Department of Surgery
Leading the Future of Surgery

For over 150 years, we've been committed to training the next leaders in cutting-edge research, clinical care and education.

surgeons in the OR
Building on a Tradition of Excellence

The U-M Medical School Department of Surgery combines excellence in clinical care, biomedical research and education. We have been advancing knowledge in surgical treatments since 1849. Our experts deliver a compassionate experience for patients, biomedical discoveries that further the field of medicine, and best-in-class training for the next generation of surgeon leaders.

Are you a patient or caregiver?
About

Learn more about our commitment to providing expert, innovative and compassionate health care and education.

Education

We take a hands-on approach to training and mentorship, equipping our future surgeons to take on a range of conditions and scenarios.

Research

Our cutting-edge research improves people's quality of life and advances clinical understanding in the field.

People

Our team is dedicated to training and empowering the next generation of surgery leaders.

Patient Care

Our comprehensive, expert care changes lives every day.

Giving

Support our ground-breaking research, community outreach initiatives and future generations of surgical leaders.

Michigan Promise

The Michigan Promise aims to empower faculty members and residents in the Department of Surgery to achieve professional success. We support initiatives connected to environment, recruitment, leadership, achievement, innovation and outreach.

Learn more about our Michigan Promise
Connect with Us
Woman in Gallagher lab using pipette Where Innovation & Excellence Meet
18,000+
Surgical Cases a Year
#3
in NIH Funding for 2023
150+
Faculty Members
Featured News & Stories See all news doctors drawn looking at big oversized lungs
Health Lab
The most effective prevention method for complications post lung transplant
Out of the two most common treatments for chronic lung allograft dysfunction, a condition that can form after lung transplantation that has no treatment, a study from University of Michigan Health found that cyclosporine is not as effective as tacrolimus in preventing the condition.
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Department News
Announcing the winners of our Global REACH Awards for Outstanding International Engagement
We are pleased to announce the winners of the first-ever Global REACH Awards for Outstanding International Engagement. Congratulations to Professor of Surgery Grace Kim, MD; Obstetrics and Gynecology Global Women’s Health Fellow Dhanalakshmi Thiyagarajan, MD; and fourth-year medical student Erin Kim.
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Health Lab
Celebrating a kidney donation, to his best friend, a decade later
When Greg Scohy was in need of a kidney transplant, his lifelong best friend Stephen Lambert stepped in to give him one of his. The friends were able to navigate the kidney transplant journey together and 10 years later are still healthy and have a strong friendship.
Department News
Meet the Michigan Medicine 2025 Surgery Intern Class
Introducing the newest intern cohort who will be training within the Department of Surgery.
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Health Lab
How to assess your risk for breast cancer
Melissa Pilewskie, M.D., answers questions about how you can accurately assess your risk and what lifestyle changes can help reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
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The Fundamentals
Epigenetics, Inflammation and the Human Immune System
People with diabetes often have a host of other conditions including cardiovascular disease and kidney disease driven by inflammation. On today's episode, we talk with Dr. Katherine Gallagher, professor of surgery, professor of microbiology and immunology, and the Leland Ira Doan Research Professor of Vascular Surgery at U of M, who is looking at how epigenetics - the influence of environmental factors and behaviors impact on gene expression - might explain changes in the immune system in people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions related to inflammation.
Surgery Internal Website

Resources and information for current learners and faculty.

Surgery Intranet