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Department of Surgery News and Stories

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Community    Heart    Cardiothoracic Surgery

How Men Can Take Charge of Their Heart Health

Heart disease is the number-one cause of death in men, but it doesn’t have to be. Paying attention to risk factors and behaviors including smoking, diet, and exercise all can lower the risk of heart disease in men — who tend to develop coronary artery disease 10 years earlier than women.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date June 26, 2024
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Community    Pediatrics    Urology

How to Recognize and Protect Young Male Athletes From Genital Injuries

With summer sports such as baseball, soccer, and tennis in full swing, male athletes of all ages need to be aware of the potential for injuries to the scrotum and penis — and how to protect themselves. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date June 11, 2024
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Community    AG-ACNP

CU Department of Surgery Nurse Travels to Washington in Support of Cardiac Emergency Bills

To a resume that already includes such positions as registered nurse, clinical nurse educator, and hospitalist fellow, Margaret Forbes, AG-ACNP, can add a new role: Washington lobbyist.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date May 30, 2024
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Press Releases    Community    Oncology

CU Department of Surgery Named Pancreatitis Center of Excellence

The University of Colorado Department of Surgery has been named a Pancreatitis Center of Excellence by the National Pancreas Foundation, providing potential new treatment options — including surgical options —  for people with chronic inflammation of the pancreas.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date May 17, 2024
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Community    Plastic Surgery    Global Health

Plastic Surgery Residents Experience Global Surgery During Trip to Vietnam

A recent two-week trip to perform craniofacial surgeries and other procedures at multiple hospitals in Vietnam gave residents in the University of Colorado Department of Surgery and students at the CU School of Medicine an up-close-and-personal look at the emerging field of global medicine.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date April 11, 2024
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Community    Pediatric surgery

Spanish-Language Pediatric Surgery Clinic Offers Concordant Care for Hispanic Patients and Families

As a native Spanish speaker working in pediatric surgery at Children’s Hospital ColoradoJosé Díaz-Mirón, MD, knows what a difference it makes when a surgeon can communicate with a patient in their native tongue.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date February 13, 2024
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Community    Cardiothoracic Surgery    Awards    Transplant Surgery

Department of Surgery Members Honored With UCHealth Medical Staff Awards

Five faculty members in the University of Colorado Department of Surgery were honored in January as part of the University of Colorado Hospital Medical Staff Awards. The awards are given annually by UCHealth, one of the surgery department’s partner hospitals.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date February 09, 2024
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Research    Community    alcohol

Annual Meeting Brings Alcohol and Immunity Researchers to CU Anschutz Campus

Researchers from around the country gathered on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus earlier this month to share their latest findings on the relationship among alcohol use, immunity, and inflammation.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date December 20, 2023
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Community    Leadership

CU Department of Surgery Top Stories of 2023

2023 was an exciting year at the University of Colorado, resulting in 85 blogs covering the research, education, and provider care that has been performed over the past months. Our stories this year featured faculty, researchers, and patients as they exemplified the incredible work being accomplished by the Department of Surgery, including a revolutionary transplant surgery and new departmental leadership.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date December 18, 2023
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Community    Pediatrics

Keeping Children Safe From Fireplace Burns 

On a cold winter’s day, few things are as inviting as a warm roaring fire. But if you have toddlers in the home, it’s best to leave your gas fireplace off and watch a festive yule log on TV instead. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date December 14, 2023
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Community    Transplant Surgery

Surgery Fellow’s Book Series Helps Children Understand Their Care 

Maria Baimas-George, MD, MPH, first noticed it early in her residency — doctors, and surgeons in particular, aren’t always the best at explaining complex medical issues to young patients. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date October 30, 2023
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Community    GITES

The Bachelor in Paradise 'Poo Baby,' Explained

It was one of the most dramatic moments in “Bachelor” franchise history. And it wasn’t about a love triangle or an early departure or who would get a rose — it was about whether contestant Sam Jeffries could go to the bathroom.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date October 19, 2023
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Community    Transplant Surgery    Liver Transplant

CU Surgeons Perform Department’s First Robotic Living Liver Donation

Aiming to increase the number of living liver donors by making liver donation surgery easier and quicker to recover from, the University of Colorado Department of Surgery recently performed its first robotic hepatectomy (surgery to remove a portion of the liver) from a living donor. Using a surgical robot to perform the procedure results in a smaller incision, less scarring, less pain, and a faster recovery for the donor. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date August 30, 2023
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Education    Community

CU Surgery Faculty Members Urge Training Programs to Consider Young Parents 

Their work developing a set of guidelines for the general surgery residency program in the University of Colorado Department of Surgery led faculty members Nicole Christian, MD, MSCS, and Shannon Acker, MD, to write an editorial on how important it is for surgery training programs to support the young parents in their ranks. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date August 18, 2023
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Research    Press Releases    Community

Department of Surgery Names Mitchell Cohen, MD, Associate Vice Chair of Basic and Translational Research

Mitchell Cohen, MD, has been named associate vice chair of basic and translational research in the University of Colorado Department of Surgery.   


