Research
Advancing Surgical Science Through Innovation
At UCLA Department of Surgery, our research mission is: to advance the field of surgery and allied fields through research, and enhance the department reputation as a world-class research unit recognized for innovation, excellence, and discovery.
UCLA Surgery has a distinguished history of pioneering research in basic, translational, and clinical sciences. Our discoveries have shaped the practice of surgery and medicine on both national and international levels.
Through innovative breakthroughs, we have revolutionized surgical techniques across various specialties, while also building on well-established foundations to shape the future of science and patient care.
Securing Resources to Support Research and Training
Recognized by major federal and private granting institutions, the UCLA Department of Surgery continues to secure significant funding to support our ongoing research. Each division is actively involved in basic science research and translational applications, merging these efforts to train the next generation of surgeon-scientists and transform discoveries from the lab into patient therapies.
Leading-Edge Treatments and Clinical Trials
As part of a premier academic medical center, UCLA Surgery offers:
- Access to Latest Treatments: Including advanced pharmaceutical treatments and clinical trials.
- Research Innovations: From gene therapies targeting metabolic disorders to liquid biopsies that accelerate liver transplant selection.
- Focus on Outcomes: Improving surgical results and enhancing patient care through research.
Explore Our Research Resources
Surgery Faculty Research Committee
The UCLA Surgery Faculty Research Committee is a vital component of the Department of Surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dedicated to advancing surgical science, the committee supports faculty research initiatives by providing resources, guidance, and a collaborative environment. Its mission is to foster innovation, enhance research capabilities, and ultimately improve patient care through cutting-edge surgical research.
Gerald S. Lipshutz, MD
Gerald S. Lipshutz, MD, is a distinguished liver and pancreas transplant surgeon with extensive clinical expertise. In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Lipshutz is an accomplished researcher and academic, currently serving as the Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Surgery.
Karen Woo, MD, PhD
Dr. Woo is a Professor of Surgery at UCLA and a recognized expert in dialysis vascular access, performing complex vascular operations for patients with end-stage kidney disease. She leads NIH-funded research focused on improving dialysis outcomes and optimizing patient experiences, collaborating with experts across diverse fields.
Peyman Benharash, MD, FACS
Dr. Benharash is a leading cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in advanced treatments for heart disease, including minimally invasive and hybrid procedures. As director of UCLA Health's ECMO Program, he has expanded access to lifesaving technology and pioneered innovative surgical techniques. A prolific researcher and educator with over 400 publications, Dr. Benharash leads CORELAB, advancing healthcare equity and training future academic leaders.
Ming-Sing Si, MD
Dr. Si is an academic congenital cardiac surgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of congenital heart disease across all age groups, with a focus on single ventricle heart disease and heart failure. His laboratory research investigates the pathophysiology of heart failure and cardiac fibrosis, particularly exploring the SLIT-ROBO signaling axis in the cardiovascular system.
Catherine J. Juillard, MD, MPH
Dr. Juillard is a UCLA trauma surgeon and critical care physician with a focus on surgical health disparities. Previously at UCSF, she led global surgery initiatives and the San Francisco Wraparound Project. Her research strengthens trauma systems in low- and middle-income countries, including ongoing projects in Cameroon and Uganda.
Edward H. Livingston, MD
Dr. Livingston is a Health Sciences Clinical Professor at UCLA, specializing in patient care and research. After completing his medical degree and surgical residency at UCLA, he held leadership roles at the VA and founded UCLA's Bariatric Surgery program. His career includes chairing surgery and biomedical engineering programs at UT Southwestern and serving as a Deputy Editor at JAMA before returning to UCLA in 2018.
Tara A. Russell, MD, MPH, PhD
Dr. Russell is an Assistant Professor-in-Residence at UCLA specializing in Colon and Rectal Surgery, with advanced training from the Cleveland Clinic. Her research focuses on surgical quality improvement, health policy, and resource utilization, with work presented at national and international conferences. Clinically, she provides comprehensive care for colorectal conditions and is dedicated to improving surgical access for diverse populations in Los Angeles County.
James Wu, MD
Dr. Wu is a board-certified Endocrine Surgeon and Assistant Professor at UCLA, specializing in thyroid cancer, parathyroid disease, and adrenal tumors. Trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering, he is skilled in complex endocrine operations and advanced robotic techniques. A dedicated researcher and educator, he publishes widely and serves on the editorial board of Video Endocrinology.
Justin P. Wagner, MD
Dr. Wagner is a board-certified Pediatric Surgeon at UCLA with training from the University of Chicago, USC, and the University of Nebraska. His expertise includes surgical education, technological innovation, and developing treatments for gastrointestinal conditions like aganglionosis. His work focuses on advancing surgical training and engineering novel therapeutic solutions.
Justine C. Lee, MD, PhD
Dr. Lee, UCLA’s Bernard G. Sarnat Endowed Chair in Craniofacial Biology, specializes in reconstructive surgery for complex craniofacial conditions like microtia, craniosynostosis, and cleft palate. She is a leader in bone regeneration research and clinical outcomes, with over 65 presentations and extensive teaching accolades. Dr. Lee also directs UCLA’s plastic surgery residency curriculum and serves in prominent roles within professional societies.
Nimmi Kapoor, MD
Dr. Kapoor is a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Associate Professor of Surgery at UCLA, specializing in oncoplastic surgery, cancer genetics, and breast cancer prevention. With advanced training from Cornell, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Cedars Sinai, she has authored numerous publications and expanded quality breast cancer care in the San Fernando Valley.
Bryan Burt, MD
Dr. Burt, Professor and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at UCLA, is a robotic surgeon, researcher, and innovator dedicated to advancing patient care. Trained at NYU, Cornell, and Harvard, he specializes in robotic thoracic surgery and leads an NIH-funded lab focusing on immunotherapy for thoracic cancers.
Vincent Rowe, MD
Dr. Rowe is Professor and Division Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at UCLA, specializing in peripheral arterial disease, vascular access, and traumatic vascular injuries. A prolific contributor to vascular surgery, he has over 160 publications and serves as Associate Editor of Rutherford’s Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.
