UC Davis Department of Surgery: Pioneering Patient Care and Research in 2025

The UC Davis Department of Surgery continues to advance surgical treatments, improve patient outcomes, and shape the future of academic surgery through clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and a commitment to education. The department’s 2025 annual report highlights significant progress across its 12 divisions, showcasing a dedication to innovation and patient-centered care.

Expanding Clinical Programs and Expertise

Across all divisions, faculty at UC Davis Health have elevated the standard of care for the communities they serve. The department experienced record procedural volumes, improved quality metrics, and increased referrals, driven by its growing reputation for excellence. UC Davis Health is the only academic health center in the region, offering specialized care and access to nearly 1,000 research studies for complex conditions in 150 areas of medicine. UC Davis Health.

Research Highlights: A Scientific Engine

The department’s research portfolio continues to expand, bolstered by major federal grants and philanthropic gifts. Key areas of focus include:

• Fetal Spina Bifida Stem Cell Therapy: Historic progress continues on a program that is expanding to nanomedicine to find treatments for babies with genetic diseases.
• Tissue Engineering, Immunology, and Biomaterials: Surgeon-scientists are developing modern therapies in these critical areas.
• Trauma Recovery and Oncology: Research efforts are focused on improving outcomes for trauma patients and advancing cancer treatment.
• Health Equity Research: Addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes is a key priority.

Specialty-Specific Innovations

Endocrine Surgery: Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules

Patients are traveling to UC Davis Health from as far as Idaho to receive radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a non-surgical, outpatient treatment for thyroid nodules. This procedure, offered by the UC Davis Center for Interventional Thyroidology, provides an alternative to surgery for select patients.

General Surgery: A New Outpatient Surgery Center

UC Davis Health has opened the 48X Complex, a $589 million, 268,000-square-foot outpatient surgery center with 14 operating rooms. This facility is designed to meet the growing demand for same-day procedures, offering patient-friendly efficiency and advanced technology, including robot-ready operating rooms and photon-counting CT imaging.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Center of Excellence for Lymphatic Disease

The UC Davis Center for Lymphatic Disease is one of only 20 centers worldwide recognized as a Comprehensive Center of Excellence by the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN). The center offers novel procedures like lymphovenous bypass (LVB) utilizing ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) mapping to improve quality of life for post-cancer survivors.

Pediatric Surgery: Pioneering Fetal Surgery and Colorectal Programs

UC Davis Health is home to the landmark “CuRe Trial,” the world’s first spina bifida treatment combining fetal surgery with stem cell therapy. The nationally-renowned multidisciplinary pediatric colorectal program is now fully integrated at UC Davis Health, offering seamless coordination for complex cases. A first-in-the-nation program is also available to improve surgical experiences for neurodiverse children.

Surgical Oncology: Leadership in Cancer Care

David Tom Cooke has been permanently appointed physician-in-chief for UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated facility in inland Northern California. The center provides crucial services, including high-volume, technically demanding surgeries like the Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer, and participates in collaborative research through the UC Pancreatic Cancer Consortium.

Transplant Surgery: First Living-Donor Liver Transplant

The UC Davis Transplant Center performed its first-ever living donor liver transplant, expanding access to life-saving care. The center also performs adult and pediatric kidney transplants, including procedures that have dramatically improved the lives of patients on dialysis for years.

Trauma Surgery: Level I Trauma Center Expertise

UC Davis Medical Center serves as the only Level I trauma center in inland Northern California, providing critical care for severe injuries, including cases involving pregnant patients.

Vascular Surgery: Minimally Invasive Treatments

UC Davis Health is at the forefront of vascular surgery, offering new minimally invasive treatments for thoracic aortic disease and carotid artery disease, including participation in national clinical trials.

Commitment to Diversity and Education

The UC Davis Department of Surgery is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals from all backgrounds, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work. The department is also dedicated to training and educating the next generation of surgeon scientists, and leaders. Learn more about the Department of Surgery.

Contact Information

UC Davis Department of Surgery
2335 Stockton Blvd.
North Addition Office Building, 6th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95817
916-734-3528
surgerynews@health.ucdavis.edu

Physician Referral and Transfer Center: 800-4-UCDAVIS (800-482-3284) referrals.ucdavis.edu