Address DepartmentofSurgery
AndrewsAcademicTower
800StantonL.YoungBlvd #9000 OklahomaCity,OK73104
Phone
(405)271-7912Office (405)271-3919Fax
Email barish-edil@ou.edu
Administration
JessicaCapetillo ExecutiveAssistant/ SeniorAdministrativeManager
KatherineWhite ExecutiveAssistantII
AmberRice AdministrativeAssistant
MarlowBrooks OUHSCITAnalyst
LeslieMasse AdministrativeAssistant
AlexisSowah DepartmentSurgeryScheduler
WelcometotheDepartmentofSurgeryNewsletter!
Thisissuescovers2025aswesharetheincrediblebasicscience, translational science, and clinical innovation our department faculty are contributing to academic surgery. As the field of surgery evolves, so does our department and we highlight the amazingaccomplishments.During2025,wecontinuedtoexcel with our missions, grew as a department, and added to our individualaccomplishments.
Weareconstantlystrivingtoimproveandinnovatewhichkeeps usattheforefrontintheworldofsurgicaladvancements.Ihope that you enjoy looking through all the events, but, most importantly,takepride,asIdid,inourmanyaccomplishments in2025.
I would like to thank the entire department for your poise, patience, and perseverance as our academic landscape is continually shifting. I am extremely proud of your leadership, academicvigor,anddedicationtoourstudentsandresidents.
Finally, I would like to congratulate our graduates who will continue OU Surgery’s legacy as they begin their fellowships andpractices.
LisaSuriano SeniorClinicalBusinessAdministrator
HeatherDees AccountantManager
MarySheets SeniorAccountant
MarloSoutherland,SHRM-CP LeadAdministrative/Finance Coordinator Finance
Thank you for your interest in our newsletter and I hope you finditinformative.
Sincerely,
BarishH.Edil,MD Professor&Chair
https://medicine.ouhsc.edu/academic-departments/surgery
DEPARTMENT MISSION & OVERVIEW
2025 NEW FACULTY
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE & PATIENT STORIES
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
EDUCATION & TRAINING
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS
GRAND ROUNDS & SPECIAL GUESTS
CELEBRATIONS, EVENTS, & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
To improve the health of all people , to deliver excellent, innovative patient care, and to educate physicians and surgeons for the future.
The Department of Surgery is comprised of a dedicated and highly skilled faculty spanning a wide range of surgical specialties. The following section highlights the number of faculty memberswithinthedepartment,organizedbydivision,offeringreadersaclearsnapshotofthe depthandbreadthofsurgicalexpertiserepresented.
After an extraordinary career spanning nearly four decades on our campus, we recognize the upcoming retirement of Cameron Mantor, MD, who concluded his service on July 31, 2025. Over 30 years of dedicatedleadershipandclinicalexcellence,Dr.MantorservedasChief PhysicianExecutiveforOUHealth,PresidentofOUHealthPartners,and ViceChairoftheDepartmentofGeneralSurgery.
Dr.Mantorhasbeenacornerstoneofourinstitution,devotinghiscareer tothecareofOklahoma’schildrenwhilealsoshapingtheeducationof residents, fellows, and students. His leadership has been a constant presenceacrosstheorganization,withrolesincludingSectionChiefand Program Director of Pediatric General Surgery, Chief Medical Officer of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, and Acting Chief Medical Officer of OU Medicinehospitals.
Hiscareerismarkedbynumerousremarkableachievements.Dr.Mantor was part of the team that established Oklahoma’s first and only pediatricECMOprogramin1992,advancinglife-savingcareforcritically ill neonates. He also played a pivotal role in two of the state’s three conjoined twin separation surgeries over the past four decades—an extraordinary testament to his surgical expertise and dedication. In additiontohisclinicalimpact,hehasmentoredcountlessresidentsand trained 25 pediatric general surgery fellows, leaving a lasting legacy in surgicaleducation.
In his most recent leadership role as Chief Physician Executive, Dr. Mantor made significant contributions that will continue to shape the futureofOUHealth.HiseffortsinreconstitutingtheOUHealthPartners Board and advancing ambulatory operational and access practice standardshavepositionedtheorganizationforsustainablegrowthand long-termsuccess.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, we extend our sincere gratitudetoDr.Mantorandhisfamily—hiswifeBetsy,theirsonWill,and daughter-in-lawMargaret—fortheirenduringcommitmenttoOUHealth andtheCollegeofMedicine.
