BEHIND THE MASK
Annual Report 2022–2023
Letter from the Chair
Read full letter
At the Forefront
Total cases
Total RVUs
Total visits
Grants awarded
Data collection, sample collection, non-interventional trials
Active clinical trials
$ in total grant funding (direct/indirect)
$ in total clinical trial funding (direct/indirect)
Sections
Get to know the surgeons and faculty members who make up UChicago Medicine’s Department of Surgery. These short videos capture the people—and their lives—behind the mask.
Cardiac Surgery
Dr. Christopher Salerno is a world renowned pioneer in the field of cardiac surgery. Hear about what inspires everyday as well as his commitment to being a patient advocate, and catch a glimpse of his personal journey.
Colon & Rectal Surgery
Dr. Konstantin Umanskiy is one of colorectal surgery’s most celebrated surgeons. In his video profile, you’ll hear about his childhood growing up in Ukraine and for his love for competitive sailing which he pursues in his off time.
General Surgery
Dr. Sarah Shubeck is an expert in the field of breast oncology. In her video, you’ll hear about her mother’s struggle with this disease when Dr. Shubeck was young and how it inspired her to help women facing breast cancer.
Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery
As a specialist in otology and neurotology, Dr. Terence Imbery focuses on hearing disorders, and has been “blessed” to be able to give people the gift of hearing. Outside the operating theater, he enjoys teaching and spending time with his wife and dog.
Pediatric Surgery
Dr. Marion Henry leads an active pediatric clinical practice, spearheads the Clinical Care/Access DEI Subcommittee, while also leading a busy family life. In addition, Dr. Henry is a staunch advocate in the fight to end gun violence against children.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Maureen Beederman finds satisfaction in the fact that her specialty focuses on “making people whole again.” Caring for her patients, her newborn, and her students keeps Dr. Beederman grounded in a demanding, yet deeply rewarding career.
Thoracic Surgery
Dr. Jessica Donington, is Chief of the Section of Thoracic Surgery. Outside of the operating theater, Dr. Donnington enjoys working with her hands—gardening, quilting, and baking, as well as spending time with her family and two Bernese Mountain dogs.
Transplant Surgery
Dr. Rolf Barth is a devoted family man and dedicated transplant surgeon. In a field where a lack of donor organs is a constant and harsh reality, Dr. Barth finds solace in his colleagues and his promising research.
Trauma & Acute Care Surgery
Dr. Andrew Benjamin shares how the traumas he faced in childhood have molded him into the empathic and gifted trauma surgeon he is today. A strong connection to family and his patients keep him grounded.
Urology
A surgeon, educator, wine connoisseur, and guitararist, Dr. Piyush Agarwal has many interests. When he’s not using cutting -edge technologies like blue light cystoscopy to find small, hard-to detect tumors, Dr. Agarwal enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy
Christopher Williams is an accomplished Physician Assistant. He finds assisting in the surgical theater deeply satisfying. Outside of the OR, he is a father, brother, son, husband, friend, music lover, and video game enthusiast.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Spotlight
Dr. Ervin Kocjancic recently joined the Department of Surgery as an expert in reconstructive urology and gender affirmation surgery. When he’s not working as a clinician, he indulges his passion for opera and global travel.
Go behind the mask with a current resident.
Dr. Anthony Douglas, MD is a second-year resident in the Section of General Surgery. Hear about his background, how he found the path to general surgery at UChicago, and what life is like as a resident both in and out of the operating room.
IN RECOGNITION
The continued success of the University of Chicago Department of Surgery is due in part to the generous support and contributions of alumni, friends, foundations, corporations and other institutions. The Department of Surgery gives a heartfelt thank you to the following individuals and organizations for contributing $10,000 or more in 2022–23.
American College of Surgeons
Maria Luisa Cicognani and Peder Oien
Frank & Dolores Corbett Charitable Fund
Brenda Feis and Lawrence Feis
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Frechette Family Foundation
Leonard and Ann Harsy
Peggy Heim
Merle Holland
Peter Holland
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Kovler Family Foundation
Leslie Lewinter-Suskind and Robert Suskind
Darren Lutz
Tina Lutz
Bernard Mark
Sharon Mark
The Steve Nash Foundation
Erik Nelson
Oberkotter Foundation
Sharon Ouwenga and Warren Ouwenga
Pediatric Cancer Foundation
PNC Foundation
Neil L. Ross and Lynn E. Hauser
Ryan Salvador
The Schwab Fund for Charitable Giving
Earl and Brenda Shapiro Family Foundation
Linda Simon
Karl Singer
Kasey Singer Fund
Keith Stohlgren
Dr. Alexis C. Strongin and Mr. Steven H. Strongin
Alexis & Steven Strongin DAF Fund
Styliades Hellenic Foundation
Anna G. Theodore
Peter Theodore
Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas
Weiner-Marc Foundation
Harriet Wulfstat and Allan Wulfstat
past reports
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