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
Dr. Satoru Osaki Named One of America’s Leading Doctors 2025 by Newsweek
Dr. Satoru Osaki, professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, was named one of America’s Leading Doctors 2025 for Cardiothoracic Surgery by Newsweek. To identify the nation’s most respected specialists, Newsweek conducted an in-depth evaluation …
Welcome Dr. Sasha Acher to the Division of Surgical Oncology
Alexandra (Sasha) Acher, MD, MSCI is an assistant professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Acher is a surgeon but also a researcher, with great interest in the overlap between radiology, surgery, and pathology. …
Surgery and WCER Researchers Team Up to Improve Surgical Informed Consent for Vulnerable Populations
Despite giving their consent to surgery, many patients report feeling like they had no choice about whether to pursue surgery. They also often report feeling blindsided by the treatment and recovery process, and its impact …
Dr. Sarah Tracy Appointed to the APSA Cancer Committee
Dr. Sarah Tracy, assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, was recently appointed to the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Cancer Committee, starting Sept. 1, 2025. Dr. Tracy is the Division of Pediatric Surgery …
Investiture Ceremony Celebrates Dr. Samuel Poore
On Aug. 25, 2025, the Department of Surgery hosted an investiture ceremony to celebrate Dr. Samuel Poore, Professor and Chair of the Division of Plastic Surgery and the Endowed Chair of Global Education in Plastic …
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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.
DEI & 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.