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date August 09, 2023
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Community    Cardiothoracic Surgery

What You Should Know About Pericarditis 

This week, Denver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler announced that he had been diagnosed with pericarditis, or inflammation of the heart. Hamler said he started feeling chest pain while working out prior to Broncos training camp.  


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date August 04, 2023
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Community    Awareness    Transplant Surgery    Organ donation

Completing an Ironman Just Four Months after Donating a Kidney

Six days after Liz Young donated her left kidney to a stranger in Pennsylvania, she and her mom were walking a slow but determined 3.1 miles in the annual Donor Dash 5K.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date June 29, 2023
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Education    Community

Graduation Ceremony Recognizes Departing Residents and Fellows From the CU Department of Surgery 

The tears flowed almost as freely as the thank-yous at Friday night’s graduation ceremony for residents and fellows in the University of Colorado Department of Surgery.  


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date June 13, 2023
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Community    Burn    GITES

Burn Trip to Uganda and Rwanda Focuses on Building and Strengthening Relationships

An ocean, several countries, and more than 8,000 miles lie between the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Kibogora Hospital in Kirambo, Rwanda. The similarities between the two locations, however, are significant.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date May 26, 2023
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Community    Obesity    GITES    Bariatric surgery

Bariatric Surgery Journey Takes Man from Knee Pain to the Lightness of Flying

Danny Naranjo was still several years from his 40th birthday, but he was increasingly aware of that milestone on the horizon.

His body mass index (BMI) was about 80. He had back pain and struggled with lymphedema. His knees hurt when he had to walk even short distances for his job at Elitch Gardens, and he did it only with a steady stream of Tylenol, ibuprofen, and sometimes tramadol. As 40 approached, he knew these concerns might only get more acute, with new ones possibly joining them. He wanted to change what was beginning to feel like an inevitable future.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date May 16, 2023
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Research    Community    Urology

Growing Urology Education and Awareness on Twitter

Despite its occasional reputation as a place to pick fights with strangers, Twitter can often be a valuable tool – for awareness, for education, for connecting with peers around the world.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date April 25, 2023
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Community    Urology    Awards

Kerri Thurmon, MD, Selected as American Urological Association’s Young Urologist of the Year 

The American Urological Association (AUA) recently named Kerri Thurmon, MD, associate professor of urology in the University of Colorado Department of Surgery, as one of the recipients of its 2023 Young Urologist of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to recognize early-career association members for their efforts and commitment to advancing the development of fellow young urologists. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date April 17, 2023
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Community    Awareness    GITES

Addressing Some Common Questions About Fecal Incontinence

It’s not uncommon for patients to approach their health care providers in blushes and whispers, burdened by the weight of perceived taboos.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date April 14, 2023
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Patient Care    Community    Transplant Surgery

Using More Precise Language to Talk About Organ Transplant Waiting Times

One of the first questions that patients often ask when they enter the list for a transplant organ is, “How long will I be waiting?”


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date March 31, 2023
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Community    Transplant Surgery    Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Program Works to Close Racial Gaps in Kidney Transplantation

Kidney disease is sometimes called the “silent disease” because it can be symptomless in its early stages. An estimated 90% of Americans who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) may not even know they have it until it is advanced.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date March 30, 2023
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Community    Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Caring for Patients on the Business Side

For Stephanie Farmer, MHA, an "a-ha!" moment in her career happened as an undergraduate working in the University of Colorado Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In that role, she began to see how the business and administration aspect of health care can play a significant part in patient care, and how she could have a role in that care.

In honor of Women's History Month, Leah Lleras, MS, director of finance for the Department of Surgery, interviews Farmer, vice chair of administration for the Department of Surgery and the CU Cancer Center, about the path her career has taken since that a-ha moment.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date March 17, 2023
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Community    Cardiothoracic Surgery

Smoking and Surgery: Why the Two Don’t Mix 

Doctors are always trying to convince their patients to stop smoking, but it’s a concern that’s especially vital prior to surgery, due to the effects smoking has on the body. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date March 14, 2023
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Community    Faculty    Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Sharing a Surgical Legacy 

In honor of Women’s History Month, Whitney Herter, PA-C, BS, a senior instructor in surgical oncology at the University of Colorado Department of Surgery,  talked with Elisa Birnbaum, MD, professor of GI, trauma, and endocrine surgery, about her illustrious career.  


