Keck Medicine of USC Department of Surgery

08/20/2026

Congratulations to Miguel Manzur, MD, a vascular surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC and a assistant Professor of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, who has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 America's Vascular Surgeon of the Year Award by the Global PAS Association.

This patient-nominated honor recognizes a vascular surgeon whose exceptional technical excellence, innovative thinking, compassionate leadership, and unwavering commitment to limb preservation have set the standard for vascular surgery in America.

When patients face limb-threatening ischemia and are told there are no remaining options, he responds without hesitation, reviewing imaging, consulting with colleagues, and making himself available whenever it matters most. Patients consistently speak to the confidence he inspires, the clarity with which he explains complex decisions, and the precision and humility he brings to every case. Combining advanced endovascular techniques with complex open surgery, and working hand-in-hand with a full team of specialists, he embodies what true limb preservation and comprehensive vascular care look like.

A truly well-earned recognition.

08/14/2026

The USC Department of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is led by cardiac surgeon Vaughn A. Starnes, MD. Our outcomes include a 98.6% ten-year survival rate for open-heart mitral valve surgery, a 97% three-year survival rate for pediatric liver transplants, and the only transfusion-free liver transplant program in the western United States.

Our outcomes are informed by basic and translational research connecting laboratory discovery to clinical innovation. Our Heart Valve Laboratory engineers biological materials that mimic native aortic valve architecture to advance surgical repair, while our Xenotransplantation Laboratory applies gene therapy to induce transplant tolerance and reduce organ rejection.

Our divisions span transplant, cardiothoracic, trauma, vascular, fetal surgery, and surgical oncology. The Fetal Surgery Program marks its 20th anniversary in 2025.

Learn more about our department here: https://keck.usc.edu/surgery/

07/21/2026

Meet Andrew Esposito, MD, our Colon and Re**al Surgery Fellow at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Throughout his fellowship at Keck Hospital of USC and Los Angeles General Medical Center, Andrew has gained extensive experience treating both benign and malignant diseases of the colon and re**um while developing advanced skills in open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, as well as the management of a broad range of anorectal conditions.

Hear firsthand what made USC the right place for his training and how this fellowship has prepared him for the next step in his career.

06/23/2026

Congratulations to Fumito Ito, MD, PhD, on his appointment as Vice Chair of Basic and Translational Science in the Department of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

In this new leadership role, Dr. Ito will help guide the department’s basic and translational research enterprise, fostering scientific collaboration across divisions and departments, supporting the development of surgeon-scientists, and advancing innovative research initiatives.

We look forward to the impact of his leadership in strengthening academic excellence, accelerating discovery, and improving patient care through groundbreaking research.

06/05/2026

Advancing the future of trauma and acute care surgery.

This year’s USC National Trauma, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Symposium brought together leading experts, clinicians, and researchers for discussions on the latest advances in trauma care, surgical critical care, and acute care surgery.

Hosted by the Division of Acute Care Surgery at Keck Medicine of USC and Los Angeles General Medical Center, the symposium featured thought-provoking lectures, interactive panel discussions, and keynote presentations focused on evidence-based care, innovation, trauma systems, and emerging challenges in the field.

Thank you to all who joined us for another inspiring and impactful event.

📷 Wooda Photography

05/22/2026

Throwback to the 10th Annual Colorectal Surgery Advanced Endoscopic & Endoluminal Surgery Course led by Dr. Sang Lee, Chief of Colon and Re**al Surgery at Keck Medicine of USC.

Fellows from around the world gained hands-on experience with advanced techniques including EMR, ESD, CELS, FLEX, stenting and closure methods, helping advance the future of minimally invasive colorectal care and improve patient outcomes.

05/11/2026

Healing doesn’t end when a wound closes.

For people with diabetic foot ulcers, the first 3 months after healing are the most vulnerable, when recurrence risk is highest and daily care matters most.

This research, conducted by David Armstrong, DPM, PhD, a USC podiatric surgeon, introduces a chatbot designed to guide patients through remission at home, turning clinical advice into daily, actionable steps. From tracking activity and skin temperature to prompting early warning signs, it aims to bring specialist-level support beyond the clinic.

A promising step toward smarter, more connected care.

Read the full publication here: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/26/8/2299

05/01/2026

Throwback to when Dr. David Armstrong, a is a Distinguished Professor of Surgery and Neurological Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine, delivered the keynote lecture virtually at the inaugural scientific meeting of the Association Avicenne du Pied Diabétique (ADFA) in Paris. The talk was titled "Limb Preservation: The Global State of Play in 2026."

ADFA is a francophone society dedicated to diabetic foot care across Africa and the French-speaking world. This was their very first scientific event, and the central theme was eliminating amputation, worldwide.https://bit.ly/3OSpthu

11 likes. "The Global State of Limb Preservation in 2026 — ADFA Keynote, Paris"

04/29/2026

Preparing the next generation of physicians! 🩺

Our Annual KSOM Medical Student (MS4) Transition to Residency Workshop Series gives graduating medical students hands-on training before they begin intern year. Over two intensive weeks, students sharpen critical skills, from airway management and advanced suturing to chest tubes, arterial lines, and surgical consults, so they're ready from day one.

04/28/2026

🎙️ Drs. David Armstrong and Laura Shin recently joined IWJ Talk, the podcast series from the International Wound Journal, to discuss their article, "An Enigma Wrapped in Oedema: Rethinking Charcot Neuroarthropathy in Diabetes on JM Charcot's 200th Birthday."

🎧 Give it a listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-enigma-wrapped-in-oedema/id1793990299?i=1000763423655

Dr. Armstrong is a distinguished professor of Surgery and Neurological Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine and podiatric surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC. He is a well known for his work in diabetic foot care, wound healing, and limb preservation.

Dr. Laura Shin is a reconstructive surgeon and physician-scientist who specializes in podiatry, including foot and ankle deformities, Charcot neuroarthropathy, limb salvage, wound care and diabetic feet and ankles.

Podcast Episode · IWJ - TALK · April 24 · 24m