Dr. Mantor’s impact on patients, families, colleagues, and learners is immeasurable.Wethankhimforhisdecadesofserviceandwishhimall thebestinhiswell-earnedretirement.
CameronMantor,MD TenuredProfessorofSurgery
Recently, a patient story titled “Chenoah and Katie’s Challenging Journey: Overcoming Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome” highlighted the journey of a mother facing a high-risk pregnancy after an early diagnosis of a serious congenital heart condition, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)—a rare defect affecting approximately 1 in 3,955newbornsintheUnitedStates.
Asnotedinthestory,earlydetectionandspecializedcarearecritical, asHLHSaccountsforasignificantportionofcardiac-relateddeathsin thefirstweekoflife.
AtOklahomaChildren’sHospitalOUHealth,thatlevelofcareismade possiblethroughtheexpertiseofoursurgicalteam.HaroldBurkhart, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Division Chief of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, performed the patient’s first lifesavingprocedureatjustsevendaysold.
Cases like this reflect the strength of our multidisciplinary approach andourcommitmenttodeliveringadvanced,high-acuitycareforeven themostcomplexpediatricconditions.
HaroldBurkhart,MD,FACS DivisionChiefofCardiac,Thoracic,& VascularSurgery
Recently featured on OUHealth.com, Azrael’s journey highlights the realities of navigating Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)—a complex congenital conditionrequiringhighlyspecializedsurgicalcarefrom theearliestdaysoflife.
“The lady came up to me after church and said, ‘Your son said something strange,’” Tiara shared. “She had asked them about feeling the presence of God, and he said, ‘I have. When the doctor was fixing my heart, Jesus was there. Dr. Burkhart fixed my heart and Jesus helped him.’”
From the very beginning, Azrael’s care required a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach—bringing togethersurgicalexpertise,criticalcare,andlong-term planningtosupportthebestpossibleoutcome.
AtOklahomaChildren’sHospitalOUHealth,thatlevelof care is led by experts like Harold Burkhart, Pediatric CardiothoracicSurgeonandDivisionChiefofCardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, who performed Azrael’s firstlife-savingprocedureatjustsevendaysold.
“His heart is doing so well for his condition,” his mother, Tiara, shared. “I know some patients who are in their 30s and 40s who haven’t had to have transplants and are still going strong. I think Azrael will be one of those.” “We love OU Health—it’s truly been amazing.”
The impact of this experience has been profound—so much so that Tiara, already a nurse, is returning to the OUCollegeofNursingtofurtherhereducation,inspired bythecareherfamilyreceived.
Azrael’s story reflects more than a single procedure—it represents the strength of a system built around collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to deliveringadvanced,high-acuitycareforeventhemost complexpediatricconditions.
When 24-year-old Angel Arevalo arrived at OU Health with his heart functioning at just 5% capacity,hisconditionrapidlyescalatedintocardiacarrest—requiringimmediate,life-saving intervention.
Under the leadership of advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist Mohit Pahuja, a multidisciplinary“shockteam”wasactivatedtostabilizeAngelduringoneofthemostcritical moments of his care. The team brought together specialists across cardiology, critical care, andsurgery,includingcardiothoracicsurgeonShinobuItagaki
As Angel’s condition deteriorated, Dr. Pahuja and the team made the decision to initiate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)—a highly advanced therapy used to temporarily take over heart and lung function. Dr. Itagaki played a key procedural role in implementing this life-sustaining support, helping stabilize circulation and giving Angel a chanceatrecoverywhensurvivalseemedunlikely.
“We knew that he couldn’t survive for much longer… He was so young — we had to give him a chance.”
Despite multi-organ failure and a prolonged period without responsiveness, the care team remainedsteadfast—managingacomplexdiagnosiswhilecloselymonitoringforanysignsof recovery.
In a powerful moment that underscores both the clinical and human sides of care, Angel’s first neurologicalresponsecameunexpectedly:
“As she continued to pray, I suddenly stood up… this was the first sign of brain activity that showed the doctors I was recovering.”
After nine days on ECMO and weeks of intensive treatment,Angelregainedconsciousness.Withintwo and a half weeks, he was discharged home with improvingheartfunctionandarenewedoutlook.