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date March 10, 2023
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Community    GITES    Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Thriving in the Complexity and Immediacy of Trauma Surgery

When Lauren Steward, MD, was 5, her parents presented her with three career options: doctor, lawyer, or engineer.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date February 23, 2023
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Community    Medicine    Cardiothoracic Surgery

Finding the Heartbeat in Medicine

The career turning point for Michael Wells, PA-C, MPH, came during heart surgery in an operating room at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date February 21, 2023
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Community    Cardiothoracic Surgery    Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Christian Scott Using His Sports Training as Administrative Director for the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery 

Christian Scott’s dream of working in the sports industry never materialized, but as administrative director for the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery in the University of Colorado School of Medicine, he still gets to work with an all-star team dedicated to being the best in its field. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date February 01, 2023
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Community    Cardiothoracic Surgery    Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac Arrest During NFL Game Brings Awareness to Importance of High-Quality Intervention

Editor’s Note: Since this story first published, Damar Hamlin was discharged from a Buffalo, New York, hospital January 11 and on January 28 released a video updating his fans and community on his recovery.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, 24, remained in critical condition Wednesday after collapsing on the football field six minutes into the first quarter of Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date January 04, 2023
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Research    Innovation    Community    Pediatrics

Button Huggie Wins Shark Tank Award at National Conference

An innovative device designed to secure gastrostomy buttons recently won the Shark Tank challenge at the 2022 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) annual meeting.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date December 09, 2022
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Community    Pediatrics    Urology

Consistent Bathroom Habits Can Help Minimize UTI Risk in Children

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most commonly diagnosed bacterial infections in children. While the incidence of UTI is highest in a child’s first year, they can be a concern throughout childhood.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date November 21, 2022
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Community    Clinical surgery

Ideas and Insights Highlighted at Society of Clinical Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting

From its founding in 1903, the Society of Clinical Surgery has pursued general advancement of surgery – seeking to stimulate its members to work along lines of original thought and investigation in the clinic, laboratory, or library.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date November 16, 2022
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Research    Community    Plastic Surgery

Ongoing Research Aims to Develop Standards for Lymphedema Therapy

Lymphedema is a chronic disease that causes lymphatic fluid to build up in the body, especially in the legs, arms, genitals, face, neck, and chest wall. It can be painful, debilitating, and have significant negative impacts on a person’s quality of life.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date October 28, 2022
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Education    Community    Public Health

Decades-Long Public Health Partnerships in Nepal Supported by University of Colorado Colleagues

It wasn’t his first stroll through a teeming Kathmandu market, his first taste of momos, or even his first view of the Himalayas that weaved a piece of his heart into the fabric of a country 12,000 miles from his Denver home.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date October 05, 2022
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Community    Heart   

Recognizing and Preventing Peripheral Artery Disease 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date September 22, 2022
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Community    Cardiothoracic Surgery

Thoracic Surgeons Launch Enhanced Recovery Plan for Patients

A new enhanced recovery protocol for patients undergoing lung resection surgery performed by faculty members in the University of Colorado Department of Surgery is resulting in patients going home sooner, experiencing less postoperative pain and complications, and taking fewer opioid drugs to manage their pain.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date September 16, 2022
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Education    Community    CU Medicine Today    Cardiothoracic Surgery    Fellowship

International Collaborations Bring Rwanda’s Only Cardiothoracic Surgeon to Colorado

Before Maurice Musoni, MD, completed his surgical training in South Africa, his home country of Rwanda had no cardiothoracic surgeon.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date June 14, 2022
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Education    Community

Department of Surgery Honors Graduating Residents and Fellows for Dedication During Challenging Times

The graduating physicians honored Friday at the University of Colorado Department of Surgery Resident and Fellow Graduation navigated portions of their training during an unprecedented time. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered not only surgery schedules and overall hospital operations, but the landscape of health care.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date June 13, 2022
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Patient Care    Community    Mental Health

Low Testosterone: Separating Fact From Fiction

Men looking for information on their physical and sexual health often turn to the internet, where low testosterone is a commonly searched — and commonly misunderstood — topic.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date June 10, 2022
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Research    Patient Care    Community

Socially Vulnerable Colectomy Patients Are at Greater Risk for Post-Operative Complications

