master of Critical Care Medicine (MCCM) designation. This recognition honors members who have distinguished themselves by achieving national and international professional prominence by personal character, leadership, eminence in clinical practice, outstanding contributions to research and education in critical care medicine, or years of exemplary service to SCCM, ACCM, and the field of critical care medicine in its broadest sense.

New Elected Fellows of American College of Surgeons Cameron Gaskill, M.D. Luis Godoy, M.D.

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / FACULTY

Candice Sauder, M.D., was named by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) to its Executive and Educational Committees Dr. Sauder’s appointment is a threeyear renewable term. As a member of the AJCC Executive and Education Committees, Dr. Sauder will work to educate and improve efforts in using cancer staging standards and validate systems for the classification and management of cancer, including state-of-the-science prognostic tools and resources.

Department of Surgery wins three CASE Awards The Council for Advancement and Support of Education, or CASE, a global nonprofit association dedicated to educational advancement professionals, has recognized three Department of Surgery video and communications efforts in its 2023 national and regional best-of lists. Jonathan Emerson Kohler, M.D., M.A., was recognized for direction and production of two educational videos: “Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele” (Video Promotional Short), and “UC Davis Fetal Surgery Patient and Family Testimonials” (Video Promotional Long). These two awards recognize Dr. Kohler’s extraordinary, creative, and innovative storytelling. “Making Prosthetics More Lifelike” (Communications – Storytelling Award) featured Drs. Clifford Pereira and Andrew Li and spotlighted a team of engineers, scientists and surgeons at UC Davis working together to make life easier for amputees through a combination of surgery, advanced machine learning and smart prosthetics.

Robert Canter, M.D., appointed Chair of the Graduate Group in Immunology Robert Canter, M.D., Professor and Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology, was appointed Chair of the Graduate Group in Immunology at UC Davis, effective October 2023. Dr. Canter is a surgeon-scientist and researcher with a strong focus on developing multispecies models for natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy. In this new role, he will serve a three-year term and will be responsible for serving as the academic leader for the Graduate Group in Immunology which is a universitywide interdepartmental graduate program that comprises a group of more than 60 faculty and approximately 40 students. The Immunology Graduate Group offers an integrated curriculum that prepares Ph.D. students toengage in interdisciplinary science in an exciting and leading-edge field of biology and medicine.

Diana Farmer, M.D., recognized for pioneering work in pediatric surgery and fetal therapy Diana Farmer, M.D., has received the esteemed 2023 Robert E. Gross Award for Excellence in Pediatric Research and Achievement from the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA). This recognition is a significant milestone for Farmer, a leader in the field of pediatric surgery. The APSA Robert E. Gross Award for Excellence in Pediatric Research and Achievement acknowledges exceptional contributions that have revolutionized the way pediatric surgeons approach a specific issue. The award recognizes groundbreaking work that stands the test of time and is widely accepted as the gold standard in the field.

Diana Farmer, M.D., appointed to National Academy of Medicine Leadership Role Diana Farmer, Chair of the Department of Surgery, has accepted the appointment to the membership committee of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and Vice Chair of Section 6 (surgery, anesthesiology, ophthalmology, and radiology). Considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine, NAM recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. The membership of NAM is organized into twelve membership sections. Each represents an area of professional endeavor that includes two or more subdisciplines. Each membership section has a chair and vice chair (appointed by the President for two-year terms). These leaders represent the section on the Membership Committee and serve as liaisons to suggest potential study committee members and report reviewers. Farmer began the two-year term in July. Established originally as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy and inspires positive actions across sectors. NAM works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions.

David T. Cooke, M.D., appointed interim physician-in-chief for UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and UC Davis Health David T. Cooke, M.D., has been appointed interim physician-in-chief for UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and UC Davis Health. In the position, he will lead the development and oversight of the cancer center’s performance targets and metrics, setting standards of care, measuring and improving clinical outcomes and disseminating best practices.

2023 Emeritus faculty Richard Bold, M.D., F.A.C.S. Vice Chair Strategy Medical Director, UC Davis Cancer Care Network Isabelle J. McDonald Endowed Professor of Cancer Research Professor

Bethany Cummings, D.V.M., Ph.D., appointed Director of Veterinary Scientist Program Dr. Bethany Cummings, from our Center for Alimentary and Metabolic Science, has been appointed Director of the Veterinary Scientist Training Program (VSTP) for the School of Veterinary Medicine. She will serve a five-year term in this role under a joint appointment between the School of Medicine and the School of Veterinary Medicine. As Director of the VSTP, Dr. Cummings will lead the training, mentorship, and recruitment of the next generation of veterinary scientists, graduating from the dual D.V.M./Ph.D. degree program. A graduate of the School’s VSTP program, Dr. Cummings cultivated her interest in endocrinology and metabolic physiology and their interface with veterinary medicine. Her studies inspired her to develop and study animal models of bariatric surgery. In 2021, Dr. Cummings was recruited to the Department of Surgery to contribute to the establishment of a new center for metabolic disease research that spans molecular, animal, and human model systems.

Matthew Mell, M.D., M.S. Chief, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Pearl Stamps Stewart Endowed Professor Medical Director Vascular Center

Richard Perez, M.D., F.A.C.S. Chief, Division of Transplant Surgery Director, Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program Medical Director Transplant Center Professor

Lee Pu, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Professor

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Diamond Docs The Diamond Docs program celebrates physicians recognized by their patients for extraordinary adult inpatient care demonstrated by careful listening, clear explanations, and respectful partnerships. Our department is pleased to acknowledge this year’s Diamond Doc Award faculty: GENERAL THORACIC SURGERY

David Cooke, M.D. Luis Godoy, M.D. FOREGUT AND METABOLIC SURGERY

Mohamed Ali, M.D. ENDOCRINE SURGERY

Michael Campbell, M.D. ONCOLOGY SURGERY

Cameron Gaskill, M.D. TRANSPLANT SURGERY

Naeem Goussous, M.D. Richard Perez, M.D. TRAUMA/ACUTE CARE/ CRITICAL CARE

John Anderson, M.D. Rachael Callcut, M.D. Christine Cocanour, M.D. Rachel Hight, M.D. Lindsey Nazarek, M.D. Tanya Rinderknecht, M.D. Anamaria Robles, M.D. Kathleen Romanowski, M.D. Edgardo Salcedo, M.D. Kathryn Stadeli, M.D. Garth Utter, M.D. Scott Zakaluzny, M.D. VASCULAR SURGERY

Steven Maximus, M.D.

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / FACULTY

Lisa Brown, M.D., was elected a member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery.

Rachael Callcut, M.D., was named Associate Editor of Informatics/ Data Science for the American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) online journal Trauma Surgery and Acute Care Open (TSACO) and was elected to the American Surgical Association and the Halsted Society.

Michael Campbell, M.D., and Claire Graves, M.D., were awarded the honor of hosting the 2027 American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) Annual Meeting at UC Davis Health.

Claire Graves, M.D., received a CTSC Health Data Analytics Grant to study geographic access to endocrine surgeons in the U.S.

Diana Farmer, M.D., received a “Disruptors in Healthcare” Sharecare award.

Nasim Hedayati, M.D., was named a Distinguished Fellow by the American Venous Forum.

Jason Heard, M.D., was appointed as a Board Member of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, a leader in supporting burn survivors.

Rachel Hight, M.D., was selected to participate in the UC Office of the President’s Women’s Initiative for Professional Development.

Rachel Hight, M.D., and Rachael Callcut, M.D., were awarded a Mission Zero Congressional Program Grant for the Civilian Military Partnership Program for 2023–2025.

Gregory Jurkovich, M.D., played a lead role in the Data Adjudication Group for the landmark New England Journal of Medicine article “Aspirin or Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for Thromboprophylaxis after a Fracture.”

Jonathan Emerson Kohler, M.D., won a national and regional Council for Advancement and Support and Education (CASE) award for his work in producing “Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele” (Spina Bifida) and “UC Davis Fetal Surgery Patient and Family Testimonials” videos.

Robert Kucejko, M.D., was recruited to the Physician Advisor program and appointed to the role of Patient Safety Indicator (PSI)/Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) Champion at UC Davis. He was also appointed as a guest editor for the Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery for an issue on Health Policy.

Miquell Miller, M.D., was appointed as Rectal Cancer Program Director for the UC Davis National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) and led a successful re-accreditation effort this year. She was also inducted to the Center for the Advancement of Multicultural Perspectives on Science (CAMPOS), as an affiliated faculty member which is a prestigious research community designed to improve multicultural research across UC Davis Health.

Neal Mineyev, M.D., was confirmed by UNOS (the national governing body for all of transplantation in the U.S.) as Surgical Director and primary pediatric transplant surgeon for UC Davis Transplant Program.

Erik Noren, M.D., was invited to serve on the Membership Services Committee for the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT).

Tina Palmieri, M.D., was named a Fellow of the American Burn Association (FABA) for her significant commitment and contribution to burn care. Dr. Palmieri was also honored with the newly named professorship, the Helen Marian Bart Endowed Professorship in Burn Care.

Anamaria Robles, M.D., is a new member of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and was selected for a travel award from the Coalition for National Trauma Research (CNTR) for participation in the AHRQ-sponsored SAFER trauma symposium/workgroup.

Kathleen Romanowski, M.D., was recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine and a Fellow of the American Burn Association (FABA), which recognizes significant commitment and contribution to burn care.

Faculty appointments Michael Campbell, M.D., F.A.C.S., named inaugural section head chief of endocrine surgery Dr. Michael Campbell has been named the inaugural section chief of endocrine surgery at UC Davis Health. Campbell assumed this new role on July 1, 2023. He joined UC Davis Health in 2013 as the region’s first fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon and has since developed a nationally recognized program for the treatment of patients with endocrine surgical disorders. Endocrine surgery is a subspecialty of general surgery that focuses on diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. Partnering with Dr. Claire Graves, who joined the UC Davis Department of Surgery faculty in 2020, the Section of Endocrine Surgery has grown into a high-volume, specialty practice that brings leading-edge research and surgical expertise to the Sacramento region previously only seen in large metropolitan hospitals.

David T. Cooke has been appointed interim physician-in-chief for UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and UC Davis Health Professor and founding chief of the Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Cooke will lead the development and oversight of the cancer center’s performance targets and metrics, setting standards of care, measuring and improving clinical outcomes, and disseminating best practices. Cooke’s direct reports will include the medical directors of the inpatient oncology units and outpatient clinics, as well as the cancer center’s disease groups, physicians and clinician leaders.

Sawyer Smith, M.D., was selected to become the Medical Director of the Trauma/General Surgery ward.

Kate Stadeli, M.D., was selected for a travel award from the Coalition for National Trauma Research (CNTR) for participation in the AHRQ-sponsored SAFER trauma symposium/workgroup.

Ankit Sarin, M.D., was appointed co-chair of the Robotic Committee on the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

New Faculty Department of Surgery welcomes new liver transplant team leadership Sophoclis Alexopoulos has been appointed the new chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery. Alexopoulos, who comes to UC Davis Health from Vanderbilt University, started the new job last month. He replaces Richard Perez, who retired this year after 30 years with UC Davis Health. “We are very fortunate to have recruited Dr. Alexopoulos to UC Davis,” said Diana Farmer, M.D. “He is an exceptional surgeon with expertise in adult and pediatric transplantation as well as complex liver cancer surgery.” Farmer noted his extensive research portfolio, which includes the use of state-of-the-art machine perfusion technology to improve liver graft survival, analysis of liver transplant for hepatic malignancies, and optimization of liver transplant in critically ill patients. “I am excited to come back to my home state of California and join the outstanding Department of Surgery at UC Davis,” Alexopoulos expressed. “I am inspired by the dedication and excellence of Dr. Perez over his three-decade career, and enthusiastic about the future of all transplantation at UC Davis Health.” At Vanderbilt, Alexopoulos was chief of the Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant, surgical director for the adult and pediatric liver transplant programs, and a faculty of the Ingram Cancer Center specializing in complex liver cancer surgery. Prior to Vanderbilt, Alexopoulos was an associate professor of clinical surgery in the Division of Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic and Abdominal Organ Transplant Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. He also served as the surgical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at Keck Medical Center of USC, associate surgical director of the Pediatric Liver/Intestinal Transplant Program at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and surgical director of its Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program. Alexopoulos received his medical degree from Columbia University. He completed his surgical residency at Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a fellowship in abdominal transplant (multi-organ transplant and hepatobiliary) at Stanford University Medical Center.

