Surgery Sections

Three surgeons in an operating room observe and assist in a procedure, with medical monitors visible in the background.

Our Sections

As one of the largest and oldest departments of our kind in the country, we’ve grown our clinics into a national destination for care — from adrenal cancer to melanoma to rare pediatric tumors.

Leaders in Surgical Care

Our department is top-ranked nationally for federal research funding. This support fuels innovations in surgical techniques and devices that enhance patient care and quality of life, contributing lasting knowledge to the practice of medicine.

We put this experience to work across our department, with a special strength in:

  • Multidisciplinary programs that assemble the optimal mix of experts to treat cases affecting complex bodily systems, such as endocrine disorders, peripheral artery disease, and pediatric solid tumors. A multidisciplinary approach means a patient benefits from the expertise of many physicians — not just one second opinion.
  • Surgical care for cancer that situates surgical excellence within high-performing teams of oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, basic scientists, all working to diagnose, stage, treat, and monitor cancer cases humanely and effectively.
  • Minimally invasive surgical techniques that use fewer and smaller incisions to lessen pain, improve long-term outcomes, and shorten patient recovery time. U-M is a leader in laparoscopic, endoluminal, robotic, and incisionless surgical techniques, a pioneer of the transhiatal esophagectomy, and a continuing innovator in less-invasive surgical treatments.

Our Sections

General Surgery

Physicians in General Surgery specialize in acute care, colorectal, endocrine, minimally invasive, surgical oncology, and veterans surgical services.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery/Hospital Dentistry

Surgeons in this specialty treat defects and injuries of the head, face, neck, teeth, and jaws in both adults and children, at the U-M Medical School and U-M School of Dentistry.

Pediatric Surgery

Pediatric surgeons at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, leaders in surgical oncology and fetal treatment for congenital defects, perform thousands of procedures annually, earning top national rankings.

Plastic Surgery

Surgeons in this section lead one of the largest U.S. plastic surgery programs, offering comprehensive services and earning national recognition for cleft lip, palate, and craniofacial surgery expertise.

Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgeons treat diseases of the trachea, lung, mediastinum, diaphragm, and esophagus, with U-M surgeons pioneering the transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Transplant Surgery

Since performing the state's first transplant in 1964, the U-M Medical School has developed one of the nation's largest and most experienced transplant centers, serving both children and adults.

Vascular Surgery

Surgeons in this section are internationally recognized for expertise in carotid artery disease, renal artery disease, varicose veins, and abdominal aortic aneurysms, supported by multidisciplinary clinics.
faculty demonstrating students about a dummy lying in hospital bed

See Where Training Takes Place

Discover the spaces where you'll train, learn and practice at the University of Michigan Medical School Department of Surgery. As one of the largest training programs in the country, we provide unparalleled opportunities for our learners. Explore the clinical, work and common areas where you’ll train and grow as a physician.

Discover your training ground

Featured News & Stories

 See all news Two U-M faculty headshots with the titling, National Academy of Medicine, presented above their names: Diane Harper and Jacqueline Jeruss.
News Release

Two U-M Researchers Earn Election to National Academy of Medicine

Two U-M Researchers Earn Election to National Academy of Medicine
 Dr. Jacqueline Jeruss leaning against a glass rail wearing a white sweater.
Department News

Jacqueline Jeruss elected to the National Academy of Medicine

Surgical oncologist Jacqueline Jeruss, M.D., Ph.D., was elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Learn more about what this achievement means to her.
 man smiling with glasses in booth
Health Lab

Exceptional response to immunotherapy gives patient with liver cancer more milestones to celebrate

U-M Health Rogel Cancer Center used single-dose immunotherapy and transplant oncology to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in a 69-year-old patient.
 little girl with yellow shirt on soccer field smiling ready for soccer
Health Lab

Pediatric patient treated for rare kidney cancer

When 18-month-old Maria was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare kidney cancer, specialists at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital created a customized treatment plan that saved her life.
 lungs in blue body with yellow and navy background
Health Lab

Advancements and trends in lung transplantation

As U-M Health celebrates its 1,000 lung transplant patient, two lung experts talk about advancements and what to think about when choosing a center to partner with for a lung transplant surgery.
 group photo smiling
Health Lab

State of Michigan allows tax credit for private employers of living organ donors

Private employers in the state of Michigan can receive a tax credit for giving living donor employees full medical leave benefits. An addition to living donors receiving a tax credit for their organ donation.