Patients who come from socially vulnerable backgrounds are at greater risk for complications following colon surgery, recently published research has found.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date May 27, 2022
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Research    Education    Community

General Surgery Residents Present Broad Range of Research Findings at Annual Symposium

Through analyzing post-operative outcome data for more than 5.5 million patients, Helen Madsen, MD, found that patients who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for post-operative infection, blood clots, and renal complications.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date May 25, 2022
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Research    Patient Care    Education    Community

Online Assessment Tool Helps Predict ICU Need Following Surgery

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, intensive care unit (ICU) beds were in limited supply, and the pandemic only exacerbated this growing concern. Since the pandemic began, ICU resources have been in such demand that clinicians across the United States and world have struggled to meet the need.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date May 24, 2022
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Research    Education    Community    Cardiothoracic Surgery

Medical Student Wins Award for Presenting Paper about Surgical Training Tool

It’s not unusual for students to enter medical school with ideas about paths they’d like to pursue in medicine. Those ideas can evolve over time as they delve into course work and clinical rotations, but the initial interests that guided them to medicine in the first place can be significant.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date May 20, 2022
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Research    Education    Community    Vascular Surgery

Business Studies Help Surgery Resident Plan for a Career that Incorporates Areas Beyond Health Care

The skills that Ryan Gupta, MD, learned during his master of business administration (MBA) studies aren’t necessarily the skills usually associated with vascular surgery: how to understand financial statements, how to conduct market research, how to make difficult decisions about resource allocation.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date April 15, 2022
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Community    Awareness    Public Health    Plastic Surgery

Revised CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids Should Emphasize a Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Pain

In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, a resource for primary care clinicians who prescribe opioids for chronic pain outside of active cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date April 12, 2022
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Patient Care    Community    Awareness    Transplant Center

Living Organ Donation Journey Inspires Doctor to Normalize the Experience for Others

At first, she was reluctant to talk about it – a little sheepish, even. The obvious question was, “Why are you doing this?” And though she had answers, none of them were quick or easy.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date April 06, 2022
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Education    Community    Faculty    Vascular Surgery    Cardiothoracic Surgery

Nurturing a Passion for Medicine that Was Born in the Midst of War

Almost a decade into his medical career, amid the daily traumas of war, Mohammed Al-Musawi, MD, began to love his job.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date March 22, 2022
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Research    Education    Community    Students

New Research Shows that Surgical Training Tool Significantly Improves Residents’ Ability to Practice Essential Skills

A tool designed to help surgical trainees practice skills such as knot tying, suturing, vascular and bowel anastomoses, and other techniques has helped eliminate barriers to simulation resources.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date March 16, 2022
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Education    Community   

CU Department of Surgery’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Continues Its Work 

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee in the CU School of Medicine Department of Surgery (DOS) has made great strides over the past year, working toward the department’s goal of becoming the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive department of surgery in the country by 2030.  


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date March 08, 2022
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Patient Care    Community    Pediatrics    Urology

Transitioning Pediatric Urology Patients to Adult Care 

For children with urologic disorders, the relationships they form early on with their urologists often turn out to be among the most important connections of their young lives.  


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date March 02, 2022
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Patient Care    Community    Transplant Center

Navy Veteran Donates Part of His Liver to a Community Member He’d Never Met

Service members join the military with a passion to serve, and that passion remains long after they have fulfilled their formal commitments. Upon their departure from military service, many veterans remain committed to serving others. Their military experience often inspires them to become active in their communities at home.


Author Khushnuma Damkevala | Publish Date February 14, 2022
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Community    Awareness    Trauma and Fractures    GITES

Bob Saget’s Death from Accidental Head Trauma Brings Awareness of Signs to Look for Following Head Injury

Comedian Bob Saget’s death on January 9 was a shock to fans who loved him as Danny Tanner on “Full House” or for his stand-up comedy, and to those who admired and respected him as a colleague.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date February 10, 2022
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Community

Fire Safety in the Kitchen 

As cooking is the number-one cause of all home fires, this year’s Burn Awareness Week — February 6­–12 — has as its theme “Burning Issues in the Kitchen.” 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date February 09, 2022
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Research    Patient Care    Community    Surgical Oncology

Research Finds Patients and Providers Differ in Opinions About Immediate Access to Medical Records

While both patients and clinicians prioritize information transparency, a 21st Century Cures Act requirement for the immediate release of test and lab results is proving more controversial, according to recently published survey results of clinicians and patients.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date January 21, 2022
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Research    Patient Care    Education    Community    Faculty