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / FACULTY

Colorectal surgery welcomes Ankit Sarin as division chief Ankit Sarin, M.D., M.P.H., has been appointed chief of the Division of Colorectal Surgery and vice chair of robotics and new technologies in the Department of Surgery. Sarin comes to UC Davis from UC San Francisco, where he was an associate professor of colorectal surgery. During his tenure there, Sarin held various roles, including clinic director of colorectal surgery and director of robotic surgery. “I am honored to join the Department of Surgery at UC Davis,” Sarin said. “These are exciting times at UC Davis with the start of new programs such as complex robotic colorectal surgery and upcoming expansions and clinical care.” Sarin was drawn to UC Davis by the opportunity to help build the Division of Colorectal Surgery from the ground up, addressing the significant need for stateof-the-art colorectal care in the region. Additionally, Sarin stated that Diana Farmer, chair of the Department of Surgery, has been a source of inspiration and played a key role in his decision to join UC Davis. “Dr. Sarin is an exceptionally talented leader and surgeon whose excellence has driven advances in the field and helped countless patients,” Farmer said. “We are thrilled to have him join the Department of Surgery and lead our colorectal surgery program.” In his new role, Sarin will oversee the division and ensure the delivery of high-quality care to patients. He is committed to building a multidimensional division with a focus on education, research, and health equity. He is particularly excited about working with enthusiastic and dedicated young faculty members who represent the future of surgery.

Lea Matsuoka joins Division of Transplant Surgery Lea Matsuoka, M.D., F.A.C.S., has been appointed as professor of surgery in the Division of Transplant Surgery and chief of the Section of Liver Transplantation. Dr. Matsuoka comes to UC Davis Health from Vanderbilt University, where she was an associate professor of hepatobiliary surgery and liver transplantation. Prior to Vanderbilt, Dr. Matsuoka held the position of assistant professor of clinical surgery in the Division of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic, and Abdominal Organ Transplant Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) and was the associate surgical director of the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Dr. Matsuoka completed her medical degree and General Surgery residency and fellowship in Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Matsuoka is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is a member of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, the Pacific Coast Surgical Association, and the International Liver Transplantation Society.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome transplant surgeon Dr. Matsuoka back to California and with joining the UC Davis Department of Surgery,” said Department of Surgery Chair Diana Farmer, M.D. “She brings extensive clinical and research experience from her time at Vanderbilt University and USC. With this summer’s relaunch of the UC Davis Health liver transplant program, she will be instrumental in furthering the growth of our liver program by providing comprehensive care for complex hepatobiliary surgical patients as well as liver transplant patients.”

Philip Chou joins Division of Cardiac Surgery Philip Chou, M.D., has been appointed as associate professor surgical director of the Heart Failure, Advanced Mechanical Support, and Heart Transplantation Program in the Division of Cardiac Surgery. Dr. Chou graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed his General Surgery residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA. He completed his Cardiothoracic training at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, and fellowship training in Thoracic Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. Chou comes to UC Davis from Houston Methodist Hospital, J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center, where he served as assistant professor and attending cardiac surgeon in the Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Program. Dr. Chou is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in heart transplant, mechanical circulatory support, ECMO, and cardiac surgery. Dr. Chou will be instrumental in the launch of the Heart Transplant program at UC Davis Health. His administrative office will be on the 6th floor of the North Addition Office Building (NAOB) and he will be seeing patients in his clinic located in the Cypress building.

“Transplant surgery can provide patients a second chance at life, and we want everyone in Northern California who needs this care to know that we are building a truly exceptional multidisciplinary program they can trust right here.” Diana Farmer, M.D., Chair, Department of Surgery

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

CLINICAL CARE Celebrating 20 years of robotic surgery This year, the Department of Surgery is celebrating 20 years of offering patients minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery. With this milestone, we continue to be a leader in robotic surgery while offering patients unmatched, minimally invasive, quality surgical care. As an early adopter of robotic surgery, we performed the first robotic surgery procedure in the region, a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, with a Zues robot. This procedure launched one of the earliest robotic bariatric surgery programs in the country. “Reaching this monumental achievement at UC Davis Health is a wonderful reminder of each of the patients treated, and the lives touched over the last 20 years,” said Mohamed R. Ali, M.D., chief of the Division of Foregut, Metabolic and General Surgery and director of the Fellowship in Advanced Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, who performed the first robotic procedure at UC Davis Health.

Being designated as a training center for the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Foundation’s Cardiac Surgical Robotics Program, the first such center in California and just the sixth in the United States.

Performing the first single-anesthesia diagnosis to treatment of lung cancer using a fully robotic approach in the UC Health system.

Becoming the only hospital in the region to offer off-pump bypass robotic-assisted cardiac surgery

Adopting low-pressure insufflation as the standard for all surgical laparoscopic procedures, utilizing ConMed’s AirSeal® System. The medical center was the first multi-site health system in the nation to implement the practice systemwide.

Being one of the first health systems to publish on how to teach robotic surgery and working with Intuitive to develop the tele illustration system which is still used today.

Cutting the median length of stay for lung cancer patients in half from four days to just two days, with over 20% of patients going home the next day after surgery.

Leading the way

Over the last two decades, UC Davis has become a leader in the field of robotic surgery and has been at the forefront of defining and refining the best uses and techniques for the practice. Some of the department’s accomplishments include:

“What we’ve been able to accomplish over the last two decades in robotic surgery has set a standard in this field, and it has been tremendously rewarding to be a part of the team of faculty and staff who have achieved this milestone.” Mohamed R. Ali

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Currently, the department offers minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgical procedures across seven medical divisions, which include: Cardiac Surgery Colorectal Surgery Foregut, Metabolic, and General Surgery General Thoracic Pediatric Surgery Transplant Surgery Vascular Surgery

Each procedure is performed by a highly experienced and skilled team of surgeons, nurses and technicians specially trained to use robotic surgical systems.

These include the medical center’s nine surgical robots: four da Vinci XI dual console robots, two Ion Endoluminal Platform by Intuitive, da Vinci SP (single port), ExcelsiusGPS ® Robotic Navigation Platform by Globus and the Stryker Mako SmartRobotics system. For surgeons, robotic systems provide improved 3D visualization and precision control of surgical instruments. The technology can be ideal for certain delicate or complex surgeries because it makes it easier for surgeons to avoid surrounding nerves and organs. “Advanced robotics is revolutionizing minimally invasive cardiac surgery for both the patient and the physician,” said Bob Kiaii, M.D., chief of Cardiac Surgery. “The robot overcomes the limitations of traditional technology and allows the surgeon to have all the degrees of freedom of her or his hands to be more efficient and accurate during procedures.” “The advantage of this approach lies in its safety as the smaller incisions, combined with greater precision, help reduce pain and scarring, which ultimately leads to quicker recovery, less time in the hospital, and a faster return to home and a normal life for our patients,” explained David T. Cooke, M.D., founding chief of General Thoracic Surgery.

“By training the next generation of surgeons to perform robotic surgery, we can ensure that tomorrow’s surgeons have the technical skills to perform minimally invasive procedures, leading to improved patient outcomes.” Mohamed R. Ali, M.D.

Training the next generation

Each surgical robot used at the medical center has dual consoles, which allows residents and fellows to train with a faculty member during a procedure. Robotic surgery has also created a simulator room open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, for faculty and staff to train in new techniques or warm-up for procedures in a low-stress environment. In addition, the department brings in a mobile robot training system for two weeks, twice a year, to train residents and all staff, including nurses, to use the double console robots. In 2025, we will see the opening of a new building with space dedicated to robotic surgical training. Once built, medical students, residents, fellows, staff, and international colleagues can observe and perform robotic surgery on high-fidelity models using the same equipment they would encounter in the operating room. The space will also provide a platform for industry partners to reveal new and innovative technology. Our department’s robotic surgical capacity will also expand under the leadership of Ankit Sarin, M.D., M.P.H., chief of Colorectal Surgery and the new Vice Chair of Robotics and New Technologies for the Department of Surgery.

At a glance

clinical divisions

5,345

total transplants since 1988

liver transplants since June 2023

American College of Surgeons designations: Surgical Quality Partner

Level I Adult Trauma Center Level I Children’s Surgery Center Level I Pediatric Trauma Center Commission on Cancer, National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer

U.S. News & World Report nationally ranked: Cancer care Cardiology, heart & vascular surgery Pulmonology & lung surgery

U.S. News & World Report high-performing: Gastroenterology & GI surgery Colon cancer surgery Lung cancer surgery Heart failure Kidney failure Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

UC Davis is one of only six centers in the United States to be designated as a training center for the AATS Foundation’s Cardiac Surgical Robotics Program.

Cardiac surgery program reaches major milestone with 50th robotic procedure The Division of Cardiac Surgery at UC Davis Health has achieved a major milestone by successfully completing 50 robotic cardiac surgery procedures. This achievement has made the hospital the first in the Sacramento region to reach this mark. UC Davis Health is the sole hospital in the region that offers cardiothoracic robotic surgery and has now been recognized as a Center of Excellence. UC Davis has been chosen by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) to serve as a training center for other institutions. It is one of only six centers in the United States designated as a training center for the AATS Foundation’s Cardiac Surgical Robotics Program. As the sole program in the west, surgeons from across the country come to learn and master the fundamentals of robotic mitral valve surgery techniques. The program is under the leadership of Bob Kiaii, chief of the Division of Cardiac Surgery, and cardiac surgeon Jorge Catrip. Kiaii and Catrip are also the

primary surgeons leading the teaching at the robotic surgery training center. Kiaii is known internationally as a leader in pioneering minimally invasive cardiac procedures, including roboticassisted heart surgery. In 2019, he joined the Department of Surgery and brought his expertise in robotic-assisted heart surgery to UC Davis. Dr. Kiaii has undergone specialized training in minimally invasive robotic cardiac procedures, and has performed numerous pioneering operations, including the world’s first robotic-assisted surgeries for aortic valve replacement for aortic valve stenosis, right atrial perforation repair, and left atrial appendage ligation for atrial fibrillation. In 2020, Dr. Kiaii performed Northern California’s first robotic mitral valve repair, leveraging his expertise in advancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques at UC Davis Health. Catrip joined the Department of Surgery in 2021. He completed clinical fellowships in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) and robotic cardiac surgery, as well as a fellowship in valve repair and an observership in totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass surgery. He holds double board certification in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery.

“This milestone would not have been achieved if we did not have a great robotic team who are committed and invested in this procedure and have a dedication to work hard in order to have a good outcome. These members are operating room nurses, clinical perfusionists, anesthesiologists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, residents, and attending surgeons. It is the amazing teamwork that made this milestone possible.” – Bob Kiaii, M.D., F.R.C.S.C., F.A.C.S.

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First robotic-assisted pediatric cholecystectomy performed at UC Davis Health Our Pediatric Surgery Division extended the use of robotic technology in the operating room by performing the first robotic-assisted surgery on a pediatric patient at UC Davis Health. Payam Saadi, M.D., Division of Pediatric Surgery, and Shushmita Ahmed, M.D., Division of Foregut, Metabolic and General Surgery, performed the procedure. “While we are seeing a wider acceptance of robotic surgery for general surgery procedures in adults, it has not been widely adopted in pediatric surgery, except for the field of pediatric urology,” notes Saadi. “Like traditional laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery offers the same benefits of a minimally invasive approach,

including reduced pain and discomfort, faster recovery time, minimal scarring, and shorter hospitalization. But in addition, it confers a degree of visualization and depth that traditional laparoscopy lacks as well as improved instrument articulation,” said Saadi. Given the pediatric patient’s previous history of bariatric surgery, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to collaborate with bariatric and robotics surgeon Shushmita Ahmed, M.D. After consulting with Dr. Ahmed, it became apparent that the benefits of using a robotic approach, in this case, would offer significant advantages for the patient. “The technology is changing and changing fast. I believe

that with continued improvements in the size of the instrumentation that is used for robotic surgery, we will be able to use the approach for more delicate congenital procedures in infants and very young children. It is only a matter of time. Like many new and exciting things, this was partly by chance and partly by our department having the right expertise and elements in place at the perfect time,” said Saadi.

Payam Saadi, M.D., and Shushmita Ahmed, M.D.