“I am so grateful for the team — they worked so hard to keep me alive.”
To read the whole story, visit OUHealth.com
Colorectal cancer is rising at an alarming rate among adults under 50, prompting urgent research and a renewed focus on early detection. As highlighted in “The Rising Tide: Understanding and Addressing Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults,” experts at OU Health are leading efforts to better understandandrespondtothisgrowingconcern.
AttheforefrontofthisworkisDr.KristinaBooth,colonandrectalsurgeonat OU Health and associate professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. As part of the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, she emphasizes the institution’suniqueroleinaddressingthisshift.
“As the state's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, we're uniquely positioned to track and respond to these changing patterns.” — Dr. Kristina Booth
HerworkalsohighlightstheimportanceofunderstandinghowthistrendimpactsOklahoma’sdiversepopulations.
“Our researchers are particularly focused on understanding how this trend affects Oklahoma's diverse populations, including our rural and Native American communities.” — Dr. Kristina Booth
Fromaclinicalperspective,Dr.StevenCarter,colonandrectalsurgeonatOUHealth,reinforcestheurgencyofawarenessandearly detection—especiallyasscreeningguidelinesnowrecommendbeginningatage45foraverage-riskadults.
“While often times younger patients can ignore certain symptoms like bleeding, hemorrhoids, constipation, and other bowel movement changes, it is important to talk to your physician about these symptoms.” — Dr. Steven Carter
Heemphasizesthatearlyrecognitionofsymptomscansignificantlychangeoutcomes.
“Most of the time colonoscopy can reassure you, but even when it finds a cancer, if caught early, the cancer is often curable.” — Dr. Steven Carter
Earlydetectionnotonlyimprovessurvivalbutcanalsoreducetheintensityoftreatmentrequired.
“When colon cancer is caught in its early stages, it is often more localized and can be surgically removed or treated with less aggressive therapies.” — Dr. Steven Carter
Together,theirworkunderscoresacentralmessage:awareness,timelyscreening,andproactivecarearecriticalinreversingtheriseof young-onset colorectal cancer. Through continued research, patient education, and multidisciplinary collaboration, OU Health remainscommittedtoimprovingoutcomesforpatientsacrossOklahoma.
Toreadthewholestory,visitOUHealth.com
(2025,
InOUHealth’sspringsafetyarticle,Dr.JasonLees,Robert D. Gordon, Jr. Professor of Surgery and Section Chief of Acute Care Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, reinforces a critical message: prevention remainsthefirstlineofdefense.
“Whenitcomestopools,eyesonkidsatalltimesiscritical,” he notes, emphasizing constant supervision during water activities.
Seasonal trends also bring predictable risks. “ATVs are probably our biggest source of injuries as the weather warmsup,” Dr.Leesexplains,pointingtotheimportanceof protectivegearandsafeoperation.
Atthesametime,heremindsusthatpreparationextends beyond prevention. “Would you live in a city that didn't have a fire department or police department?” he asks— highlighting the critical role trauma systems play in every community.
“Our multidisciplinary teams ensure that we can handle all ranges of trauma care,” he adds, reinforcing the strength andreadinessofOUHealth’ssurgicalteams.
Adaptedfrom:“SpringBreakSafetyTips:ProtectingYour FamilyfromCommonInjuriesandEmergencies,”OU Health(2025).Toreadthewholestory,visitOUHealth.com
In moments of crisis, access to the highest level of trauma care can mean the difference between life and death. As highlighted in “Oklahoma’s Lifeline:WhyLevelITraumaCentersMatter,”OUHealthservesasacritical resource for patients across the state, delivering comprehensive, aroundthe-clockcareforthemostsevereinjuries.
AtaLevelITraumaCenter,caredoesn’twait—andneitherdothesurgeons behindit.ForDr.AlisaCross,traumasurgerymeanssteppingintothemost criticalmomentsofapatient’slifewithprecision,urgency,andexpertise.
“For the most critically injured patients, access to the highest level of care can determine survival.”
OUHealth’straumaprogramoperates24/7,ensuringthatsurgeonslikeDr. Cross are always available to deliver immediate, life-saving intervention. Supported by a full spectrum of specialists, advanced technology, and dedicated trauma teams, this level of care represents the gold standard in emergencymedicine.