Supporting Surgeon-Scientists in Research to Find New and Better Ways of Caring for Patients

For the 50 years of his career, Ernest Moore, MD, a distinguished professor of surgery, has been eager to go to work ­­– not just caring for patients or the challenges of the operating room, but for the myriad paths of research he has pursued since he was an undergraduate.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date December 20, 2021
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Research    Education    Community    Trauma    GITES

CU School of Medicine Surgery Residents Take First, Second Place in Trauma Paper Competition

Two general surgery residents at the University of Colorado School of Medicine — Margot DeBot, MD, and TJ Schaid, MD — placed first and second, respectively, in the District 8 regional competition for the 2022 American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma Paper Competition in early December. DeBot and Schaid are both T32 NIH research fellows in the CU Trauma Lab.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date December 17, 2021
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Research    Patient Care    Education    Community

CU Department of Surgery Top Stories of 2021

The University of Colorado Department of Surgery's commitment to improve every life was spotlighted numerous times by faculty, staff, trainees, and students throughout 2021.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date December 16, 2021
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Innovation    Patient Care    Education    Community    Transplant Center

National and Regional Need for Organ and Tissue Donation Remains Strong

Empower Field at Mile High in Denver seats about 76,000 – a huge space with the population of a small city when filled to capacity.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date December 15, 2021
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Education    Community

Confronting Misogyny and Sexism in Medicine Begins with Awareness and Listening

For many women in the medical field, the common pressures associated with the profession – long hours, emotional toll, work/life balance – can be magnified by the added experiences of misogyny and sexism. From making less than their male colleagues to seeing people express surprise that they are the doctor, women’s experiences can be fraught and frustrating.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date December 13, 2021
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Patient Care    Community    Prostate Cancer    Bladder Cancer    Urology

Two Urology Experts Explain the Basics of Men’s Health and Why It’s So Important to Talk About It

Happy Movember! No, that’s not a spelling error. Movember has been celebrated each November since 2003 to bring awareness (and funding) to men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.


Author Valerie Gleaton | Publish Date November 18, 2021
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Patient Care    Community    Cardiothoracic Surgery   

Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at CU School of Medicine Celebrates a ‘Herstoric’ Moment

With two female cardiothoracic surgeons in its ranks, the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is ahead of the curve when it comes to gender representation in the field. By one recent estimate, just 8% of cardiothoracic surgeons in the country are female.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date November 17, 2021
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Patient Care    Community    Plastic Surgery   

Gender Affirmation Surgery Helps Patient Feel Whole for the First Time in 71 Years

The victory lap came 50 years after high school, in a female restroom at Denver’s East High School.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date November 15, 2021
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Research    Patient Care    Community

Study Finds that Patients Approach Surgery with Strong, Pre-Formed Ideas about Opioid Use

There’s a significant body of research on opioids ­­– how they’re metabolized, how they react with other drugs, the physiology of addiction, and how they’re prescribed, among the many areas of focus.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date October 27, 2021
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Patient Care    Community    Transplant Center

Transplant Clinic Serves Hispanic Population of Colorado

Research shows that Hispanic patients spend longer on the transplant waiting list than other ethnic groups. They also face higher mortality rates while waiting for a transplant. With a goal to change this disparity in transplantation, Elizabeth Pomfret, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, created a clinic to better serve the Hispanic community in the Rocky Mountain region.


Author Khushnuma Damkevala | Publish Date October 13, 2021
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Education    Community    Transplant Center

CU Surgeon Inspires the Next Generation of Women Surgeons

As the American Medical Association’s Women in Medicine Month concludes today, the University of Colorado Department of Surgery shines a spotlight on Elizabeth Pomfret, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery and the Igal Kam, MD, Endowed Chair of Transplant Surgery.


Author Khushnuma Damkevala | Publish Date September 30, 2021
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Patient Care    Community    Child & Adolescent    GITES

CU Surgeon Looking to Extend Bariatric Surgery Services to Adolescent Patients

Over the past five decades, childhood overweight and obesity has transitioned from public health concern to public health crisis. In 1971, 5.2% of U.S. children ages 2 to 19 were experiencing obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a number that increased to 19.3% by 2018.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date September 30, 2021
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Patient Care    Education    Community    Vascular Surgery

New Vascular Surgery Residency Program Allows Residents to Focus on Surgical Specialty for Entire Training

The traditional path for surgeons after they’ve completed medical school is a five-year general surgery residency followed by a two-year fellowship in an area of specialization. Even for surgeons who choose their specialty in medical school, this has been the most common training path.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date September 10, 2021
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Research    Patient Care    Community    COVID-19    Quality and Clinical Effectiveness   

Multidisciplinary Team Designs Novel Mask in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Ideas and innovation don’t always co-exist with convenience. On the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, the road to a novel mask design to address the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic took some unexpected twists and turns.