UC Davis Health performs first fully robotic nephrectomy on a living donor Robotic procedure makes kidney donation less invasive

Transplant surgeon Junichiro Sageshima, M.D., and team performed the first fully robotic nephrectomy on a living donor in the Sacramento region. The robotic living donor nephrectomy surgery was carried out using the latest Intuitive Surgical Robotic System, which has small robotic arms that imitate natural dexterity. The robotic arm was controlled by a team of surgeons from a console, which enabled the removal of the donor kidney through small incisions. “The robotic arm’s instrumentation offers a greater range of motion than the human wrist with efficient and precise action,” said Junichiro Sageshima, surgical director of the living donor kidney transplant program, who performed the procedure. “This provides us with easier access to areas that are hard to reach and better visualization.” Traditionally, living donor nephrectomies have been performed using either a laparoscopic technique or open surgery. Robotic-assisted procedures enable smaller incisions to perform the transplant, which often leads to a quicker recovery with less pain and scarring than a traditional surgery.

“The advantage of this approach lies in its safety as the smaller incisions, combined with greater precision, help reduce pain and scarring, which ultimately leads to rapid recovery, less hospitalization, and a faster return to normal life,” Sageshima added. Transplant center growth The robotic living donor nephrectomy program is a multidisciplinary collaboration. It includes operating room staff, nurses, the transplant and robotic surgery teams and leadership, who provided the necessary tools and facility space to deliver the best care possible. “This new procedure positions the UC Davis transplant program for continued growth and advancement in the services it provides and the quality of care it delivers,” said Sophoclis Alexopoulos, chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery. “This expanded use of robotic tools in transplantation is an example of our faculty’s ongoing mission to introduce new techniques to enhance patient care and safety.” Moving forward, kidney removal or nephrectomy procedures, will be done using robotic and laparoscopic techniques, depending on the availability of robotic systems.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Leslie Peek with her husband, Ryan, daughter Genevieve and son Connor.

Plastic Surgery Division conducts first profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap for advanced breast cancer reconstruction at UC Davis Health

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For many women who have undergone mastectomies, recreating a sense of normalcy and wholeness is an important part of their cancer journey. Reconstructive plastic surgery plays a key role as women get back to life after cancer this year, and the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is pleased to offer this new option for patients.

For many years, similar “all-natural” reconstruction methods, such as the DIEP flap, have been used to take tissue from the tummy to shape into a reconstructed breast. However, some women don’t have enough abdominal tissue to make a natural breast or have had certain prior abdominal surgeries that prevent use of this tissue. The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap technique for breast reconstruction is now available at UC Davis. The “PAP” is a blood vessel that runs through the thigh and the “flap” is tissue taken from the inside of the upper thigh. The PAP flap gives women another option for natural reconstruction of the breast.

First patient

In 2023, breast cancer survivor Leslie Peek was the first patient at UC Davis Health to undergo the PAP flap procedure. At 43, the athletic mother of two was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram. Peek, who manages a career counseling team supporting pre-med students at UC Davis, knew it was important to research her medical options and gather as much information as possible. She decided a bilateral mastectomy would bring her the best peace of mind. The next choice involved exploring options for breast reconstruction. “I knew my body would expand and contract as I enjoyed the rest of my life, so a natural reconstruction was appealing to me rather than breast implants,” Peek said. “However, there was not enough tissue in my abdomen for the traditional type of natural reconstruction.” As a former triathlete and current strength-training coach, Peek doesn’t have a lot of extra fat and tissue to spare. “However, my thighs turned out to be a rich source of tissue,” Peek said with a laugh.

“The ability to offer this surgery has allowed us to expand the options for patients to have a natural breast reconstruction after a mastectomy who otherwise would not have been candidates for this type of procedure.” – Ara Salibian M.D.

The procedure

Small blood vessels that feed the thigh tissue are sewn to vessels in the chest to allow the tissue to survive in its new location. This involves connecting the small vessels (2 millimeters in diameter) under a microscope in what is called “microsurgery.” The PAP flap consists of skin and fat that is removed from the thigh and then molded into a breast shape. Ara Salibian, a plastic surgeon, and fellow plastic surgeon Michelle Zaldana-Flynn performed the PAP flap procedure on Peek. Salibian is the new director of breast microsurgery at UC Davis. Salibian specializes in reconstructive microsurgery of the breast and lower extremities as well as lymphatic surgery or microvascular surgery for the treatment of lymphedema. “Many women do not want artificial breast implants that contain silicone or saline,” Salibian said. “The ability to offer this surgery has allowed us to expand the options for patients to have a natural breast reconstruction after a mastectomy who otherwise would not have been candidates for this type of procedure.”

Post reconstruction

Peek said she was up and walking around within a couple days of the PAP flap procedure and returned to caring for her kids at home and her career on campus within a few weeks.

“The symmetry of my breasts is great and I feel like myself,” Peek said. “After the procedure, I felt hope for the first time — like I was going to be okay. For me, this was the right choice.” “Leslie had an incredible attitude throughout her entire breast cancer treatment and breast reconstruction journey. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of her treatment team, and we are thrilled she can now get back to normal life,” said Salibian. Peek said she credits Salibian for being a champion for breast cancer survivors and said the supportive environment created by her medical team, including surgical oncologist Dr. Candice Sauder, who performed her bilateral mastectomy, was truly remarkable. “Breast cancer is challenging no matter what stage, but Leslie’s was caught early, which gave her the most options for treatment and reconstruction,” Sauder said. “She really thought about her options and made the right choice for her. This is our goal for all of our patients, and she has done amazingly well!” “My experience throughout treatment and follow-up care has made me even more proud to work for UC Davis,” Peek said. “I’m grateful because I know some women have to wait a couple of years to receive this type of reconstruction or are forced to travel a long way to receive it — and, yet, we have access to this innovative technology right here!”

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

New Lung-LEAD Clinic to increase lung cancer screening and save lives Even though lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer death for both men and women, relatively few people undergo screening. Only about 1% of those eligible in California are getting checked, which troubles doctors. “We need to address this crisis,” cancer surgeon David T. Cooke said. “People who are between 50 and 80 years of age who smoke or who used to smoke need to talk to their doctor about getting screened for lung cancer.” Cooke, who is the chief of the Division of General Thoracic Surgery, said that new robotic procedures his team uses make life-saving diagnosis and removal of lung cancer possible during a single surgery — but patients must be screened to detect the lung cancer before it spreads. “Most of the lung cancer patients I operate on were never screened,” Cooke said. “Many come to me only after they experience symptoms, which usually means the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage when it is harder to treat.”

The navigators are proactively engaging with eligible patients to conduct virtual screenings. They then schedule convenient appointments for patients with health care providers to encourage them to receive a low-dose CT scan to check for lung cancer.

New lung cancer screening guidelines

50–80 years old

Smoked 20 “pack-years” and either still smokes or quit within the past 15 years (Pack-year means smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for a year or an equivalent amount)

“There is a stigma associated with smoking that, frankly, prevents a lot of people from bringing up lung cancer screening with their doctor,” said Chinh Phan, director of the UC Davis Health Interventional Pulmonology Program. “There is no judgment here. Tobacco addiction is tremendously powerful and harmful. With 80% of all lung cancer tied to tobacco use, we have to talk about it openly and encourage our patients to get screened so that, “Most of the lung cancer patients I operate on were if they do get lung cancer, it is caught never screened. Many come to me only after they early when there’s a best chance for experience symptoms, which usually means the it to be cured.” cancer has progressed to an advanced stage when Phan teamed up with Cooke to raise awareness about the need for it is harder to treat.” UC Davis Health primary care clinics David T. Cooke, M.D., Professor and Founding Chief, to initiate contact with patients rather Division of General Thoracic Surgery than wait for patients to schedule a check-up with their physician. UC Davis Health launches new program Patients whose screening through the Lung-LEAD to increase lung cancer screening Clinic reveals a lung nodule are quickly scheduled with UC Davis Health has launched a new comprehenspecialists at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center sive lung cancer screening method with its primary for further diagnostics. If cancer is confirmed, they are care patients. The Lung Cancer, Lung Nodule Early prepared for lung cancer surgery or other treatments, Detection (Lung-LEAD) Clinic is part of the nascent including potential enrollment in innovative clinical lung cancer integrated service line. The Lung-LEAD trials. In addition, a new lung cancer survivorship and Clinic aims to provide dedicated “lung care navigators” surveillance program is also in place for those who do to increase the screening of eligible patients. go through treatment.

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UC Davis Medical Center ranked #1 in Sacramento by U.S. News & World Report UC Davis Medical Center has once again achieved a remarkable feat by ranking #1 in Sacramento and #7 in California in the 2023–2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals survey. This puts UC Davis Medical Center among the top 50 health care providers in the nation, with special recognition for their exceptional cancer care, heart surgery, and lung surgery, as well as being acknowledged as high-performing in gastrointestinal surgery. U.S. News also released ratings for common types of adult procedures and conditions, with “high-performing” considered the highest level of recognition. UC Davis Medical Center earned that rating in 16 common adult procedures and conditions in procedures like colon cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, lung cancer surgery, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Sophoclis Alexopoulos, M.D., and surgical transplant team.

Liver Transplant Program relaunches to serve Central and Northern California This past spring, the Division of Transplant Surgery relaunched its adult liver transplant program. Under the leadership of Sophoclis Alexopoulos, M.D., the move expands the existing services of the UC Davis Transplant Center and provides comprehensive care to patients with liver disease. The liver transplant program is the third solid organ transplant program to launch at UC Davis Health, joining adult and pediatric kidney transplants. It is the only liver transplant program available in California north of San Francisco. “As an academic medical center, UC Davis Health made an institutional commitment to develop a viable liver transplant program to meet the health care needs of our community,” said Diana Farmer. “This expansion enhances our already robust Transplant Center and allows patients to have liver transplant care available in their own backyard.” The new program is approved by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the agency that manages the

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nation’s organ transplant system. The program will serve patients in the 33 counties UC Davis Health covers, including a 65,000-squaremile area north to the Oregon border and east to Nevada.

“For liver disease patients, access to advanced therapies, including transplantation, can be difficult,” explained Sophoclis Alexopoulos, M.D., medical director for the Transplant Center. “At UC Davis Health, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to transplantation for patients throughout the region.” In preparation for the launch of the program, the program recruited nationally recognized specialists to grow and build the liver transplant program. The interdisciplinary team includes hepatobiliary surgeons, hepatologists, advanced practitioners, transplant coordinators, nurses, financial coordinators, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, and transplant administrators. “Our ability to successfully transplant complex cases of severe liver disease is due to the multidisciplinary, integrated care provided by our liver transplant team,” said Lea Matsuoka, M.D., section chief for liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery at the Transplant Center. “Our team

“This expansion enhances our already robust Transplant Center and allows patients to have liver transplant care available in their own backyard.” Diana Farmer, M.D., Chair, Department of Surgery

According to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, livers are the second-most awaited organ transplant, with over 10,500 people on the waiting list in 2023. Transplantation is the only cure for liver insufficiency or liver failure because no device or machine reliably performs all the liver functions, and with the relaunch of the UC Davis Liver Transplant program, patients no longer have to travel to the Bay Area to receive care.

provides patients with comprehensive care throughout the transplant process, from assistance with lodging to support with nutrition and medications. Patient care does not end after the surgery; it is only beginning.” Established in 1985, the UC Davis Transplant Center has been a leader in organ transplantation for decades. Recently, the center was selected as a model hospital by UNOS and was also chosen to guide national best practices for transplant by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

UC Davis Health performs first West Coast UHFUS-assisted Lymphovenous Bypass Ara Salibian, M.D., a microsurgeon in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Executive Director of the UC Davis Center for Lymphatic Disease, has performed the first Lymphovenous Bypass (LVB) using ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) mapping at UC Davis. This procedure, called “UHFUS-assisted Lymphovenous Bypass” is the first of its kind on the West Coast to help patients affected by lymphedema. Lymphedema results from damage to the lymphatic system, either lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes. Cancer treatment and surgery are the most common causes of lymphedema in the United States, which can result in painful swelling from lymphatic fluid buildup as well as life-threatening cellulitis in advanced cases. Swelling from lymphedema typically occurs in the extremity drained by the damaged nodal basin, such as the upper extremity with certain breast cancer treatment. While lymphedema cannot be cured, there is hope in the form of lymphatic surgery, which includes a minimally invasive supermicrosurgery procedure known as Lymphovenous Bypass. According to Dr. Salibian, this procedure has been helping certain patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms.