“It’s not just about being available—it’s about being prepared at every level.”
In 2024 alone, more than 9,000 Oklahomans required treatment for lifethreatening trauma—ranging from motor vehicle accidents to catastrophic falls. For these patients, timely access to a Level I Trauma Center significantly impacts survival and recovery—making the expertise of surgeonslikeDr.Crossessentialtooutcomesacrossthestate.
What distinguishes a Level I Trauma Center is not just capability, but consistency.Thesecentersmustmeetrigorousnationalstandardssetbythe American College of Surgeons, including continuous re-verification every threeyearsandadherencetomorethan120performancecriteria.
AtOUHealth,thatcommitmenttranslatesintoimmediateaccesstotrauma surgeons, specialized teams, and dedicated operating rooms—24 hours a day,7daysaweek.Theabilitytomobilizemultidisciplinaryexpertisewithin minutes ensures that patients receive rapid, life-saving intervention when everysecondcounts.
Through leadership, clinical excellence, and a commitment to patient outcomes, Dr. Cross and the trauma team continue to serve as a vital resource for communities across Oklahoma—advancing trauma care not justfortoday’spatients,butforfuturegenerations.
CITATION: OUHealth.(2025,April).Oklahoma’slifeline:WhylevelItraumacentersmatter.OUHealth.(2025,April). Oklahoma’slifeline:WhyLevelItraumacentersmatter.OUHealth.
In An Accident That Nearly Took Everything: Care Excellence With OU Health’s Level I Trauma Center, OU Health highlights the life-saving impact of rapid, coordinated trauma care—where every second counts and every team member plays a critical role.
AtthecenterofthisstoryisDr.CeliaBlair,atraumasurgeonwhoseworkreflectsthe precision,urgency,andleadershiprequiredinthemostcriticalmomentsofpatient care. Her perspective underscores what truly defines a Level I Trauma Center: not justavailability,butreadinessateverylevel.
“We have short response times to help ensure that all of our patients are getting appropriatelytreatedinthat‘goldenhour.’”
ForDr.Blairandthetraumateam,the“goldenhour”ismorethanaconcept—itisa standard of care. From the moment a patient arrives, highly trained specialists mobilize immediately, delivering rapid assessment and intervention designed to maximizesurvivalandrecovery.
“Whencriticalcasesarise,theteamisalwaysreadyandavailablenomatterwhatdayortimethatthepatientarrives.” This around-the-clock readiness is supported by a deeply integrated, multidisciplinary approach—bringing together surgeons,emergencyphysicians,nurses,andsupportstaffinseamlesscoordination.
“Werecognizetheimportanceofeveryoneonthisteam.”
Thatphilosophyiswhattransformsexpertiseintooutcomes.ItensuresthatpatientsacrossOklahomahaveaccesstothe highestleveloftraumacarewhentheyneeditmost.
Through leaders like Dr. Blair, OU Health continues to set the standard for trauma care—delivering not only advanced clinicalintervention,butalsohopeinlife’smostcriticalmoments.
Toreadthewholestory,visitOUHealth.com
CITATION: OUHealth.(2025,May29).Anaccidentthatnearlytookeverything: CareexcellencewithOUHealth’sLevelITraumaCenter.https:// www.ouhealth.com/blog/2025/may/an-accident-that-nearly-tookeverything-care-exc/
MaheswaranPitchaimuthu,MD (MBBS,MS,MRCS,FRCS) TransplantSurgeon
PauloMartins,MD (PHD,FAST,FEBS,FACS) TransplantSurgeon InterimDivisionChief
Ourtransplantteamreachedahistoricmilestone,surpassing1,000kidneytransplantssincetheprogram’sinception in 2009—an achievement that reflects our leadership in transplant care and enduring commitment to expanding accessandimprovingoutcomesforpatients.Buildingonthismomentum,theDepartmentofSurgerycontinuesto advance patient care through innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration. This year also marked a major breakthroughwithourteamperformingthefirstlivertransplantforhilarcholangiocarcinomaatOU.Together,these milestones highlight our continued expansion of high-acuity surgical services and our dedication to delivering comprehensive,patient-centeredcareforeventhemostcomplexconditions.
NarendraBattula,M.B.B.S, MRCS,MD,FRCS TransplantSurgeon DivisionChief
ShinichiroYokota,MD,PhD TransplantSurgeon
Our department continues to lead in advancing transplant science through innovation and collaboration.