Author Rachel Sauer | Publish Date September 08, 2021
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Patient Care    Community    Plastic Surgery

Young Craniofacial Patient Battles Multiple Surgeries With Positive Outlook

“Basketball, playing with sheep, playing with goats, playing with dogs, horse camp, friends ...”

Nine-year-old Danner Plumhoff is rattling off a list of her summer plans. Many of these activities wouldn’t have been possible for her last summer, when she was fresh off an intensive craniofacial surgery. It was her biggest surgery to date, but as a child with a rare variant of Crouzon syndrome, it was hardly her first.


Author Valerie Gleaton | Publish Date July 20, 2021
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Education    Community   

Viral Tweet Puts Surgery Resident in the Spotlight

Matthew Bartley, MD, MS, has gone viral (as in trending in the world of social media).


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date July 01, 2021
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Research    Patient Care    Education    Community

Department of Surgery Celebrates 2021 Graduates

The University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Surgery hosted its Resident and Fellowship Graduation at Denver Botanic Gardens on June 11.


Author Valerie Gleaton | Publish Date June 16, 2021
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Research    Patient Care    Community   

Patients Now Have Immediate Access to Their Medical Records. How Can Providers Help Them Make Sense of the Data?

Patients’ rights advocates scored a major victory in April, when a provision went into effect that allows patients immediate access to all information in their medical records, including physician notes and test results. The change is part of the 21st Century Cures Act, which was passed by Congress in 2016 and continues to be updated.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date June 14, 2021
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Research    Patient Care    Community    Burn    GITES

University of Colorado Burn Center Completes Three-Year Verification Survey

Last month, the University of Colorado Burn Center underwent the American Burn Association (ABA) Survey, a verification process that occurs every three years. The Burn Center has achieved continual verification since its first ABA Survey in 1998, and that trend continues this year. The Burn Center received its verification confirmation on May 19, 2021, to continue through April 2024.  


Author Valerie Gleaton | Publish Date June 03, 2021
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Innovation    Education    Community   

Medical Students Help Create Surgical Training Tool to Meet Local and Global Needs

On May 19, 2021, more than 20 medical students from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, along with a handful of residents, fellows, and faculty members from the Department of Surgery, gathered in the home of Yihan Lin, MD, MPH, a cardiothoracic surgery fellow.


Author Valerie Gleaton | Publish Date May 27, 2021
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Patient Care    Community    Cardiothoracic Surgery

University of Colorado Surgeon Performs State’s First COVID-19 Lung Transplant

Bryan Raymond was very nearly just another grim entry on the ever-growing list of COVID-19 fatalities. But thanks to efforts by faculty members in the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Department of Surgery, Raymond is a COVID statistic of a different sort — the first person in Colorado to receive a lung transplant related to the virus.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date April 26, 2021
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Patient Care    Community    Plastic Surgery

Wide-Awake Hand Surgery Offers Colorado Patient Relief from Carpal Tunnel Pain

In the past, even relatively minor hand surgery was a major event. For patients, it required anesthesia and numerous hours at the hospital. And for hospitals and providers, it used up extensive material resources and time.


Author Valerie Gleaton | Publish Date April 23, 2021
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Patient Care    Community    Awareness    Health equity    Transplant Center

Two Transplant Doctors Explain the Basics of Organ Donation and What’s New in Transplants

April is National Donate Life Month — an awareness month that encourages Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors and that honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.


Author Valerie Gleaton | Publish Date April 09, 2021
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Education    Community    COVID-19   

Navigating Through the Pandemic

As they look back on one of the most challenging years in their medical careers, members of the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine remember the low points — the crowded emergency rooms, the delayed surgeries, the deaths from the disease — but they remember some high points as well.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date March 24, 2021
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Education    Community   

Johns Hopkins Director of Surgery Speaks at CU Surgery Department’s First DEI Lecture

“Diversity and inclusion in medicine can save lives.” That was the message from Robert Higgins, MD, MSHA, director of the Department of Surgery and surgeon-in-chief at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date February 25, 2021
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Education    Community   

Resident Recounts Her Son’s NICU Battle in Essay for New England Journal of Medicine

