My Turn

It’s hard to believe this is my 10th year directing the Department of Surgery. It feels like not that long ago when I came.

We’ve seen tremendous growth during my tenure. The department, along with Johns Hopkins Medicine, has significantly expanded its footprint, sharing our experts and expertise with community partners such as Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, Md., and All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. I’m fortunate to have leaders like Mike Zenilman and Paul Colombani, respectively, overseeing our efforts there.

We have broadened our fellowships to include programs in surgical oncology, endocrine surgery, breast surgery and minimally invasive surgery, and expanded our fellowship for vascular surgery. Our curriculum now includes simulation training and online learning.

I’m pleased to report that we are ranked 10th for NIH funding to departments of surgery, and we bring in $6-8 million a year through fundraising.

If it’s been a while since you stepped foot on campus, I strongly urge you to attend next year’s Biennial Meeting. 

It offers a great opportunity to learn about some of our current work; see the new clinical buildings and ORs; meet our new dean, Paul Rothman; and catch up with former classmates and colleagues. I love meeting and talking to alums, and I hope to see you then.

Julie Freischlag
Director, Department of Surgery