Our People
As you peruse this year’s Annual Report, it becomes evident that the Department of Surgery has achieved remarkable milestones, and this success is attributed to our dedicated individuals. Together, our globally acclaimed surgeons and scientists, eager trainees, and talented staff make significant impacts in clinical innovation; create results-driven methods of surgical education; perform valuable bench, bedside, and data research; and hold impactful leadership positions within and outside of Duke University. Each member of our team plays an essential part in the Department’s seamless operation of our tripartite mission.
–Katherine Stanley, MBA
Vice Chair of Administration and Finance
Leadership and Administration
The Department was pleased to announce several exciting leadership appointments over the year.
Among other notable appointments, Christopher Mantyh, MD, was appointed the department’s Vice Chair of Clinical Operations; Peter Allen, MD, was named Vice President of Cancer Services for DUHS; and Suhail Mithani, MD, was appointed Chief of Ambulatory Services.
With a strong leadership core and departmental representation across DUHS, Duke Surgery is at the center of advancement.
The job of a trauma and critical care surgeon is one that requires quick problem solving, a keen ability to focus on the task at hand, and an understanding that anything can change on a dime.
Amy Alger, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, shares what drew her to the complex specialty and how she finds value in her work on challenging days.
Read the full feature story on the Surgery website.
Faculty Honors and Recognition
Duke Surgery is proud to have a number of faculty members who have received recognition in 2023 from Duke University, the School of Medicine, the Duke Medical Alumni Association, and several internal and external professional organizations for exceptional contributions to their practice, research, clinical innovation, and mentorship in the surgical field.
From completing ground-breaking medical procedures to designing innovative ways to enrich the student experience, awardees of the Duke Presidential Award shine while taking on enormous challenges.
This award is organized by Duke University’s Office of the President to honor individuals who best demonstrate Duke’s core values of respect, trust, inclusion, discovery, and excellence.
Joseph Turek, MD, PhD, MBA
Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Peter Allen, MD
Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology
David C. Sabiston, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Surgery
Lisa McElroy, MD, MS
Onye E. Akwari Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Transplant Surgery
Mentoring Excellence Award in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Kevin Saunders, PhD
Associate Professor in Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences
Ruth and A. Morris Williams Faculty Research Prize
Wilton Williams, PhD
Associate Professor in Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences
Early Career Mentoring Award in Basic Science
Sabino Zani, MD
Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology
Master Clinician/Teacher Award
Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH
Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology
2023 Distinguished Faculty Award
Kevin Saunders, PhD
Associate Professor in Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences
Emerging Leader Award
Staff Honors and Recognition
Administrative, research, and clinical staff excel within and outside of their day-to-day responsibilities. From participating in professional development programs to showcasing their passion for patient care, Duke Surgery staff consistently go above and beyond.
Here are a few staff achievements from this past year.
Established in 2017 by Duke Learning and Organization Development, the Certified Executive Administrative Professionals (CEAP) program addresses the continuing education needs of administrative professionals at Duke. It provides the necessary skills needed to assess and fulfill administrative needs, provide intuitive executive support, enhance efficiency, and cultivate a positive office culture.
In 2023, eight members of the Duke Surgery administrative team graduated from the CEAP program.
June Durand
Administrative Assistant, Duke Surgery Chair’s Office
Jill Fiorella
Administrative Coordinator, Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery
Amanda Garcia
Administrative Assistant, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Victoria Mobley
Staff Assistant, Division of Surgical Oncology
Tonia Niles
Staff Assistant, Division of Surgical Oncology
Rodney Reeves
EDI Program Coordinator, Duke Surgery EDI
Faye Terrell
Staff Assistant, Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Karen Trofi
Administrative Coordinator, Division of Surgical Oncology
Twice a year, Duke’s Animal Care and Use Program recognizes a member the Duke Animal Care and Use Community who is committed to animal welfare by awarding them the Commitment to Care Award.
Lainie Parker
Senior Research Technician, Surgery
The Qualification in Repository Science (QBRS) is an International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) program where successful candidates gain recognition for their skills and competencies as biobankers further advancing the field of biorepository science. Qualified biorepository professionals are essential to the high-quality results required for the advancement of biomedicine and biospecimen-based science.
William Artis
Lead Technician, Substrate Services Core Research Support (SSCRS)
Ben Pratt, MHA
Assistant Chief Administrator
Leading the Practice Plan Transition to DHIP
Ben Pratt, MHA, Assistant Chief Administrator, plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the department. He is engaged in operational and financial initiatives that span our three missions. In addition, over this past calendar year, Ben has played a lead role in the practice plan transition and the myriad of details that have changed in the transition from a for-profit to a not-for-profit, physician-led practice, Duke Health Integrated Practice (DHIP). We are always grateful for Ben’s strong work ethic, diligence, and quality work product.
Our People: By the Numbers
More than 1,000 individuals make up the Duke Department of Surgery, some of whom have been part of the Duke Surgery team for only a few months. Others have spent their entire careers here.
Duke Surgery is committed to ensuring a diverse and equitable workplace for all employees and fostering an environment that is welcoming and reflective of all individuals and backgrounds.
Almost one-third of full-time Duke Surgery staff are housed within the Division of Surgical Sciences, exemplifying the department’s commitment to answering unsolved questions and advancing clinical care.
With a robust central research administration team, Duke Surgery is uniquely equipped to support the research mission across all stages of a project’s lifecycle: from proposal submissions and funding assistance, to clinical trial recruitment and data management, and ultimately to clinical implementation.
*Includes 1) faculty with primary appointments, and 2) fellows
Give to Duke Surgery
Gifts of all sizes to the Duke Department of Surgery help support novel advancements in patient care, endowed professorships, educational programming, and cutting-edge research.
Be a part of the Duke Surgery mission.