As a resident in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Heather Carmichael, MD, was accustomed to the emotional remove doctors have from their patients. The distance that allows surgeons to cut into someone without hesitation or to deliver bad news without falling apart.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date February 19, 2021
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Education    Community    Plastic Surgery

Department of Surgery Makes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion a Priority

The racial reckoning occurring in America in a year that saw the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others touches nearly every aspect of society. From corporate boardrooms and HR departments to police forces and universities, assumptions are being questioned and priorities reexamined as we are reminded of the inequities that still exist for people of color.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date December 14, 2020
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Research    Patient Care    Community    Prostate Cancer    Urology

Improving Patient Outcomes in Prostate Cancer

Although prostate cancer is treatable when found early, there are common fears that men share concerning prostate cancer.

“I hear from patients all the time stating they do not want to get tested and they do not want to know if they have prostate cancer. Due to the possible side effects associated with treatment,” says Paul Maroni, MD, associate professor in the Department of Surgery, Urology Division, program director of the Urologic Cancer Care Center and University of Colorado (CU) Cancer Center member.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date October 01, 2020
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Research    Patient Care    Community    Prostate Cancer    Cancer    Urology

Former Broncos Punter Wants Men to Share Their Experience With Prostate Cancer

Growing up, Douglas “Bucky” Dilts was all too familiar with the dangers of cancer. “My mother ran a cancer tumor registry at St Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia for over 25 years. She was always telling us about different types of cancer, so cancer was always at the forefront.”  


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date September 23, 2020
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Patient Care    Community    Plastic Surgery

Cleft Lip Reconstruction Transforms Jennifer's Outlook Making Her Brave Enough to Teach

As a young child, Jennifer Falomir-Lopez just wanted to look “normal” like all the other kids. She knew she was different but couldn’t explain to her friends why she looked different. Jennifer was born with a cleft lip and cleft alveolus.


Author Chanthy Na | Publish Date July 28, 2020
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Patient Care    Community

Tips for Men's Health Month

As the end of Men’s Health Month approaches, it is important to acknowledge that men often do not visit the doctor unless there is a serious issue or concern. In addition to exercising and a healthy diet, men need to make sure they are up to date on important health screenings to focus on preventative care and health maintenance.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date June 26, 2020
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Education    Community

Spotlight on 2020 General Surgery Graduates

June 8, 2020 marked the graduation for general surgery residents within the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, residents, family, friends, faculty and staff gathered together virtually to celebrate the completion of their programs and present awards.


Author Shelly Lange | Publish Date June 11, 2020
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Patient Care    Community

2019 Top Doctors

Each year 5280 magazine has asked physicians in the Denver area whom they would trust to treat themselves or a loved one. This year 24 of our surgeons in 12 specialties made the list.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date September 02, 2019
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Patient Care    Community    Trauma    GITES

From Trauma to Triumph

Trapped by a fire in her Aurora apartment building, Alina Miller was forced to jump from a fourth-story window to escape the flames. The fall left her with a broken back and a crushed foot.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date January 09, 2019
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Patient Care    Community

2018 Top Doctors

Every year, Denver's 5280 Magazine polls doctors from the Denver metro area, asking whom they would trust if they needed medical treatment for themselves or a loved one. The results are collected and published in the magazine's annual "Top Doctors" issue.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date December 09, 2018
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Research    Patient Care    Community    Sarcoma

Dr. Breelyn Wilky Joins Sarcoma Team

The CU Sarcoma Clinic is pleased to welcome Breelyn A. Wilky, MD, to our multidisciplinary team. Dr. Wilky joined the Medical Oncology faculty in the cancer clinic on November 1, 2018.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date November 01, 2018
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Patient Care    Community    Trauma    GITES

University of Colorado Hospital recognized as Level I Trauma Center

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the American College of Surgeons have designated UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital a Level I trauma center, making it one of only five hospitals in the state with the highest capabilities for trauma care.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date October 12, 2018
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Community

Lasting Legacy

Dr. Frederick Grover, who brought lung transplantation to University of Colorado Hospital and served as Chair of the Department of Surgery from 2002 to 2012, brings his 27-year career at CU to a close this year. Having made countless contributions to our department over the years, he leaves yet another legacy upon his retirement: the Frederick and Carol Grover Endowed Chair in Surgery.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date October 05, 2018
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Research    Patient Care    Community

Dr. Schulick to lead CU Cancer Center

Dr. Richard Schulick, Chair of the Department of Surgery, has been named Director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date June 29, 2018
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Research    Patient Care    Community

CU Anschutz and GSK Join Forces to Advance Immunotherapies for Cancer

Every year, 14 million people around the world, including 1.7 million Americans, are diagnosed with cancer. One of the major challenges in fighting cancer is to understand and manipulate the response of the body's immune system to cancer cells. Recently, an area that has received growing attention and has shown promise in clinical trials is the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date April 02, 2018
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Patient Care    Community

Saving the Life of a Fellow Fan and Friend

A friendship between two couples that began over CU football games ended up saving a life—and leading to the promise of more lives saved in the future.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date November 01, 2017
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Research    Patient Care    Community

Vaping and Surgery: What are the Risks?