Dr. Paulo Martins and Dr. Narendra Battula, in collaboration with the University of Florida, received patent approval for a novel technology focused on improving kidney transplant outcomes.Thismilestonerepresentsasignificant achievement in our ongoing research and developmentefforts.
The patented innovation centers on the quantification of soluble DNA in hypothermic machine perfusion perfusate as a reliable method for assessing kidney transplant quality and predicting post-transplant outcomes. This approach has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes by providing more precise, data-driven evaluationsoforganviability.
This work highlights our department’s commitmenttotranslatingcutting-edgeresearch into meaningful clinical advancements and reinforces our role as a leader in transplant innovation.
Our department continues to gain national recognition for its expanding research enterpriseandacademicimpact.
Thisyear,wewererankedamongtheTop50surgerydepartmentsinthenation,coming in at #50 in NIH funding—a milestone that reflects the strength and momentum of our researchprograms.Buildingonthisachievement,wehavealsoseenasignificantincrease in NIH funding, underscoring our continued growth, innovation, and commitment to advancingsurgicalscienceandimprovingpatientcare.
Dr.GrantGershner,MD(Surgery/ResearchFellow)ledan importantresearchinitiativefocusedonimprovingcare for Spanish-speaking patients through enhanced interpretationservices.
The “Spanish Interpreter Study” evaluated patient experiences with current interpretation methods by directly engaging Spanish-speaking patients and gathering feedback on communication quality, accessibility,andoverallsatisfaction.
This work reflects a broader commitment within our department to equitable, patient-centered care, ensuringthatlanguageisnotabarriertounderstanding, trust,orclinicaloutcomes.
TheDepartmentofSurgeryproudlyhostedthe2025G.RaineyWilliamsResearchSymposiumonFriday,October 24th at Andrews Academic Tower—an outstanding day dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and scientific discovery.Thesymposiumhighlightedthebreadthandimpactofresearchacrossourdepartment,showcasing theexceptionalworkofourresidents,faculty,trainees,andstudents.
Wearepleasedtorecognizethisyear’sawardrecipients:
ResidentGrantAward
HeatherGrubbs,MD
FacultyGrantAward
EmilySwitzer,MD
OralPresentationAwards
Residents
1stPlace–RachelDavisBouvette,MD
2ndPlace–HaddonHill,MD
3rdPlace–ChristopherLuschen,MD
PostdoctoralFellows
1stPlace–HappyAgarwal,PhD
2ndPlace–RohitSingh,PhD
3rdPlace–FengYan,PhD MedicalStudents
1stPlace–MaxBouvette GraduateTrainees
1stPlace–KarlThomas
PosterPresentationAwards
BasicScience
1stPlace–EmmaSanderson
2ndPlace–BarishEdil,Jr.
3rdPlace–BornfaceMutembei MedicalStudents
1stPlace–JimmyLe
2ndPlace–ElijahCloud
3rdPlace–SeanKing Residents
1stPlace–CarolineBettiol,MD
2ndPlace–TaylorLaskowski
WeextendoursincereappreciationtoBryanClary,MD,VisitingProfessorandKeynoteSpeakerfrom UCSanDiegoHealth,forsharinghisexpertiseandinsightswithourdepartment.
Congratulations to all participants and award recipients for their outstanding contributions to advancing surgical research. Your commitment to scientific discovery, collaboration, and academic excellencereflectsthestrengthofourresearchcommunityandplaysavitalroleinshapingthefuture ofsurgicalcareandinnovation.
This year, our department had the privilegeofhostingOperationUkraine,a one-monthclinicalobservershipdesigned tosupportandadvancesurgicaleducation forUkrainianphysicians.
Through this initiative, visiting surgeons joined OU Health to observe advanced operative techniques and participate in hands-on cadaver lab training. The programreflectsatrulymultidisciplinary effort,bringingtogetherfacultyexpertise across otolaryngology – head and neck surgery, plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oculoplastics, neurosurgery,andtraumasurgery.
Beyond technical training, Operation Ukraine represents our department’s broader commitment to global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of surgical care worldwide.Wearehonoredtocontribute tothecontinuededucationandsupportof ourinternationalcolleagues.
