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.
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 see through blue person with red lines running through neck to chest
Health Lab
What is phrenic neuropathy?
Phrenic neuropathy is a condition that impacts the nerve around the diaphragm making it harder to breathe, especially in situations such as lying down or being in water. The condition is treatable, with surgical intervention, physical therapy or by letting it heal over time.
 A room with several women laughing around tables.
Department News
Highlights from the 2024 Michigan Women’s Surgical Collaborative Symposium
Read about the 2024 Michigan Women's Surgical Collaborative symposium held by the Department of Surgery.
 Male surgeon in surgical scrubs operating
Department News
Introducing the 2024 cohort of Academy of Surgical Educators inductees
Meet the newest members of the Academy of Surgical Educators within the Department of Surgery.
 taking a selfie man with two women in white coats
Health Lab
Double lung transplant patient returns yearly to share gratitude with care team
After a double lung transplant sixteen years ago, Russ Kosteniuk is doing well and makes a point to come back to see those who cared for him.
 organs on blue background with stethoscope
Health Lab
Improving organ transplant donations through a national strategy
Many organs that are ready for donation are discarded for various reasons. The Organ Procurement and Transplant Network is finding ways to combat this to increase the number of transplants done per year.
 medical files medical health insurance paper someone picking it up
Health Lab
Medicare prior authorization affecting plastic and reconstructive surgery didn’t have hoped-for effect
A policy to save Medicare money and speed up the move from hospital-based to outpatient-based operations is not having the desired impact and could be creating an increase in administrative workload, causing potential delays in care.