The health hazards of smoking have been documented for decades, but research on “vaping,” the smoking of electronic cigarettes, is still in its infancy.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date January 27, 2017
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Patient Care    Community

Transplant Division Welcomes Wife-Husband Team to Faculty

The Division of Transplant Surgery is pleased to introduce two new faculty members.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date October 09, 2016
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Research    Patient Care    Community

Dr. Gene Moore receives SUS Lifetime Achievement Award

The Society of University Surgeons (SUS) has awarded Dr. Ernest "Gene" Moore its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Each year since 2005, the Society has conferred this award on a single surgeon who has made substantial contributions to surgical science over the course of a full career. Previous winners include Frank G. Moody, Ben Eiseman, and Patricia K. Donohoe.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date March 22, 2016
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Research    Community

Surgeon Gives Gift to Present and Future Generations

In the course of his long career as a surgeon, Guillermo 'Bill' Aragón saved many lives, but that wasn’t enough for him. Dr. Aragón wanted to continue making a positive impact on the world after his retirement—and, if possible, even beyond his lifetime. This desire led him to endow the Aragón/Gonzalez-Gíustí Chair in Surgery at the University of Colorado.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date May 10, 2015
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Patient Care    Community

Dr. Tom Robinson appointed Chief of Surgery at VA

The Department of Surgery is pleased to congratulate Thomas Robinson, MD, on his promotion to Chief of Surgery at the Denver Veterans Administration Medical Center.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date January 26, 2015
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Community

In Memory of Ben Eiseman, MD

Dr. Ben Eiseman, a longtime faculty member with our department, was a giant in 20th century surgery, beginning with his involvement in World War II from 1943-1946, following graduation from Harvard Medical School and internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. He spent 53 years of his career in Denver, beginning at the Denver VA Medical Center as Chief of Surgery in 1953, following which he was recruited to become the first Chief of Surgery at the University of Kentucky.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date August 05, 2014
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Research    Patient Care    Community

Jean and Joe Barban Donate Endowed Chair

Joe and Jean Barban were so moved by the care they received at the Anschutz Medical Campus that they were inspired to give back so that others may benefit as well. Their gift of an endowed chair allows CU to recognize top faculty’s talents, hard work and achievements. In turn, the top faculty who hold endowed chairs and professorships elevate the entire university community: attracting other passionate teachers and scholars, igniting students’ curiosity and making ground-breaking discoveries that bring us closer to solving some of the most challenging problems we face today.


Author Department of Surgery | Publish Date April 02, 2014
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Department of Surgery In the News

Denver 7

Children’s Hospital Colorado’s New Spanish-Speaking Pediatric Surgery Clinic Is Breaking down Barriers

news outletDenver 7
Publish DateApril 13, 2024

Jose Diaz-Miron, MD, assistant professor of pediatric surgery has made it his mission to make healthcare more approachable for families in Colorado by launching a Spanish-speaking pediatric surgery clinic. It's the first of its kind in Colorado.

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American College of Surgeons

New Technologies, Approaches Help Surgeons Maximize the Use of Transplant Organs

news outletAmerican College of Surgeons
Publish DateApril 10, 2024

“Being more aggressive with donor offers and looking at marginal donors can help get people organs more quickly and reduce death on the waitlist,” said Jordan Hoffman, MD, FACS, associate professor of surgery and surgical director of heart and lung transplantation at the University of Colorado.

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UCHealth

Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Recommended for Men Over Age 65, Especially for Men Who Have Smoked

news outletUCHealth
Publish DateFebruary 28, 2024
A one-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm for men over 65 has been shown to reduce the risk of rupture by about half.
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UCHealth

Colorado School of Mines Student Returns To Wrestling Team After Car Accident Forced Devastating Leg Amputation

news outletUCHealth
Publish DateFebruary 22, 2024

“Wrestling is a difficult sport. It’s both a team and a one-on-one sport that requires endurance, strength, and mental toughness,” said Matthew Lorio, MD, professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

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