Welcome to the Department of Surgery

Welcome to the Department of Surgery at Georgia Health Sciences University. We are committed to providing the highest level of surgical care, to training the next generation of surgeons, and to integrating our knowledge and skills into a research program that keeps us at the forefront of the surgical frontier.

The University is growing rapidly. In the Department of Surgery alone, we are recruiting new surgeons and specialized care professionals, opening more clinics and embarking on new research projects. The department continues to grow in size and stature: In 2011, U.S. News & World Report recognized 23 GHSU physicians among its “Best Doctors” issue, including four surgeons: Dr. Jack Yu, Dr. Bruce MacFadyen, Dr. Martha Terris and Dr. Scott Lind. Our Children's Medical Center is in the top 10 percent of University HealthSystem Consortium Quality & Safety performers.

To meet the needs of our growing number of patients, we provide state-of-the-art care through technologically advanced equipment and programs, including a two-room cardiac OR robotic suite with dual console Si 3D Robot. Our Children’s Hospital boasts a sophisticated Cardiac OR and a hybrid OR in the pediatric cardiac cath lab. We provide the state’s only Level I Trauma Center for adults and children, adult and pediatric cardiac surgery, advanced minimally invasive surgery, hepato-biliary surgery, kidney and pancreas transplantation, robotic surgery for urology, oncology and otolaryngology, craniofacial surgery, functional neurosurgery and neurosurgical endovascular intervention, sophisticated EP procedures with CT surgery support, and hybrid cardiac surgery/interventional cardiology procedures.

Remarkable students compete for placement in our residency programs in General Surgery, Urology, Plastics and Surgical Critical Care. Our graduates go on to leadership positions in private practice and academic medicine.

Research and teaching are a tremendous part of our efforts; we collaborate within our own institution as well as with the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and the new Cancer Center. We persevere in keeping our students, housestaff and faculty involved in the development of new educational programs, clinical trials and innovative procedures — all directed at increasing NIH funding.

We are moving forward to meet patient needs with two pending Chairs of Pediatric Surgery and Plastic Surgery in their infancy; we welcome and rely on philanthropic support from our alumni and friends.

Thanks to all of you who support our teaching, research and patient care programs. I hope this site is a discovery of all the department has to offer, and that it inspires you to strengthen your connection to the Department of Surgery.

Charles G. Howell, M.D., FACS
Moretz/Mansberger Distinguished Professor of Surgery
Chair, Department of Surgery
Surgeon-in-Chief, GHSU Childrens Medical Center

Charles G. Howell, M.D., FACS