SeveralmembersofourfacultyhadtheopportunitytoattendSurgicalEducationWeek2025inSeattle this past year, where they engaged with national leaders in surgical training and education. The meetingprovidedavaluableforumtoexploreinnovativeapproachestoresidentandmedicalstudent education, share best practices in curriculum development, and discuss the evolving landscape of surgical training. Our faculty returned with meaningful insights and new ideas that continue to enhance the strength of our educational programs. Their participation reflects our department’s ongoing commitment to excellence in surgical education and to preparing the next generation of surgeonsatthehighestlevel.
Our department continues to lead in surgical education, with 33% of clinical residents recognized as Outstanding Teachers by medical students—an impressive reflection of our strong teaching culture. In 2025, Outstanding Teacher Award recipientsincluded:
JuanClarosSorto
AjayJain
AlexanderRaines
MohamedElkahly
ChristianCastro
IsabelDennahy
LoganErz
EricWilson
RachelTindall
MariaUrdanetaPerez
AmyPatterson
PeggyPruitt
ChristopherJeffery
LacieWhiner
This commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by a 100% American Board of Surgery board pass rate for the past seven consecutive years, underscoring thestrengthofourcurriculumand the dedication of faculty leaders acrossalleducationalprograms.
Pleasejoinusincongratulatingour2025ChiefResidentsandFellowsonthesuccessfulcompletionoftheirtraining.This milestonereflectsyearsofdedication,perseverance,andexcellence.Weareproudoftheiraccomplishmentsandwish themcontinuedsuccessastheybeginthenextchapteroftheircareers.
2025Graduates:
ChasonFarnell,MD
MoneimElomeiri,MD
TylerLeiva,MD
KimberlyPaigeMihalsky,MD
NicoleNarayan,MD
JoelPrince,MD
MichaelPuccinelli,MD
MaryAbbyRinchuso-Deeds,MD
EricSkaggs,MD
ElizabethJoyTrimble-Green,MD
RobertCrum,MD
Ourresidentscontinuetodistinguishthemselvesbymatchingintohighlycompetitivefellowshipprogramsnationwide.
Dr.ChristianCastrowillpursueaTrauma/CriticalCareFellowshipattheUniversityofIndiana.
Dr.IsabelDennahyhasbeenselectedfortheprestigiousDonaldMortonSurgicalOncologyFellowshipinSanta Monica.
BryanHaydenmatchingintoaColonandRectalSurgeryfellowshipatLSUHealthSciencesCenterinShreveport, Louisiana.
Dr.KatiePattersonmatchingintoaSurgicalCriticalCareFellowshipatDenverHealthinDenver,Colorado.
JacobO’DellwillbeenteringprivatepracticeinBoise,Idaho.
GabyUrdanetawillalsobejoiningprivatepracticeatBaptistHospitalinLittleRock,Arkansas.
Theseexceptionalplacementsreflectnotonlythecaliberofourtrainees,butalsothestrength,reputation,andnational recognitionofourtrainingprogram.
Dr.LaurelGiesekewashonoredwiththe2025General SurgeryOutstandingInternawardinrecognitionofher exceptionalperformance,dedicationtoexcellence,and meaningfulcontributionstothedepartment.
Dr. Eric Wilson was nominated for the Aesculapian Awards by the MS3 Oklahoma City Class of 2026 for Excellence in Teaching the Clinical Sciences. This recognition reflects his outstanding commitment to medical student educationandthemeaningfulinfluencehehas onlearnersduringtheirclinicaltraining.
Thisyearwewelcomedanoutstandinggroupoftraineeswhowillbejoiningourdepartmentandgrowing withusoverthenextfiveyears.Theseindividualsrepresentthefutureofsurgicalexcellence,andwelook forwardtosupportingtheirdevelopmentasclinicians,scholars,andleaders.WelcomeClassof2030!
ResidentLeadershipAnnouncement: GMEResidentCouncilRepresentatives
Weareproudtosharethatourresidents,KaitPardue,MD,andCarolineFreedle,MD,wereelected bytheirpeerstoserveasGMEResidentCouncilRepresentatives—anhonorthatunderscorestheir leadershipanddedicationtosupportingtheirfellowtrainees.
Thisyear,ourfacultyandresidentshavecontinuedtodistinguishthemselvesthrough exceptionalcontributionstoeducation,clinicalexcellence,andacademicleadership.
