Welcome to the UW–Madison Department of Surgery, one of the leading surgical programs in the nation, excelling in patient care, surgical education, and surgical research. We are composed of more than 130 full-time faculty across 10 divisions and nearly 200 additional staff who support our mission.
A Perennial Top Tier Research Department!
Our surgeons perform almost 20,000 operations per year for pediatric and adult patients in the specialties of acute care and regional general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, colorectal surgery, endocrine surgery, minimally invasive surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, surgical oncology, transplant surgery, and vascular surgery.
Training the next generation of surgeons and clinician-scientists is integral in our department, with more than 100 residents and fellows being trained each year in three residencies and eight different surgical specialty fellowship training programs.
The Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery transitioned to a separate department, effective July 1, 2025. Its new department website can be found HERE.
Resident Experience
Wondering what it’s like to be a resident at Wisconsin Surgery? Visit our Resident Experience page.
Wisconsin Surgery: By the Numbers
Exceptional People. Extraordinary Results.
Moving Surgery Forward.
The Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin provides comprehensive educational experiences, groundbreaking research and superb patient care.
UW Surgery Latest News
Transplant Surgeon-Scientist Receives New Investigator Award from Wisconsin Partnership Program
Over 12,000 patients in the state of Wisconsin are impacted by kidney failure. Receiving a new kidney from an organ donor can cure kidney failure, but there is nowhere near enough donor kidneys to meet …
Welcome Dr. Saad Sahi to the Division of Acute Care and Regional General Surgery
Saad Sahi, MD is an assistant professor in the Division of Acute Care and Regional General Surgery. Dr. Sahi will be based primarily at University Hospital. Clinically, he will participate in the Trauma, Emergency General …
Dr. Cynthia Kelm-Nelson Awarded Dean’s Research Staff Award
Cynthia Kelm-Nelson, PhD, Director of Biological Sciences and senior scientist III in the Department of Surgery, was recently awarded the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Dean’s Research Staff Award. Dr. …
Welcome Dr. Louise Davies to the Division of Endocrine Surgery
Louise Davies, MD, MS is a professor jointly appointed in the Division of Endocrine Surgery in the Department of Surgery and in the Division of Head & Neck Surgical Oncology in the Department of Otolaryngology. …
Dr. David Harris Honored with Vilas Faculty Early-Career Investigator Award
Dr. David Harris, assistant professor in the Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, was awarded a Vilas Faculty Early-Career Investigator Award. This award will provide Dr. Harris with flexible research funding for three years. Dr. Harris …
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Groundbreaking Kidney Transplant Clinical Trial
Kidney transplant patients are embracing a new chapter of life, thanks to a groundbreaking clinical trial that eliminates the need for a lifelong regimen of anti-rejection drugs, which can cause serious side effects.
Social Impact, Belonging & Well-Being
Learn about the diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being resources in the Department of Surgery.
Information For
Educational Opportunities
Our online surgery Grand Rounds are offered each year, September through May, for free CE credit with self-assessment.
The GlovesOn goal is to educate the region’s surgeons on techniques available at UW Health to expand and enhance their surgical practice.
Our doctors are available to speak on a variety of surgery topics for your monthly or weekly journal clubs, case conferences, grand rounds and tumor boards.
The UW Health Clinical Simulation Program provides robust and realistic learning opportunities to prepare health care professionals for actual patient care situations. The center offers educational opportunities for students, faculty and staff from UW Health, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, departments across UW-Madison and the community.