Improving the care of patients with cancer has defined a clear mission for the Division of Surgical Oncology by providing the very best surgical care, in an environment of multidisciplinary cancer care and education. Investigators in the Division have sought to generate new knowledge through innovative basic science, translational, and clinical research. Furthermore, the Division of Surgical Oncology is at the forefront of new treatments and technologies for cancer patients.

The Division is committed to a program of life-long learning that starts with students and residents and extends to educational programs that teach new concepts and skills to practicing physicians. Our close collaborations with the James Graham Brown Cancer, University of Louisville Hospital and Norton Cancer Institute have allowed the Division of Surgical Oncology faculty members to achieve national and international prominence while striving to improve the care of patients with cancer.

Division members also have established multidisciplinary programs for breast cancer, melanoma, liver and gastrointestinal tumors, sarcoma, and endocrine tumors to provide the best possible patient care. This includes multidisciplinary conferences in breast cancer, esophageal, gastric, liver, pancreas, and bile duct tumors, endocrine tumors and melanoma, which provide outstanding educational opportunities for residents, students, and faculty.

Division members regularly lecture medical students and provide daily educational efforts to residents and students on the clinical services. In addition, laboratory and clinical research opportunities are regularly provided for undergraduate and medical students in basic and clinical research. This includes participation in the University of Louisville undergraduate mentoring program and mentoring of minority students.

Medical students in the summer research program in the Division have consistently been recipients of local, regional, and national awards. Division members are regular participants in postgraduate educational programs through the American College of Surgeons and other organizations and are regularly invited as visiting professors and speakers at national and international scientific meetings and courses.