The LVB process involves mapping a patient’s lymphatic system in their affected extremity, finding the small lymphatic channels that have an upstream blockage, cutting them, and suturing them to nearby venules under a microscope. This allows fluid to pass from the lymphatic system in the arm or leg, through the newly made connection, and into the venous system, thereby “bypassing” the upstream blockage and decreasing the fluid and swelling in the limb. “The entire procedure is done under a microscope as the vessels hand-sewn together are typically 0.2 to 0.8mm in diameter. The incisions are usually between 2 to 3 cm, and patients go home the same day with only over-the-counter pain medication,” notes Salibian. The advantage of performing UHFUS-assisted LVB resides in the ability to map out the lymphatic system using higher frequency probes that provide unmatched image resolution for these small structures. Compared to conventional high frequency ultrasound (HFUS) (up to 22 MHz), UHFUS operates with higher frequencies (48–72 MHz), allowing for image resolution up to 30 microns. “UHFUS provides the ability to visualize the actual sub-millimeter lymphatic vessels we bypass before we make any cuts. This type of preoperative planning provides a significant advantage when combined with traditional methods of imaging because it allows us to target better channels to bypass and visualize their exact location. Furthermore, we can identify lymphatic channels that would otherwise not be seen by more traditional methods of imaging (indocyanine green lymphography), thereby expanding our ability to offer these procedures to patients that might otherwise have not been considered candidates,” says Salibian. Surgical approaches like LVB are a viable option for treatment of lymphedema when combined with traditional non-surgical treatments such as bandaging and manual lymphatic drainage. While LVB tends to work best in early-stage lymphedema, new technology such as UHFUS has helped expand this option to later stage patients.

“Offering this novel procedure within our multi-disciplinary Center for Lymphatic Disease has allowed us to provide new options for improving quality of life in post-cancer survivorship for patients not only in Sacramento but in the greater Central and Northern California regions.” – Ara Salibian, M.D.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Center for Lymphatic Disease team

UC Davis Health opens first multidisciplinary lymphedema treatment center to treat patients with lymphatic disease Lymphedema is a potentially debilitating condition affecting more than 1 million people in the U.S. each year. Its main symptom is fluid retention in the arms or legs, and if left untreated, can lead to severe discomfort, impaired mobility, and life-threatening infections. The swelling associated with the disease is caused by damage to the lymphatic system, a lesser-known part of the body’s circulatory system. In the U.S. this damage is most commonly due to surgery for cancer that requires removing lymph nodes as well as radiation therapy for cancer treatment, though many other causes also exist. The new Center for Lymphatic Disease at UC Davis Health is the only comprehensive center in the region offering both advanced surgical treatments and non-invasive

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therapeutic options delivered by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians, certified lymphedema therapists, and health practitioners. The Center specializes in the evaluation and treatment of lymphedema in early and late stages and offers state-of-the-art surgical interventions such as supermicrosurgical lymphovenous bypass, lymph node transplantation, and debulking procedures. The Center also focuses on surveillance and lymphedema prevention, advocacy for lymphedema awareness, and investigational research in lymphatic surgery. “We are very excited to offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment options to the community and to the greater region. Lymphedema is a long-term, chronic condition that requires well-coordinated, multidisciplinary, and longitudinal

care from multiple different types of health care providers. With the opening of the Center, we can now offer new state-of-the-art surgical treatments, screening, and prevention, as well as traditional support services, including therapy, exercise, and education classes,” said Ara Salibian, M.D., Executive Director, Center for Lymphatic Disease and Director of Lymphatic Surgery. “Lymphedema can happen any time in one’s life but most commonly within 3 years of axillary surgery for certain types of cancer, most commonly breast cancer, or radiation to the lymph nodes. Often this is one of the patients greatest fears with undergoing breast cancer surgical therapy. Once diagnosed the symptoms can continue for the rest of a person’s life,” said Candice Sauder, M.D., Director of Preventative Services, Center for Lymphatic Disease. “Lymphedema can’t be cured, but it can be treated and patients can continue to live with an excellent quality of life that is the goal of the new Center — to provide advanced surgical and non-surgical options to improve and maintain quality of life and survivorship for those affected.”

Expanded colorectal team brings new expertise An expanded colorectal surgery team within the Department of Surgery is bringing the newest in robotic-assisted surgical skills and other advanced expertise to treat colorectal cancer patients. Ankit Sarin, the new chief of colorectal surgery, will lead the five-surgeon team. Sarin, formerly with UCSF Health, said he is excited about joining UC Davis Health. “Our team brings a lot of new capabilities to the Department of Surgery at UC Davis including robotic pelvic and transanal surgery, advanced colonoscopy, sacral nerve stimulator placement and high resolution anoscopy (a first for the region). We are also committed to the highest quality of care which includes maintaining our designation as ‘high-performing in colon surgery’ by U.S. News & World Report and ensuring re-accreditation as the only university based National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer in Northern California.” Newly hired colorectal surgeons include:

and served a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center.

Erik Noren, assistant professor

Erik Noren came from Keck School of Medicine of USC. He obtained his medical degree at Albany Medical College in New York. He completed a fellowship in anorectal physiology (functioning of the anal canal) and clinical research at Los Angeles County and USC Medical Center (LAC+USC Medical Center), where he also did his general surgery residency.

Sean Flynn, assistant professor

Sean Flynn obtained his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He completed a general surgery residency at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a residency in colorectal surgery at the LAC+USC Medical Center.

Miquell Miller, assistant professor

Miquell Miller received her medical degree and completed a general surgery residency at Stanford Medicine. She served a fellowship in colorectal surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Robert Kucejko, assistant professor

Robert Kucejko obtained his medical degree at UC Davis School of Medicine before completing the first three years of his residency in general surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann Hospital. During his residency, he trained as a research fellow in colon and rectal surgery at Drexel. He completed his residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital,

Sean Flynn, Ankit Sarin, Miquell Miller, Robert Kucejko, and Erik Noren.

Recognized as a National Accreditation Program for rectal cancer This year, we received our continuing accreditation under the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). This makes our program the one university-based NAPRCaccredited program in Northern California. As a NAPRC-accredited program, we must demonstrate compliance with NAPRC standards, which are focused on facilitating a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to treating patients with rectal cancer. “At UC Davis, we participated in the NAPRC program to ensure the best possible care for rectal cancer patients in Sacramento and surrounding communities. UC Davis is the only university-based NAPRC-accredited program in Northern California. We are proud of the work we are doing and hope to continue to serve this region,” said Ankit Sarin, M.D., M.H.A., Chief, Division of Colorectal Surgery.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

RESEARCH

Research

A leader in investigation and innovation

At a Glance

27th

ranking for surgery by Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research

vice chairs

research staff

principal investigators

research residents

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The Department of Surgery has a rich history of surgical research, leading to improved surgical outcomes and making it one of the top-ranked surgical departments on the West Coast and nationally. With hundreds of clinical trials conducted each year and annual publications in peer-reviewed journals, the department remains a leader in surgical research and innovation. As part of a major academic medical center, the department has access to a wide range of clinical and research resources. This allows patients to access leading-edge treatments and participate in clinical trials. The department is home to four distinct areas of research: Basic Science, Clinical Science, Clinical Trials, and Translational Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. The Department of Surgery has achieved many surgical firsts, such as conducting the world’s first clinical trial using stem cells in utero to repair Myelomeningocele, inventing innovative surgical techniques like “The Frey Procedure” used worldwide to treat chronic pancreatitis, and investigating a new minimally invasive treatment for thoracic arch disease. The department continues to lead the way in basic, translational, and clinical research, all aimed at improving surgical outcomes and patient health.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Celebrating 24 years of mouse biology and research resources Kent Lloyd, D.V.M., Ph.D., and his UC Davis Mouse Biology Program (MBP) hit a 24-year milestone of serving as a one-stop research resource for investigators using mutant mice to study human and animal biology and disease. MBP scientists, staff, and students responded to requests from investigators around the globe for ~13,430 services, including CRISPR genome editing, analytical genotyping, in vivo phenotyping, PDX models, genetic humanization, indirect calorimetry, rederivation, cryopreservation and recover, and many other services in support of preclinical and translational biomedical research projects. These efforts resulted in positioning MBP as the largest academic-based mouse biology program around the globe. Over the past year, Dr. Lloyd and his team participated in 113 peer-reviewed scientific publications including 10 as co-author in Nature, PNAS, AJP, JCI, Pain, and other peerreviewed journals.

Mouse Biology team members Renee Araiza and Kristin Grimsrud, D.V.M., Ph.D., Jeff Gibeling, Ph.D., Interim Vice Chancellor for Research, and Kent Lloyd, D.V.M., Ph.D.

UC Davis Mouse Biology Vivarium

$3.75M NIH/NIDDK grant awarded to establish the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC)–LIVE at UC Davis Professors Kent Lloyd, D.V.M., Ph.D., and Sean Adams, Ph.D., in collaboration with faculty from the School of Veterinary Medicine and College of Biological Sciences have begun work on a five-year $3.75 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC)-LIVE at UC Davis. The UC Davis Center is working in a national consortium of four centers to characterize complex metabolic, physiologic, and behavioral characteristics in mouse models. UC Davis will also be a major driver of the Center’s Vibrant Program, which is designed to assist underrepresented researchers in advancing their research and producing compelling results that will help them better compete for NIH funding. The ultimate goal of the MMPC-LIVE Program is to translate research findings in mouse models to improve diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention strategies in humans.

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / RESEARCH

NIH awards $2.3M to ‘detangle’ complexity of extracellular vesicles

The collaborative team is building extracellular vesicles (pictured) like Legos to improve understanding of their functional properties and clinical applications. (Guillaume Pelletie, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license)

Research hopes to reveal nanoparticles’ functional components by building them like Lego blocks Extracellular vesicles, or EVs, are nanoparticles released by every known cell and relay important messages across the human body — but how they exactly function is not well understood. Professor Aijun Wang, Ph.D., and colleagues seek to change that. The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, or NIBIB, has awarded a $2.3 million research grant to Wang, and Department of Bioengineering professors Cheemeng Tan, Ph.D., and Randy Carney, Ph.D., on a collaborative project that poses to demystify the functional components of EVs and their potential medical applications. NIBIB is the arm of the National Institutes of Health that focuses on how engineering can deepen our understanding of diseases and transform their prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment. The NIBIB award will allow the team to establish a new synthetic biology platform that will hopefully benefit the broad EV community in two ways. First, the platform could be used to reveal critical functional features of natural EVs — most of which are currently very hard to define. Second, the platform could be adapted to study EVs across many sources or biomedical applications. The new platform will be able to produce EVs that mimic those naturally found in our bodies. These artificial vesicles will specifically imitate those released by mesenchymal stem cells — important for skeletal tissues like cartilage and bone — due to their inherent therapeutic activity and high safety profile in humans. The platform will allow the team to reconstitute extracellular vesicles as they see fit, adding in or leaving out molecules found in naturally occurring EVs like Lego blocks. This aspect of the synthetic biology platform will

facilitate research into how constituent components function in EVs. Up to this point, it has been tough to scale up EVs for medical applications due to their impressive heterogeneity. For example, one EV can contain hundreds of different biomolecules or more. The synthesized EVs and their copious permutations through a process known as high-throughput screening, which uses automation to test thousands of samples rapidly. The focus is on particle-to-particle heterogeneity and trying to figure out which biomolecules serve certain functions, which are cell waste, which are related to disease, and which are beneficial to human health. Ultimately, the team wants to identify the parts of EVs important for drug delivery, and then, from those findings, develop synthetic EVs specialized for that purpose. Wang, who has a cross-appointment in the Department of Surgery and Department of Bioengineering at UC Davis and expertise in developing stem cells and stem cell-based therapies for translational applications, hopes to employ and test these specially engineered EVs to treat different neurological diseases. “One critical neurological disease is multiple sclerosis,” Wang said. “Characterized by inflammation, demyelination and axonal degeneration in the central nervous system, it’s hard to get one single therapeutic to treat all its symptoms. But we may be able to design synthetic EVs to tackle more than one factor of the disease simultaneously.” The team hopes those engineered EVs will cross the blood-brain barrier and interact with endangered cells in the central nervous system, a development that may prove very significant to the fields of regenerative and living medicine and the burgeoning study of EVs.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

State stem cell agency, Shriners Children’s award $15 million to UC Davis CuRe trial Funding will support clinical trial testing stem cell treatment for spina bifida Pioneering fetal surgeon and Department of Surgery Chair, Diana Farmer, and bioengineer Aijun Wang, were awarded nearly $15 million for groundbreaking work on a spina bifida treatment. The funding will allow the team to carry out phase 2 of a clinical trial that tests the first stem cell treatment for the birth defect. Launched in the spring of 2021, the CuRe clinical trial (Cellular Therapy for In Utero Repair of Myelomeningocele) tests a one-of-a-kind treatment that uses placenta-derived stem cells to improve outcomes for children with spina bifida and led clinically by Dr. Shin Hirose, Director of the UC Davis Fetal Care and Treatment Center. The treatment, a stem cell patch, is delivered directly to the spinal opening of the fetus while still developing in the mother’s womb.