Dr.JessicaFazendinwasinducted intotheAcademyofTeaching Scholars,adistinctionthatreflects heroutstandingimpactasan educator.Shealsoreceivednational recognitionfromtheAmerican AssociationforEndocrineSurgeons, highlightingherinfluenceand leadershipwithinthespecialty.
Dr.MorganBondswashonoredwith theExcellenceinTeachingAward (GME),recognizingasustained commitmenttomentorshipandthe advancementofsurgicaleducation.
Dr.Boothwasselectedastheincoming ChairoftheAcademyofTeaching Scholars—adistinguishedleadership rolethatreflectshercommitmentto excellenceineducationandfaculty development.
Dr.CarterwaspromotedtoAssociate ProfessorofSurgery,recognizing continuedexcellenceinclinicalcare, teaching,andacademicachievement.
Dr.WilliamBerrywasalsopromotedto AssociateProfessorofSurgery,reflectinghis ongoingcontributionstoresearch,education, andtheacademicmissionofthedepartment.
ChanceNichols,MD
AssistantProfessorofSurgery
SectionofAcuteCareSurgery&Burns
Dr.Nicholswashonoredwiththe2025 RussellG.PostierAwardforExcellence inResidentEducation,recognizingan outstandingcommitmenttoteaching, mentorship,andthedevelopmentof futuresurgeons
Dr.Ronald SquireswasawardedEmeritus Status,honoringadistinguishedcareer markedbylastingcontributionstothe departmentandthefieldofsurgery.
RonaldSquires,MD
TenuredProfessorofSurgery
We had the distinct honor of welcoming highly accomplished and respected surgeons as Grand Rounds speakers from both within our department and from institutions across the country. We extend our sincere appreciation for their time and contributions,astheirinsightsandexpertiseenriched our academic discussions and further advanced our department’s commitment to excellence in surgical education.
WealsohadthepleasureofwelcomingHassanHatoum, MD,asaguestspeakerforourOUSurgeryJournalClub. During his visit, he shared his expertise in HematologyOncology, offering valuable clinical insights and perspectives that enriched our academic discussions. Hisengagementwithbothtraineesandfacultyfostered a dynamic and collaborative learning environment, further strengthening our department’s commitment to interdisciplinaryeducationandscholarlyexchange.
TheUniversityofOklahoma|DepartmentofSurgery
IncelebrationofNationalBossesDay,werecognizedourexceptionalleaders,JessicaCapetilloandLisaSuriano, whosededication,leadership,andunwaveringsupportcontinuetohaveameaningfulandlastingimpactonour department.
Senior Clinical Business Administrator
Ourdepartmentwasproudtosponsorthepediatricsurgeons’participationinthe15thAnnualWheelchair BasketballTournament,featuringOKASAWheelsofThunderandOklahomaChildren’sHospital.
Thiseventhighlightsthepowerofadaptivesportsandcommunitypartnership,andwearehonoredto supportinitiativesthatpromoteinclusion,resilience,andteamworkbeyondtheclinicalsetting.
In December, our department came together to celebrate the holiday season at our annual ChristmasParty—aneveningfilledwithlaughter,appreciation,andwell-deservedtimetoconnect outsideofourdailywork.
The event brought together faculty, staff, and colleagues to reflect on the past year’s accomplishmentswhileenjoyinggreatcompanyandfestivemoments.Fromsharedconversations tomemorablehighlightsthroughouttheevening,itwasawonderfulopportunitytorecognizethe peoplewhomakeourdepartmentsostrong.
Weareexcitedtoshareafewsnapshotsfromthenightthatcapturethespiritofthecelebration andthecamaraderiethatdefinesourteam.
Celebrating the Season Together: Department Christmas Party 2025
SurgeonsattheUniversityofOklahomaHealthSciencesCenterarededicatedtoexcellenc ineducation,research,andpatientcare.Weappreciatethegeneroussupportofpatients andtheirfamilies,alumni,physicians,friends,andbusinesses.
Yourgiftcanhelpimproveachild’shealth,awardaresidentascholarship,orprovidefunds forresearch,equipment,computers,librarymaterialsandmore.Everygiftwereceivemakes adifference,andwesincerelythankyouforyourgenerosity.
https://home.oufoundation.org/COMSurgery
