CU Anschutz Department of Surgery
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cudeptsurg.bsky.social
CU Anschutz Department of Surgery
@cudeptsurg.bsky.social
👋 Department of Surgery at CU Anschutz
✨ Improve Every Life
To celebrate American Heart Month, we're spotlighting a Colorado couple who both received open heart surgery from Muhammad Aftab, MD, just one year apart. Read about their journey here: https://bit.ly/4ay1pay
February 13, 2026 at 6:50 PM
As a mom to 3 kids, Aimee Gardner, PhD, knows how important it is to have childcare available at a conference like the Association of Surgical Education meeting. Gardner and Nicole Christian, MD, discuss the ways that our department supports parents and parents-to-be. Read on: https://bit.ly/4acIHGw
February 12, 2026 at 8:10 PM
History Highlight 💡 By 1960, the department of surgery was making global waves. Dr. Henry Swan launched an international exchange program for residents in their 4th year of training, offering year-long training in Sweden or Scotland. Check out more of our international impact: https://bit.ly/4jBO84P
February 11, 2026 at 7:12 PM
Our next research seminar this Friday will feature Ellen L. Burnham, MD, MSc, and Susan Ingram, PhD, presenting on delirium in patients with respiratory failure and the endocannabinoid system. Find more information here: https://adobe.ly/4r1SS6x
February 10, 2026 at 6:15 PM
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons recently awarded Joseph Cleveland, MD, Division Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, a Chair Appreciation Award and Certificate of Appreciation for his service as Chair for the Council on Health Policy and Relationships from 2022-2026. Congratulations Dr. Cleveland!
February 9, 2026 at 8:00 PM
The Pediatric Surgical Advanced Practice Fellowship is now accepting applications! Join Children's Hospital Colorado and the Division of Pediatric Surgery at a virtual information session on February 18 to learn about this meaningful opportunity. Find the Zoom link here: https://adobe.ly/3NImMOE
February 6, 2026 at 6:05 PM
This week we celebrated the 1000th heart transplant completed by the incredible transplant team at UCHealth! We are so proud of our diligent and talented surgeons and the entire program that helped hit this milestone. #ImproveEveryLife
February 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Join us on Monday for our next Grand Rounds presentation, featuring Vice Chair of Education and Program Director of the General Surgery Program Mark Nehler, MD, and associate professor of GI, Trauma, and Endocrine Surgery Maria B. Albuja Cruz, MD, FACS. Find more info here: https://adobe.ly/4bE4JCZ
February 5, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Lung surgeons in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery are utilizing advanced imaging technologies to enhance surgical procedures and patient care. “This is really cutting-edge technology, and we are early, early adopters.” says Robert Meguid, MD, MPH.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Ob18m9
February 5, 2026 at 5:10 PM
In recognition of Burn Awareness Week, Amber Kohler, NP, highlights the exceptional team at our burn center. Their commitment to treatment, research, and education supports patients across Colorado and the surrounding region. #ImproveEveryLife
February 5, 2026 at 12:07 AM
History Highlight 💡 Dr. Swan’s mentorship helped train a generation of surgical leaders. Dr. John Wilson, Dr. Guillermo Aragón, Dr. Gerald Rainer, Dr. David Roos, Dr. Henry Cleveland, & Dr. Rodrigo Altman made many incredible contributions to the field of surgery. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4jBO84P
February 4, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Happy Housestaff Appreciation Week! 🫶 Interim Chair of the Department of Surgery Robert McIntyre, MD, shared a message of gratitude for the amazing residents and fellows who make our department shine.
February 3, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Last week, Dean John Sampson, MD, PhD, MBA, held the annual State of the School of Medicine, showcasing the amazing work from the past year. Among the highlights were accomplishments from our dedicated faculty in the Department of Surgery. Here's to another year of surgical innovation!
February 2, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Today we celebrated the incredible legacy of Richard Schulick, MD, MBA, as he prepares to move on to a new opportunity. Dr. Schulick served as the Chair of our Department of Surgery and the Director of the CU Cancer Center, and he will be missed greatly. Thank you Rich! 🎊
January 30, 2026 at 11:10 PM
We're looking forward to a special Grand Rounds panel on Monday with Robert McIntyre, MD, Ella Echavez, MBA, RN, CNOR, Kristin Mekeel, MD, MS, FACS, and Christopher Lace, MD, MBA, discussing surgery quality and safety! Find more information here: https://adobe.ly/3LF2rsU
January 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Please join us at the farewell celebration for Richard Schulick, MD, MBA, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Cancer Center Director, tomorrow at noon! We look forward to honoring Dr. Schulick's tenure at CU and wishing him well on his next endeavor. #ImproveEveryLife
January 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Reposted by CU Anschutz Department of Surgery
It wouldn’t be a CU event without a nod to Coach Prime! When a mass on his bladder was found, he was treated by Janet Kukreja, MD, director of urologic oncology @cucancercenter.bsky.social and UCHealth, and associate professor of urology @cudeptsurg.bsky.social.

Read this story: bit.ly/45oRDGa
January 28, 2026 at 11:21 PM
History Highlight 💡 Under Dr. Henry Swan’s leadership, the Department forged a powerful partnership with the Veterans Administration, expanding surgical training and care. Dr. Ben Eiseman was appointed by Swan to lead the new VA Hospital’s surgical program in 1950. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4jBO84P
January 28, 2026 at 6:48 PM
Nicole Christian, MD, associate professor of surgical oncology and CU Cancer Center member, contributed to new guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4pYEXN6
January 27, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Meet Demis Varvoglis, MD, a first-year resident of general surgery! 🥼

Varvoglis attended undergraduate and medical school at the University of Thessaly in Greece. #ImproveEveryLife #ResidentSpotlight #surgery
January 26, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Professor of cardiothoracic surgery Robert Meguid, MD, MPH, FACS, was recently CU Medicine's featured provider, highlighted for his clinical work and focus on individualized patient care. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBs0NRsa53k
Featured CU Medicine Provider: Robert Meguid, MD, MPH, FACS
YouTube video by CU Medicine
www.youtube.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:16 PM
If you're experiencing concerning symptoms like heart palpitations or swelling in the neck, a thyroid condition might be to blame. Maria Albuja-Cruz, MD, explains four common thyroid diseases and why it's important to speak to your primary care physician. Learn more ▶️ https://bit.ly/49AADyX
January 22, 2026 at 8:12 PM
History Highlight 💡 From 1950–61, Dr. Henry Swan led the CU Department of Surgery into an era of innovation and global recognition. He pioneered open-heart surgery using induced hypothermia, enabling safe operations at extremely low body temps. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4jBO84P
January 22, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Join us next Monday for a Grand Rounds presentation given by visiting professor Stephanie Downs-Canner, MD, director of the breast surgical fellowship program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center! Learn more here: https://adobe.ly/4qwuUQK
January 20, 2026 at 5:11 PM
The At-risk Intervention and Mentoring (AIM) program helps to connect patients with mental health, educational, and legal support after they leave the hospital. Ginny McCarthy, DrPH, and Catherine Velopulos, MD, dive into the recent initiatives of AIM. Read more: https://bit.ly/4pObC8m
January 19, 2026 at 11:32 PM