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“We want to thank California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) for their support of this program and our partner Shriners Children’s for making this important work possible. Their funding will help us achieve our goal of using stem cells before birth to improve the ability to walk and have bowel and bladder control in patients born with spina bifida,” said Farmer, principal investigator for the CuRe trial.

Spina bifida happens when parts of the spinal cord and nerves come through the open part of the spine. It causes nerve damage and other disabilities. (Getty Images)

About spina bifida and the CuRe clinical trial Spina bifida affects 1,500 to 2,000 children in the U.S. every year. Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. It results from incomplete closure of the spinal cord during gestation, which leaves a portion of the fetal spinal cord unprotected. The neuronal tissue damage to the spinal cord may lead to lifelong lower-body paralysis and bowel and bladder dysfunction. The Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) demonstrated that surgical fetal closure of the spinal cord defect in utero protected the previously exposed spinal cord and improved motor outcomes compared to repairing the defect after birth. The study established in-utero repair as the new standard of care of myelomeningocele. The CuRe trial was developed to test whether placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells can repair and restore damaged spinal tissue beyond what surgery can accomplish alone. In 2015, the project was funded through a CIRM Preclinical Developmental Award grant. Later, CIRM funded the research team with a $5.6 million Late State preclinical TRAN1 grant. The study was then approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 as a Phase 1/2a trial. In 2021, CIRM further funded the first phase of the trial with a $9 million grant. During its first phase, the trial tested the safety of the treatment in six babies with spina bifida. The FDA and data monitoring board determined that the stem cell

Dr. Diana Farmer with the first baby to undergo surgery and stem cell therapy for spina bifida.

therapy was safe enough to proceed to the next phase of the trial. “The CIRM awards have made it possible for our research team to generate clinical grade stem cells at the UC Davis Good Manufacturing Product (GMP) facility, part of the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures led by Jan Nolta, Ph.D., to carry out studies for the FDA investigational new drug approval and complete phase 1 of the trial,” Wang explained. Wang, who is an expert in stem cell biology and bioengineering, is the co-inventor of the placental-derived stem cell treatment and the study’s co-principal investigator with Farmer. Farmer and Wang also serve as principal investigators with the Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine (IPRM). IPRM is a

collaborative initiative of the UC Davis School of Medicine and Shriners Children’s Northern California. They are also joined by a large team of innovators and researchers from the Wang Lab at the Center for Surgical Bioengineering. Over the years, Shriners Children’s has also funded several spina bifida-related studies led by Farmer and Wang. These projects include developing innovative tissue-engineered bony scaffold for fetal treatment of spina bifida and new spina bifida disease models, such as the guinea pig and English bulldog. The new combined award supplies critical funding to support phase 2a of the clinical trial. It will allow the researchers to evaluate the preliminary success of stem cell therapy in an additional 29 patients, as approved by the FDA.

“We are very grateful and proud that we now have both CIRM and Shriners Children’s as our partners for the phase 2 portion of the CuRe trial! It is this important partnership that is making this groundbreaking work possible,” Wang said. “It is a testimony to the team science approach that our team has always been taking to conduct innovative research and solve unmet medical needs.”

Diana Farmer, M.D., and Aijun Wang, Ph.D.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

New minimally invasive treatment for thoracic aortic arch disease UC Davis Medical Center one of 30 approved sites for clinical study This past year, patients have new hope for thoracic aortic arch disease treatment, thanks to a new minimally invasive treatment being tested at UC Davis Health. UC Davis Medical Center is one of 30 sites in the United States approved to investigate the NEXUS Aortic Arch Stent Graft system.

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / RESEARCH

The non-randomized clinical study is known as TRIOMPHE. It will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the NEXUS system in treating problems of the thoracic aorta that involve the aortic arch — the top part of the main artery carrying blood away from the heart. Bob Kiaii, M.D., chief of cardiac surgery, and Steven Maximus, M.D., assistant professor of vascular surgery are the primary investigators. “Treating patients with thoracic aortic arch disease presents many

challenges due to the size, shape, and location,” Maximus explained. “Current treatment of these pathologies is only open surgical repair. That currently requires sternotomy [opening of the chest] and hypothermic circulatory arrest (suspending blood flow under very cold body temperatures). Despite major advances, open chest surgical aortic arch repair has relatively high death and complication rates, and for these reasons, many patients aren’t eligible.”

“We are excited to offer patients a minimally invasive option for a condition that previously could only be treated with major open surgery. With this system, we have the potential to create a better experience for patients and improve outcomes.” – Steven Maximus, M.D.

The NEXUS system was engineered to overcome the challenges of the aortic arch anatomy. A surgeon delivers it by traveling through a patient’s vascular system using fluoroscopic guidance (X-ray pictures), starting with a small incision or needle puncture near the groin. This is called an endovascular approach. NEXUS is designed to make a minimally invasive repair possible for more patients while possibly reducing the risks of surgery. This could lead to a reduction in procedure time and hospital stays, as well as potentially better outcomes. “We are excited to offer patients a minimally invasive option for a condition that previously could only be treated with major open surgery,” Maximus said. “With this system, we have the potential to create a better experience for patients and improve outcomes.”

Professor Aijun Wang, Ph.D., and team to develop in-utero therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy Professor Aijun Wang, Ph.D, and his team are to develop a much-needed cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). They are designing a therapy to treat DMD before birth by editing the gene that encodes dystrophin, a key protein in stabilizing muscle fiber. “We are developing a gene editing therapy that would allow pregnant mothers to give birth to children who are free from DMD,” said Wang, professor of surgery and biomedical engineering. Wang is the Vice Chair for Translational Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Surgery and co-directs the Center for Surgical Bioengineering at UC Davis. He also leads the Wang Lab, a prime research hub in stem cell therapy and gene editing for early treatments of birth defects such as spina bifida. This groundbreaking work is funded by a $2 million Quest Award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The DISC-2 Quest Awards Program promotes the discovery of promising new stem cell-based and gene therapy technologies that could lead to broad use and improved patient care.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW | RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Building better bionics through principles of embodiment

An interdisciplinary team of UC Davis scientists, plastic and reconstructive surgery faculty and Drs. Clifford Pereira and Andrew Li are collaborating to improve surgical outcomes and quality of life for amputees 2 3

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / RESEARCH

An interdisciplinary team of UC Davis scientists, plastic and reconstructive surgery faculty and Drs. Clifford Pereira and Andrew Li are collaborating with Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering faculty, Jonathon Schofield and Wilsaan Joiner from the College of Biological Sciences. Their joint efforts aim to improve surgical outcomes and quality of life for amputees. The University of California Noyce Initiative is funding the project as a partnership between five University of California campuses (Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara). The initiative, which honors the legacy of Ann S. Bowers and Robert N. Noyce, aims to advance computing, information science, and engineering for the benefit of society. Its goal is to drive informed, ethical, and timely discovery by funding competitive grants focused on cybersecurity, computational health, and quantum computing, thus advancing research in critical areas of digital technology and innovation while building a strong community. The aim of this project is to simplify the use and improve the availability of bionic prostheses by combining two emerging developments in amputee care. These include a rapidly emerging surgery designed to prevent nerve-related pain after amputation and the use of machine learning techniques with muscle activity measurements to predict the movements a patient wishes to achieve with their missing hand. Together, this approach can directly link prosthetic control to the patient’s perceptions of their now-missing hand. The project’s impact lies in leveraging innovative computational techniques and standard-of-care surgery to

lower barriers to advanced prosthetic control. Although there are several modern upper limb prosthetic options available, users often face difficulties in their daily activities, which leads to high rates of abandonment (ranging from 35–45%). Recently, highly advanced prosthetic hands, also known as ‘dexterous’ prosthetic hands, have been introduced. These devices are equipped with independently moving robotic fingers that allow for a wider range of grasping motions, providing functional benefits that far surpass conventional prostheses. However, this increased dexterity requires more sophisticated control systems, which is a crucial factor since even the most advanced prostheses can lead to disuse if they are difficult to control. Therefore, developing better control systems is a top priority for modern upper limb prosthesis users with the ultimate aim of providing practical and effective prosthetic solutions for the real world.

“We are leveraging the outstanding standardof-care surgeries conducted at UC Davis by Drs. Li and Pereira and we are integrating modern non-invasive sensors with machine learning techniques.” – Jonathon Schofield, Ph.D., UC Davis Center for Neuroengineering & Medicine

Photos: 1. Prosthesis Embodiment Through Intuitive Technology (PETIT) Lab. 2. PETIT team member Laduan Smedley performing a COP Prosthesis fitting. 3. From left: Gavin Pereira, M.D. (Ortho, and lead on UC Davis Integrum OI Program), Ravi Sood, M.D. (Plastics and hand), Laduan Smedley (Prosthetics/ Orthotics), Blake Pokress (Integrum, VP North America), Clifford Pereira, M.D., and Andrew Li, M.D. 4. From left: Andrew Li, M.D. (Plastic and reconstruction surgery), Lor Randall, M.D. (orthopedic surgery), and Steven Thorpe, M.D. (Orthopedic surgery) in the surgical lab. 5. Andrew Li, M.D., and prosthetic limb patient.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Basic Science Research Highlights Human soft tissue sarcomas harbor an intratumoral viral microbiome that is linked with natural killer cell infiltration and prognosis. The impact of intestinal bacteria and other microbes (the “gut microbiome”) on human health and disease has been a groundbreaking development in biomedical research and clinical medicine, including oncology. Mounting evidence is also demonstrating the existence of a microbiome in some tumors, across several cancer types including breast, lung, pancreas, and melanoma. Robert Canter, M.D., and his research group characterized, for the first time, an intratumoral soft tissue sarcoma (STS) microbiota pattern that could be detected in patients across multiple time points. The team found evidence that the tumor microbiome in STS may have prognostic significance; for instance, there was a relationship between the tumor virus microbiome and natural killer cell infiltration, and the latter is known to promote metastasis-free and overall survival with this type of cancer. These findings support a paradigm-shifting concept that cancer, the bacterial and viral microbiota, and the host immune system interact and shape one another. Does a sweet tooth affect the body differently among individuals in the population? Sean Adams, Ph.D., Scientific Director of the Center for Alimentary and Metabolic Science, with collaborators at UC Davis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Stanford, assessed person-to-person differences in blood patterns of the sugar fructose. This sugar makes up half or more of the carbohydrates found in table sugar and

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / RESEARCH

high fructose corn syrup, respectively, and high intakes are implicated in promoting obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood lipids. Susceptibility to this risk is highly variable, which may reflect individual differences in how fructose is absorbed and metabolized in the body. Following drinks containing high or low fructose levels, the investigators found remarkable differences in the post-meal blood concentration peaks (limited in some individuals but very high in others) and timing of peaks. These novel observations suggest that the development of clinical fructose tolerance tests could have value in identifying persons at risk for fructose-associated metabolic disease. Missing a “Missing Self”— Ly49 expression regulates activation of natural killer (NK) immune cells relevant to cancer. Natural killer cells are a key focus in immuno-oncology, based on their ability to eliminate cancer cells without prior sensitization. Dogs are valuable models for translational immunotherapy studies, especially for NK cells, where critical species differences exist between mice and humans. Given that the ability for canine NK cells to recognize and tolerate “self” tissues is currently unknown, Robert Canter, M.D., and his lab sought to evaluate expression of Ly49, a key immune recognition protein, in canine NK cells using in silico and highthroughput techniques. Despite prior reports of a mutated, nonfunctional canine Ly49, new data from the Canter lab support that the protein product is capable of binding to MHC-I “self-recognition” protein after all. This indicates that Ly49 is capable of regulating NK cell tolerance in dogs and thus impact NK-based cancer treatments in this model.

