Thoracic Surgery
A surgeon maneuvers laparoscopic tools in an operating room as a medical student watches.

Section of Thoracic Surgery

We're advancing the field of thoracic health—translating discoveries to the clinic and training the next generation of experts.
Our Tradition of Excellence in Thoracic Surgery

At the U-M Medical School Section of Thoracic Surgery, we draw on a legacy of impact and innovation in the treatment of surgical diseases of the chest. As pioneers of the transhiatal esophagectomy, Michigan thoracic surgeons continue to lead in the treatment and research of surgical diseases of the trachea, lung, mediastinum, diaphragm and esophagus. We were the first in Michigan to complete a lung transplant in 1990, and have gone on to perform more than 500 of these life-saving procedures.

We cultivate a multidisciplinary partnership with our colleagues in anesthesiology, oncology, pulmonary medicine and gastroenterology that results in the best outcomes for patients and wide-ranging training experience for residents.
About

To become a worldwide leader in thoracic clinical care, we're focused on education, research and improving the lives of our patients.

Education

As a top academic medical center, we offer broad clinical experience, instruction by surgeon educators and tailored resources and opportunities.

Research

Our multidisciplinary approach to research spans basic science, translational medicine, and health disparities and outcomes.

Faculty

Our thoracic surgeons are committed to delivering world class education, patient care and research.

Patient Care

We provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with surgical diseases of the chest.

Giving

Support our breakthroughs in thoracic surgery research, education and patient care.

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
Leadership
See all Thoracic Surgery faculty David Odell David D Odell, MD, MMSc, FACS
John Alexander Distinguished Professor of Thoracic Surgery
Professor of Surgery
Section Head, Thoracic Surgery
Service Chief, Thoracic Surgery
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.
 2024 Doximity General Surgery 1 in Nation v1.jpg
Department News
Two Michigan Medicine surgery residency programs are top in the nation in latest Doximity rankings
The 2024-2025 Doximity Residency Navigator rankings are out, and the Department of Surgery continues to excel in its commitment to providing a high-quality training experience for its residents.
 woman laying down and sheet over going into surgery
Health Lab
Older women more likely to receive heart surgery, die at low quality hospitals
Women over the age of 65 who require complex heart surgery are more likely than men to receive care at low quality hospitals — where they also die in greater numbers following the procedure, a Michigan Medicine study finds.
 Grace Kim smiling for the camera standing in a hallway
Department News
What makes a great clinical surgery educator? Faculty and residents weigh in
Surgeons often gravitate toward a particular pillar of the academic surgical mission. Some shine in research, others are at home in the operating room, and some thrive as teachers. That third pillar, education, is as critical as the others to prepare surgical trainees for future independent practice.
 Two people looking at a poster presentation
Department News
2024 Moses Gunn Research Conference highlights
The Department of Surgery held the 35th annual Moses Gunn Research Conference on June 7 at the Michigan League to showcase the cutting-edge surgical research happening within the department. To participate, residents, medical students, and other researchers submitted abstracts of their work to be considered for a poster or an oral presentation at the conference.
 Aerial view of U-M Health and surrounding in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Department News
Meet the Michigan Medicine 2024 Surgery Intern Class
We are so thrilled to introduce our new class of surgery interns! Get to know them here and be ready to give them a Go Blue welcome when you see them in the halls and operating rooms this summer.