Sparking gut bacteria production of bioactive xenolipids. Postdoctoral Fellow Jean Debédat, PharmD, Ph.D., and Sean Adams, Ph.D., completed a clinical trial that used a food-based approach to trigger production of gut bacteria-derived fats that are thought to signal to the body to improve cardiometabolic outcomes. Samples collected from the Healthy Unique Lipids in Almonds Study (HULA Study) will be analyzed by UC Davis collaborators to detect if consumption of a food rich in healthy monounsaturated fatty acids leads to increased bacterial production of unique fats called cyclopropane fatty acids. Previously, the lab has found these fats to bind intracellular receptors implicated in blood sugar control and lipid homeostasis. Findings from this study will lead to a deeper understanding of the cross-talk between gut microbes and the host, now appreciated to contribute to cardiometabolic health and positive responses to bariatric surgery. A new approach to diabetes. Bethany Cummings, D.V.M., Ph.D., was awarded a Science Translation and Innovative Research (STAIR™) proof-of-concept grant to explore a novel pathway that regulates pancreatic α-cell hormone production to improve both type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatments. This approach bypasses issues previously encountered with targeting overactivity of the hormone glucagon, which can perturb normal blood sugar control, by switching the glucagon signal to an anti-diabetic signal. The team proposes to identify and target the biochemical mechanism that mediate this pathway. Dr. Cummings received an additional grant award from the Stanford University Diabetes Research Center to study related signaling pathways in the pancreas.

Do gut microbes “know” when you are physically fit? The cardiometabolic benefits of physical fitness and limited sedentary behavior are well-known in patients and the population as a whole, but the specific signals and mechanisms involved remain to be fully elaborated. Surprisingly, Sean Adams, Ph.D., and others have discovered over several years that fitness level associates with changes to the xenometabolome, or the pattern of gut bacteria-derived metabolites in the body. A collaboration with investigators at the University of Illinois and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences explored how a six-week aerobic training intervention in persons with or without obesity alters xenometabolites in blood and gut contents. Remarkably, xenometabolites such as aromatic amino acid derivatives were changed by exercise, and some were specific to obesity status. The signals that enable gut bacteria to sense one’s fitness level and activity remain to be discovered, and future work is aimed at understanding if gut-derived molecules help drive the benefits of regular exercise. Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Cellular Therapy Vehicle for Neuroblastoma Treatment. As part of the Paul Calabressi K12 Program, Erin Brown, M.D., is investigating the use of stem cells as a targeted cellular delivery vehicle for neuroblastoma treatment. With a focus on microRNAs, we are evaluating the efficacy of microRNA therapy both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the ability of stem cells to deliver microRNA therapeutics in a targeted manner.

Translational Science Summaries Development of a novel nonlethal ACE2/TMPRSS2 knock-in mouse model to enable studies to understand long COVID. Kent Lloyd, D.V.M., Ph.D., created the first of its kind genetically-humanized model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to insert the human gene coding sequences into the orthologous mouse loci under control of endogenous murine Ace2 and Tmprss2 promoters. This model is proving superior to other animal models, such as the transgenic K18-ACE2 mouse, to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into target cells that enables virus infection. To determine whether these mice are suitable to model long COVID, physiological assessments measuring locomotion, behavior, sensorimotor reflexes, cardiac and respiratory activity, and microCT to assess lung function were conducted. SARS-CoV-2 caused a significant and persistent reduction in locomotion in male but not female ACE2/ TMPRESS2 mice compared to mock-inoculated animals. Although mild acute changes in cardiac activity were detected in both sexes, there were no persistent changes in respiration and oxygen saturation or heart rate variability and conductivity. Lung CT imaging showed reduced end-expiration lung volume at 4 and 15 dpi and recovered to baseline by dpi 35. These data show that ACE2/TMPRSS2 mice exhibit mild COVID-19 symptoms and manifest cardiopulmonary abnormalities similar to long COVID in humans.

Institutionalizing Stop the Bleed: Increasing Surgical Resident Expertise in Hemorrhage Control (STB). Under the direction of Kathryn Stadeli, M.D., this study aims to test the efficacy of the ACS STB course that is incorporated in the UC Davis resident program. Residents will be asked to complete pre- and post-course surveys to assess the impact of their STB training. 20CRW: Cool the Burn. Burn injuries require prompt, effective first aid to minimize their impact. Applying running water to a burn injury for 20 minutes within the first three hours speeds up healing. Tina Palmieri, M.D., and collaborators from UC Davis and Australia will share this best practice knowledge with first responders and public and emergency clinicians in Sacramento County. After the roll-out of educational strategies, the team will determine whether patients who received the treatment after the implementation had improved outcomes compared to patients who suffered burns prior to the implementation. The project is funded through the Department of Defense’s Military Burn Research Award for translational research focused on evidence-based first aid in pre-hospital environments, which locations at which emergency medical care is administered to a patient prior to the patient’s arrival at a hospital.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Advance testing of medical device aimed to help patients with hemodialysis. Professor Aijun Wang, Ph.D., and team aim to take a medical device for vascular improvement from the proven research phase to prototyping and animal testing and onto seeking FDA approval. This medical device could improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for more than two million people throughout the world who are on hemodialysis. The team is working to refine the prototype, work out the technical details in manufacturing to bring the product to market and conduct prototype testing in small and large animal models with surgeons on the team with clinical expertise in kidney transplant surgery and vascular surgery. By the end of the grant, the goal is that they will have a pre-Investigational Device Exemption meeting with the Federal Drug Administration about how to bring this device to clinical trials. The ACS COT Trauma Informed Care Curriculum Assessment (ACS-TIC). This study led by Kathryn Stadeli, M.D., aims to increase awareness of Trauma Informed Care among UC Davis trauma care providers, evaluate implementation of the ACS TIC course, and measure the efficacy of the ACS TIC curriculum. Clinicians who care for trauma patients are asked to attend the 4-hour course and complete both the pre- and post-course surveys.

Extracellular Vesicles as Next-Generation Drug Platform by Engineering Their Uniformity. Researcher Aijun Wang, Ph.D., and team seek to even out the differences in size and composition of naturally derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to turn them into a scalable and reliable drug platform. EVs can cross biological barriers, like the blood-brain barrier, a desirable trait compared to traditional medication. They can also express tropism, or the ability to target a specific body part, which could be significant for creating next-generation drugs that address historically tough-to-treat diseases like brain cancer. The research team seeks to highlight the potential of EVs as a new system for specific drug targeting, with the goal that the engineering approach will directly lead to EVs as a real, controllable clinical therapeutic within a few years. Defining the Culture of Surgery (DCS). This study is led by Kathryn Stadeli, M.D., and in collaboration with UW. The study aims to improve surgical culture/ intergenerational communication within surgical training. This consists of interviewing surgeons at different levels of training, from med school through to emeritus, about their experience with surgical culture.

Clinical Trials Research Briefs Magnesium Infusion for Pain Management in Critically Ill Trauma Patients. This single-center investigator-initiated study, led by Christine Cocanour, M.D., aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of continuous, intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate as compared to placebo in decreasing pain in critically injured ICU patients. Magnesium has been successfully used in perioperative pain management, but it has not yet been used in patient populations outside the operating room. Given the need for adequate pain control among critically ill ICU patients with traumatic injuries, the use of magnesium may assist in decreasing the use of other pain management medications used for pain control. AAST Multicenter Trial: Utilization of Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Traumatic Injuries (AAST-MIT). This is a retrospective chart review led by Kathryn Stadeli, M.D., and in collaboration with Tufts University. It aims to compare treatment and outcomes between patients who underwent CPB between 2011 and 2020, and patients who had similar injuries within the same timeframe but did not undergo CPB. The first wave of chart review will focus on patients who underwent CPB, then the data from the first wave will influence the inclusion criteria of non-CPB patients in the second enrollment wave. STAT Study: Standard Therapy Plus Active Therapy for Severe Burns After Skin Graft Surgery. This Department of Defense-funded study is a prospective randomized trial comparing early mobility to standard physical therapy for outcomes after major burn injury.

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Led at UC Davis by Somen Sen, M.D., this multicenter trial investigation involves severely burned patients. The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of STAT, an activity-based therapy protocol compared to standard therapy (ST), to improve functional outcome and reduce disability in patients recovering from burn injury. This randomized multicenter trial is designed with two parallel treatment groups: STAT and ST. The efficacy of the STAT protocol will be determined through comparison to the ST only group. A Randomized Clinical Trial of Scenario Planning for Older Adults with Serious Injury (Improving Communications in the ICU) or Best Case/Worst Case (BC/WC). This is a funded, stepped-wedge, prospective clinical trial led by principal investigators, Christine Cocanour, M.D., and Anamaria Robles, M.D., and overseen by UW that aims to test the efficacy of the “Best Case/Worst Case” communication tool and to improve communication between ICU clinicians and families. ICU staff will be trained to use the BC/WC tool during implementation. Before and after implementation, patient outcomes and injury data will be recorded from the IDCP, families will complete a survey about their experience communicating with the ICU team, and ICU staff will be surveyed about moral distress and burnout. Acute Burn ResUscitation Prospective Multicenter Trial 2 [ABRUPT2]. This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial comparing patient outcomes during burn resuscitation using either lactated Ringer’s solution or lactated Ringer’s solution + Albumin. This 29-center international trial funded by the Department of Defense is led by emeritus professor David Greenhalgh, M.D.

Breast Reduction in Clinical Science Staged Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy — Systematic Review and MetaResearch Briefs Aanalysis. Ara A. Salibian, M.D., is Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Neuroblastoma. The multiinstitutional retrospective study is being conducted through the Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Consortium (PSORC), and led by Erin Brown, M.D. It is anticipated that this will be the largest study of children with neuroblastoma to date. The study will evaluate outcomes for children with neuroblastoma, a common solid tumor in childhood. The primary aim is to determine the impact of image-defined risk factors on both surgical and long-term outcomes for children with neuroblastoma, and to investigate the relationship between image-defined risk factors and more aggressive tumor biology. Immunological Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine in Splenic Injury Patients. This is an investigator-initiated multi-institutional study led by David Schatz, M.D., in which UC Davis is the lead site. This study aims to examine the functional immunologic status of patients following embolization or non-operative management of their spleens after traumatic disruption, by measuring the immunological response to the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine. Investigation of vaccine response may lead to a clearer understanding and possible better management of traumatic splenic injuries.

comparing outcomes between cases of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) that undergo prior breast reductions and lifts to optimize candidacy and decrease complications such as nipple and mastectomy flap necrosis. Individual single-center studies have demonstrated promising outcomes with staged reductions but large sample size data is lacking. Elucidating the Superficial Fascial Anatomy of the Breast with MRI. Ara A. Salibian, M.D., along with Candice Sauder, M.D., and radiologist Shannon Navarro, M.D., are using magnetic resonance imaging to further define the fascial layers of the breast superficial to the breast gland. This anatomy has been poorly described in both cadaveric and imaging studies and has important implications for breast surgery, including mastectomies. MRI provides a unique opportunity to examine the different layers and quantify variability in presence, location and relation to other structures. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Guide Precision Resuscitation. Rachael Calcutt, M.D., was awarded an NIH RO1 Administrative Supplement to study the role of inflammatory markers and health care disparities in trauma patients. This is building on her two other current NIH RO1s investigating the use of AI to optimize clinical outcomes in trauma care.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

EDUCATION

At a Glance

2,348

residency applications

1,315 general surgery

120

vascular surgery

331

plastic surgery integrated

103

plastic surgery independent

126

cardiothoracic surgery

ACGME-accredited surgical residency programs

The Department of Surgery’s four residency programs and three fellowship programs offer exceptional clinical and operative experiences, along with comprehensive didactic, simulation, and conference curricula. Our trainees also receive career development, mentorship, and abundant research opportunities. For over 50 years, our focus has been on training critical “thinking doctors” rather than “cookbook doctors” who follow a set of instructions. We take great pride in the accomplishments of our graduates. 41

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / EDUCATION

114

current interns and residents

ACGME fellowship programs

fellows

57%

female residents

2023 LIST OF RESIDENTS & FELLOWS

General Surgery Residents PGY 1

General Surgery Residents PGY 4

Rachel Cowan, M.D.

John Arriola, M.D. Megan Gilbert, M.D. Abdul Hassan, M.D. Elise Hill, M.D. Alexandra Johns, M.D. Samy Ramadan, M.D. Colton Ryan, M.D. Leslie Vuoncino, M.D.

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Asbiel Hasbum, M.D. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine

Katrina Hauck, D.O. *Travis U.S. Air Force Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Shelby Kunz, M.D. UC, Irvine School of Medicine

Omolola Olaleye, M.D. University of Alabama School of Medicine

Matthew Reyes, M.D. University of Texas School of Medicine, San Antonio

Gabriella Sehres, M.D. Florida State University College of Medicine

Terrance Smith, D.O. *Travis U.S. Air Force Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Eric Tran, M.D. UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

General Surgery Residents PGY 2 Diego Anaya, M.D. Tiffany Cheng, M.D. Jesse Fenton, M.D. Amy Jones, M.D. Angela Sardo, M.D. Christopher Seffren, M.D. Sarah Singh, M.D. Daniel Strayve, D.O. Patrick Sur, M.D.

General Surgery Residents PGY 3 Carlos Cuenca, M.D. Ana Isabel Jacinto, M.D. Jeanine Justiniano, M.D. Natalie Liu, M.D. Sarah Mahdavi, M.D. Maxwell Presser, M.D. Cyrus Sholevar, M.D. Sneha Swaminathan, M.D. Yasamin Taghikhan, D.O.

General Surgery Residents PGY 5 Jennifer Geiger, M.D. Matthew Haskins, M.D. Kara Kleber, M.D. Rafael Lozano, M.D. Siobhan Luce, M.D. Nicole Moore, M.D. Elan Sherazee, M.D. Jacquelyn Yu, M.D.

Cardiothoracic Residents Devon Anderson, M.D. Nataliya Bahatyrevich, M.D. Sarah Chen, M.D., M.S. (Chief) Bret DeGraaff, M.D. Jonathan Hyde, M.D. Angelica Martin, M.D.

Plastic Surgery Residents Spencer M. Brown, M.D., M.S. Irene Chang, M.D. Dave Dattesh, M.D. Matthew Farajzadeh, M.D. Joseph Firriolo, M.D. (Chief) Ella Gibson, M.D. Scott Levin, M.D. Dean Meshkin, M.D., M.S. Paul Winograd, M.D. (Chief) Emily Zurbuchen, M.D.

Vascular Residents Gregory Brittenham, D.O. Lauren Cralle, M.D. Kathryn DiLosa, M.D. Nikunj Donde, M.D. Hunger Ford, M.D. Keenan Gibson, D.O. Gowri Gowda, M.D. Matthew Naedel, M.D. Cara Pozolo, M.D. Matthew Schneck, M.D. Matthew Vuoncino, M.D.

Research Residents Nicholas Antonino, D.O. Alyssa Bellini, M.D. Tyler Carcamo, M.D. Kathleen Doyle, M.D. Rachel Ekaireb, M.D. Jessica Guzman, M.D. Sarah Maginnis, D.O. Daisy Manzo, M.D. Julia Riccardi, M.D. Priya Suri, M.D. Leah Timbang, M.D. Alexis Woods, M.D.

Surgery Fellows ACUTE CARE SURGERY

Tandis Soltani, M.D. BURN SURGERY

Alexandra Halevi, M.D. CRITICAL CARE

Alexandra Coward, M.D. Larissa Epstein, M.D. Christian Gage, M.D. Megan Gilchrist, M.D. Albert Kazi, M.D. Caitlin Loseth, M.D. MIS SURGERY

Ryan Choen, M.D. Annie Wang, M.D.

Preliminary Residents GENERAL SURGERY

George Chapa, D.O. Nova Southeastern University College Kiran Patel of Osteopathic Medicine

Don Hoang, M.D. Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

Adam Knyaz, D.O. Midwestern University of Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nicholas Maynard, M.D. University of Arkansas College of Medicine

Brady Son, M.D. Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Sarah Tang, D.O. Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Rachel Weber, M.D. University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine

Jaida West, M.D. University of Alabama School of Medicine

GENERAL SURGERY MILITARY

Skye Couvrette, D.O. *Western University of Health Sciences

Silas Fresch, M.D. *Marshall University School of Medicine

Russell Griffin, M.D. *Tulane University School of Medicine

Molly Heinz, D.O. *Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

John Horspool, D.O. *U.S. Air Force

Logan Loomis, D.O. *U.S. Air Force

Connor McKinney, D.O. *West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Mary Petersen, D.O. *U.S. Air Force

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The UC Davis Department of Surgery is committed to upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all of the programs it supports, including research, education, faculty development, and clinical care. As the capital city of California, we serve a wide range of racially and ethnically diverse communities, and we are dedicated to serving everyone, irrespective of their background, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religion, disability, or age. To achieve this, we strive to:

Provide comprehensive surgical care that enhances the well-being of the communities we serve.

Educate faculty and trainees in cultural competency and health equity.

Recruit and train residents, fellows, faculty, and staff who contribute to and foster diversity in our communities.

Encourage an inclusive and safe practice environment for faculty and trainees.

Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / EDUCATION

New simulation format and curriculum achieves more diverse training and increased engagement: This academic year has seen tremendous changes in the general surgery simulation sessions. Since the revamping of the simulation format and curriculum, we have achieved more diverse training as well as increased engagement from both residents and faculty. In the shift to two-hour simulation sessions (instead of the one hour sessions previously held), we are able to offer more in depth sessions and more hands-on practice time for the residents. This has increased residence confidence levels in exercises as well. Faculty engagement has been bolstered not only from UC Davis faculty, but from affiliate sites including the VA and Kaiser hospitals.

Prep Médico: Preparando Estudiantes Para Ser Medicos, or Preparing Students to Be Physicians (“Prep Médico” for short) is a multi-faceted initiative that will provide scholarships, mentorship and internship opportunities, a residential program, volunteer service opportunities, and hands-on clinical experiences for premed and medical students. The goal is to identify the next generations of physicians and other health professionals committed to advancing Latino health. About 6% of California doctors are Latino — a deep disconnect from the state’s population, which is about 40% Latino.

Socially Responsible Surgery: Socially Responsible Surgery delivered lectures on social determinants of health concerning surgical patients for 3-year medical students starting their surgery clerkship, and presented posters that looked at de-correcting pulmonary function tests for Black and Asian patients “Outcomes of ‘Race De-correction’ for Patients Undergoing Lobectomy for NSCLC,” (Araiye Medlock, MS3), and “Using the Distressed Communities Index to Predict Long-term Weight Reduction After Bariatric Surgery” which looked at the Distressed Communities Index and weight reference after bariatric surgery (Lexie Johns, M.D., PGY-4). Both presentations highlighted the importance of social justice research and its relevance to the medical field.

2023 Projects RESURG: RESURG (Research Experience in Surgery) hosted its fourth annual event called ‘Fostering the Future’. This two-day program provided underserved high school students in several Northern California counties with an opportunity to explore career options in the field of health care. The program also taught them valuable professional skills that will help them succeed in their future health care careers.

through education and training opportunities

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Introducing students to careers in health care, medicine and clinical research

RESURG (Research Experience in Surgery) is a selective clinical research internship based in the Department of Surgery under the leadership of Dr. Misty Humphries. Undergraduate students at UC Davis who participate in the program work on a range of topics, including rural health telemedicine, access to care for trauma patients, peripheral arterial disease, critical limb ischemia, bariatric surgery outcomes, and pediatric trials. RESURG student interns get the opportunity to engage in clinical human subject research, work with clinicians, and gain valuable professional skills. The program currently has 18

“Our vision is to promote, develop, and train students to become competent research professionals while mentoring them in their professional and educational goals.” Misty Humphries, M.D., F.A.C.S., RESURG Program Director

Luis Godoy awarded American Association of Medical Colleges Leadership Fellowship Dr. Luis Godoy of the Division of General Thoracic Surgery has been awarded the 2023 Herbert W. Nickens Faculty Fellowship from the American Association of Medical Colleges. The award recognizes an outstanding junior faculty member who has demonstrated leadership in the United States in addressing inequities in medical education and health care, demonstrated efforts in addressing educational, societal, and health care needs of racial and ethnic minorities, and is committed to a career in academic medicine. Originally from Michoacan, Mexico, Godoy immigrated as a young boy to Northern California with his family and has dedicated his career to understanding health disparities affecting minority communities — particularly lung cancer screening patterns — and finding ways to address these concerns through community-based partnerships. As an awardee, Godoy will receive a $25,000 grant to fund a project to support racial and ethnic minorities. Godoy will accept the award at Learn Serve Lead 2023: The AAMC Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA.

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / EDUCATION

active students. To date, it has introduced 49 students to careers in health care. This past summer, RESURG hosted its 4th annual event, ‘Fostering the Future.’ This two-day program provided underserved high school students in several Northern California counties the opportunity to explore careers in the field of health care and learn valuable professional skills that will aid in fostering a successful future in health care careers. During this event, students attended several workshops and classes that included an introduction to research, a medicine profession panel, an animal organ dissection, a simulation lab tour, and a career fair panel. The event provided students with exposure to careers in medicine, health care, and clinical research.

UC Davis to host Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) Annual Meeting The Department of Surgery is pleased and honored to host the 34th Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) Annual Meeting. The meeting will take place September 19 – 22 on the UC Davis campus. This meeting will welcome 500-plus attendees from around the nation and provide an educational forum involving guest speakers, presentations, and networking opportunities. Established in 1989, the SBAS’s mission is to improve health, advance science, and foster careers of African American and other underrepresented minority surgeons.

Working for surgical equity for all The Socially Responsible Surgery (SRS) chapter at UC Davis Health continues to gain momentum amongst faculty, residents, and medical students. This growth is illustrated through the many active projects this year that support the organization’s four pillars: advocacy, education, research, and service. Advocacy: This year, three SRS members (Lexie Johns, M.D., Elise Fannon, M.D., and Priya Suri, M.D.) represented UC Davis at the American College of Surgeons Leadership and Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. Members also participated in the inaugural UC Davis Health Global Surgery Journal Club back in February, and several members attended and presented at the first-ever national SRS meeting at the American College of Surgeons meeting in Boston. Thanks to the collective efforts of surgeons and members of the UC Davis SRS chapter, death rates in California due to blood loss from traumatic injuries will likely decrease over the next several years as reported in “Stop the Bleed Law Will Prevent Deaths from Traumatic Blood Loss.” Lastly, the chapter has been engaged in many policy topics, including Stop-The-Bleed with the California chapters of ACS, gun violence legislation, and domestic abuse-mandated reporting. Education: Members of SRS have continued delivering lectures on social determinants of health concerning surgical patients for third-year medical students starting

their surgery clerkship, and have continued the Student Service-Learning Project, where pre-clinical medical students are teaching trauma patients about chest trauma and finding more information about their social situations to help the clinical team. In addition, SRS has just submitted a publication related to their cultural complication curriculum. Research: This year two SRS members won awards for their research at the annual UC Davis Surgery Research Day. Araiye Medlock, MS3, for “Outcomes of ‘Race De-correction’ for Patients Undergoing Lobectomy for NSCLC,” which looked at de-correcting pulmonary function tests for Black and Asian patients, and Lexie Johns, M.D., for “Using the Distressed Communities Index to Predict Long-term Weight Reduction After Bariatric Surgery” which looked at the Distressed Communities Index and weight reference after bariatric surgery. Both presentations show how social justice research is important and deserving. Service: SRS is committed to service and has been active in creating patient education videos in Spanish with the help of multiple surgery faculty and medical students to improve patient understanding of IS and drain management. With this increased interest, the UC Davis SRS group will continue to extend their activities and have more projects in the works, with plans for increased manuscript submissions and conference presentations in 2024.

The Department of Surgery hosts first annual Trauma Care Conference More than 85 professionals in the field of trauma gathered at UC Davis Health to participate in the Division of Trauma, Acute Care and Critical Care Surgery’s first annual Trauma Care Conference. This 2-day conference featured 40 presenters and educators who brought together providers from across the Northern California region to review the latest advances in trauma care and integrate evidence-based practice. The event was aimed at both new and experienced providers and offered a comprehensive overview of key topics critical to trauma care, two skill-segregated hands-on wound care management courses aimed at improving initial management and complex wound closure techniques, a ‘Stop the Bleed’ course, as well as networking opportunities with other clinicians from the region.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Five UC Davis Department of Surgery residents promoted to UC Air Force Major The UC Davis Department of Surgery is home to one of a handful of surgical training programs in the United States designated as a United States Air Force (USAF) surgery training institute. This year five surgery residents were promoted to the rank of major in the U.S. Air Force during a special ceremony.

excellent opportunity to recognize this accomplishment in a public way,” he added. “It also reminds everyone that military residents have taken on an obligation to serve their country.” The surgery training program at UC Davis Health includes slots for military residents who spend six years at UC Davis Medical Center and Travis “Because of our long history Air Force Base. They of collaboration between the also complete one year Department of Surgery, Sacramento of required research. One of the unique Veterans Administration, and advantages of the Travis Air Force Base, started by program is that activeDr. Blaisdell, our partnership with duty military residents can perform an “activeDavid Grant USAF Medical Center duty residency” while has become a national model for receiving military pay military-civilian surgical training.” and accruing time in the service. They also benefit – Diana Farmer, M.D. from caring for com“Being promoted is a rite of munity patients at predominantly passage. It represents both a recogcivilian sites. This learning-rich envinition of what has been done and an ronment allows military residents expectation of things to come,” said to develop exceptional clinical skills U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Zakaluzny, a and pursue research opportunities. volunteer assistant clinical professor. At the promotion ceremony, com“Having the ceremony here at manding officers delivered remarks, UC Davis amongst their peers is an then each resident was pinned with

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / EDUCATION

an insignia of an oak leaf on the shoulders of their dress blues. The pinning was done by someone close to them, such as surgery colleagues, friends, parents, siblings, a spouse or young children. Afterward, they each took the Oath of Office, which serves as a reminder of their obligation to their service and country. The residents promoted from captain to major are: Nicholas F. Antonino, general surgery Joel P. Harding, vascular surgery Cara G. Pozolo, vascular surgery Ashly C. Ruf, general surgery Elan A. Sherazeem, general surgery “The partnership between the Air Force and UC Davis is very unique, it’s one of a very few in the country,” said newly promoted Maj. Ashly Ruf. “Having our ceremony done here is just one way to continue to incorporate that relationship because not only is it our military family that has helped us take the next step in our career, but just as important, is our UC Davis family. They are the ones who for the past six years have really helped support us to get us to where we are.” In 1995, UC Davis Health formalized its collaboration with the David Grant USAF Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base, establishing a special partnership to train military surgeons. The relationship benefits UC Davis medical school residents who receive surgical training at Travis. The arrangement, formally called the Program for Military Surgical Education, also offers unique and robust training opportunities for military surgeons and trainees at national and international levels.

General surgery education update New simulation format and curriculum achieves more diverse training and increased engagement. This academic year has seen tremendous changes in the general surgery simulation sessions. Since the revamping of the simulation format and curriculum, we have achieved more diverse training as well as increased engagement from both residents and faculty. In the shift to two-hour simulation sessions (instead of the one hour sessions previously held), we are able to offer more in depth sessions and more hands-on practice time for the residents. This has increased residence confidence levels in exercises as well. Faculty engagement has been bolstered not only from UC Davis faculty, but from affiliate sites including the VA and Kaiser hospitals. We are especially proud to introduce several new simulation sessions this year. With the restructuring of the robotic curriculum under Dr. Shushmita Ahmed (Chair of the Robotic Education Subcommittee) and Dr. Ankit Sarin (Vice Chair of Robotics and New Technologies), and partnership with Intuitive, we have introduced several new small group robotic simulation sessions this year including robotic bowel anastomosis and ventral hernia repair labs. Expansion of these simulations have led to greater resident attendance at voluntary robotic simulation sessions as well as increased completion of robotic certification by the time of graduation. Expanded open and laparoscopic sessions increase skill and comfort for trainees. This year we have expanded both open and laparoscopic sessions. Among our sessions, we have had two successful open bowel anastomosis labs, and for the first time, featured a laparoscopic bowel anastomosis lab. The laparoscopic curriculum has also been enhanced for earlier and greater exposure to basic laparoscopy for our junior residents (especially for our 1st and 2nd year residents) to allow for increased skill and comfort with basic laparoscopic procedures. We hope to feature further laparoscopic labs this year to promote confidence and earlier completion of the Fundamental of Laparoscopic Surgery exam. One of the most novel simulation endeavors of this is the creation of an interdisciplinary team simulation curriculum. Through our partnership with Dr. Ian Julie (Medical Director of the Simulation Center), the Center for Simulation and Education Enhancement, and the leadership of Associate Program Directors Dr. Shushmita Ahmed, Dr. Minna Wieck, and Dr. Rachel Hight, we are currently building team simulation sessions intended to engender not only communication between residents themselves, but with ancillary staff and providers during emergent situations. It is our hope that these sessions not only foster camaraderie, but facilitate better communication in the operating room, floor, and ICU to allow for excellent and timely patient care.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery launch smartphone app to increase diversity among trainees Health care disparities among underrepresented in medicine (URM) patients are pervasive throughout the field of medicine. The field of plastic surgery has experienced difficulty increasing diversity among trainees, despite significant efforts. The scarcity of URM plastic surgeons compounds these disparities since URM patients are more likely to seek care from providers with similar racial and cultural backgrounds. To help with reducing these disparities, Dr. Elise (Hill) Fannon (PGY 4) and Dr. Clifford Pereira, professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, have developed a smartphone app to create a virtual mentorship platform for underrepresented medical students, called AppTITUD-PS (Application to Increase The URM Diversity In Plastic Surgery). This Plastic Surgery Foundationfunded project aims to provide mentorship and career support to URM medical students interested in plastic surgery in a free, easily accessible mobile app. The app is loaded with high-yield resources such as helpful how-to guides, free textbooks, and funding and research opportunities, and offers a space for students to connect with physicians that signed up to be mentors. The team plans on expanding the application to high school students, as well as into other surgical subspecialties to move the needle towards a more diverse surgical workforce with the goal of reducing surgical and, more broadly, medical health care disparities. The app is now LIVE and is downloadable at the below mentioned link or QR code. Go to apptitud-ps.adalo.com or scan the QR code to join our growing community!

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

DEVELOPMENT Barry Beals Research Internship Award, supporting the next generation of thoracic surgeons

“It is through the incredible generosity of Mr. Beals, our amazing UC Davis School of Medicine students, like Aliyah, are able to experience academic medicine through a unique, participatory perspective.” David T. Cooke, M.D., Professor and Founding Chief, Division of General Thoracic Surgery

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / DEVELOPMENT

Last year, through the gracious support of Mr. Barry Beals, the Division of General Thoracic Surgery created the “Barry Beals Research Internship Award” in Honor of Dr. David T. Cooke. Mr. Beals was a former patient of Dr. Cooke’s and in honor of his successful treatment, he established an endowment fund that would allow medical students, residents and fellows to engage in research projects under the direction of experienced researchers and principal investigators. The 2023 award recipient is Ms. Aliyah Walker, a medical student at UC Davis School of Medicine. She was awarded the internship during her first year of medical school and started it in June of her second year. The internship involved shadowing, research participation, and attending case presentations. According to Ms. Walker, “The most memorable experience to me was seeing how a piece of the lung was removed. A bag was brought into the chest so the lung piece could be placed in it. The bag was then pulled out of the chest through a small hole. I remember watching, shocked, as the resident tugged roughly and moved the bag back and forth, trying to pull it out.” When asked about the value of the Barry Beals Internship, Ms. Walker noted, “This experience helped me in many ways. I got an improved understanding of the subspecialties of CT. I watched how they (residents) learned and were critiqued in surgery, clinic, and case presentations. It was really valuable to hear resident’s and faculty’s considerations when deciding the best course of action. I saw how the different conditions I had recently learned in lectures could affect a patient’s options. The exposure was the biggest impact for me because I had no exposure to thoracic surgery coming into medical school. I appreciated seeing what sort of cases thoracic surgery handled. Ms. Walker summed up her internship experience by saying, “Learning more about the main patient population really reaffirms why I am interested in thoracic surgery. The physicians here have such an inspiring and positive impact on people’s lives. Watching these patient interactions up close was a great example of the physician I hope to be one day.”

The Pynchon Lectureship in Burn Care was established through a generous endowment from the Helen Marie Pynchon Trust. Mrs. Pynchon’s son was treated at the UC Davis Firefighters Burn Institute, and in appreciation of her son’s care, she left a gift to the UC Davis Regional Burn Center in her estate. As a tribute to the family, the Department of Surgery established the Pynchon Lectureship and will welcome each year distinguished scholars in the field of burn surgery to speak and teach at UC Davis. This lectureship will provide a forum to present the latest clinical, research, and educational developments in the field of burn care. This year, we were honored to host our first Pynchon Lectureship in Burn Care featuring the very well-known and respected Dr. Fiona Wood. Dr. Wood has been a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and researcher for almost 30 years and is the Director of the Burns Service of Western Australia (BSWA). She is best known down under as Australia’s preeminent plastic surgeon in burns medicine. Dr. Wood’s accolades are immense and impressive. The list includes being honored with a Member of the Order of Australia, recognized as an Australian National Living Treasure, named Australian of the Year, and numerous awards and prizes. However, what truly sets professor Wood apart is her empathy, kindness, and dedication to using her incredible skills to help others. We were grateful to have Dr. Wood as our inaugural Pynchon Lectureship guest speaker.

Support the work of the Department of Surgery For more than 50 years, thousands of people have entrusted the UC Davis Department of Surgery to provide them with first-rate medical care. Many turn to us because of our well-established history of innovative leading-edge treatments and our reputation for attracting some of the finest surgical trainees and surgeons in the country. Over the past five decades we’ve built a strong, nationally recognized and ranked surgery program dedicated to advancing new standards of surgical care through research and pioneering treatments. Our success is furthered by philanthropic contributions from people like you. Here at the Department of Surgery, we don’t just work alone. Your support is essential to our continued discovery of insights, innovations and tools to improve human health. Gifts from our alumni, patients and friends assist us with training in the latest surgical techniques, advancing surgical care through research discovery, and achieving the best possible outcomes for patients. When you make a gift to the Department of Surgery, you enhance our ability to make groundbreaking discoveries that directly and profoundly benefit patients and the community.

UC DAVIS HEALTH | DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

Grateful family establishes Pynchon Lectureship in Burn Care

We invite you to join us in advancing the future of health care. For more information on how to make a gift to the UC Davis Department of Surgery, or to a specific physician or scientist within the department, please contact J.R.Springer at jrspringer@ucdavis.edu.

UC DAVIS HEALTH / DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

REFERRAL AND CONTACT INFORMATION Leadership

Surgery Clinic Locations

Diana Farmer, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.R.C.S.

Surgery Clinic

Distinguished Professor and Pearl Stamps Stewart Chair Chair, Department of Surgery, UC Davis School of Medicine Surgeon-in-Chief, Emeritus, UC Davis Children’s Hospital Co-Director, Center for Surgical Bioengineering Laboratory

Cypress Bldg., Suite E 2221 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817 916-734-2680

UC Davis Medical Center

Vice Chair, Basic Science

4251 X St., Sacramento, CA 95817 916-734-2011

Rachael Callcut, M.D., M.S.P.H., F.A.C.S.

Plastic Surgery Clinic

Sean Adams, Ph.D.

Vice Chair, Clinical Science

David T. Cooke, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Vice Chair, Faculty Development and Wellness

Shinjiro Hirose, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Vice Chair, Finance and Children’s Services

Gregory Jurkovich, M.D., F.A.C.S.

3301 C St., Sacramento, CA 95816 916-734-7844

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center 2279 45 th St., Sacramento, CA 95817 916-734-5959

Transplant Clinic

Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs

2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817 916-734-2111

Tina Palmieri, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Vascular Clinic

Vice Chair, Clinical Trials Research

Edgardo Salcedo, M.D., F.A.C.S. Interim Vice Chair, Education

Ankit Sarin, M.D., M.P.H.

Vice Chair, Robotics and New Technologies

Aijun Wang, Ph.D.

Vice Chair for Translational Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

4860 Y St., Suite 2100 Sacramento, CA 95817 916-734-3800

Fetal Treatment Center UC Davis Children’s Hospital 2315 Stockton Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95817 916-794-2229

Physician Referrals PHYSICIAN REFERRAL AND TRANSFER CENTER 800-4-UCDAVIS (800-482-3284) referrals.ucdavis.edu

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW / DEVELOPMENT

Contact Us UC Davis School of Medicine Department of Surgery 2335 Stockton Blvd. NOAB 6th Floor Sacramento, CA 95817 916-734-3528 health.ucdavis.edu/surgery surgerynews@ucdavis.edu

Department of Surgery 2335 Stockton Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95817 916-734-3528 Referrals: referrals.ucdavis.edu 800-4-UCDAVIS (800-482-3284)