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Surgical Notes
A Newsletter from the VCU Department of Surgery
| | Thank you all who attended and participated in this year's Department of Surgery 2026 Research Day! Research Day is the department’s annual celebration of our trainees’ and faculty’s contributions to surgical research. This year we were proud to share the works of members across multiple experience levels, including faculty, residents and fellows, medical students, and more! | |
We were honored to host Dr. Insoo Suh, MD, the Vice Chair of Surgical Innovation and Clinical Faculty Lead of Technology Opportunities & Ventures from NYU, as our keynote speaker. Dr. Suh kicked off the day by discussing medical technology innovation in his presentation, Education in Surgical Innovation. Dr. Suh’s presentation was followed by a series of clinical and basic science talks from our trainees, culminating in E-poster presentations to close the day. Together, these sessions highlighted the depth of talent and collaborative spirit across our program, as well as our department’s commitment to advancing patient care and health outcomes through research.
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"Research Day continues to showcase the exceptional breadth of scholarship across our Department of Surgery while creating opportunities for meaningful discussion, collaboration, and new scientific partnerships. We look forward to further improving this event in the years ahead in order to strengthen mentorship, promote cross-disciplinary engagement, and provide every researcher with a platform to share ideas that advance discovery and improve patient outcomes.”
David P. Turner, PhD
Professor & Vice Chair of Research
VCU Department of Surgery
| | Congratulations to Gowtami Aishwarya Panguluri, for winning the Basic Science presentation award for, "Pubertal AGE exposure reprograms mammary fibroblasts through RAGE-MYC signaling: Impact on Breast Cancer Risk". | | |
Congratulations to Dr. Vashti Bandy, for winning the Clinical Research presentation award for, " Prognostic Impacts of Skeletal Muscle Gene Expression and Cachexia in Advanced Colon Cancer".
| | Nikki Meador Appointed Department of Surgery Senior Administrator | | |
Please join us in congratulating Nikki Longest, MBA, on her appointment to the role of Senior Administrator, effective May 26.
Nikki brings more than 10 years of dedicated service to VCU Health and the Department of Surgery. Most recently, she has served as Interim Senior Administrator of the Department of Surgery and Operations Administrator for Children’s Surgery. Nikki has provided strategic, operational, and financial leadership across complex clinical environments, supporting multidisciplinary teams, advancing key initiatives, and improving access and patient experience.
In her new role, Nikki will continue to lead departmental operations, partnering with clinical and administrative leadership to drive strategic growth, optimize performance, and support the department’s clinical, research, and educational missions.
Nikki’s deep institutional knowledge, commitment to excellence, and proven leadership make her exceptionally well suited for this role. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-earned achievement!
Vig Kasirajan
| | Tina Robertson Named Clinical Operations Administrator for the Department of Surgery | | |
We are pleased to announce that Tina Robertson has been named Clinical Operations Administrator for the Department of Surgery following a thorough search process.
Tina has more than two decades of healthcare administrator experience. She has been part of the VCU Health team since 2003, most recently serving as Division Administrator for the Department of Surgery.
The key reason for the establishment of the Clinical Operations Administrator role is to make it easier for patients to see us by making it easier for our physicians, APPs, providers, and staff to see patients. In this new role, her focus will be on creating a seamless patient, provider, and staff experience across all organizational verticals resulting in exceptional patient experience and provider engagement. She will partner closely with physician leaders, ambulatory operations, revenue cycle, hospital operations, and perioperative services to develop and execute strategies that advance clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. Within this partnership, she will be a key driver in optimizing clinical operations across all Surgery ambulatory care settings with goals of improving patient access, accelerating throughput, and standardizing high quality care delivery.
She holds a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and expects to graduate in May from Louisiana State University with a Master of Healthcare Administration. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Academic Surgical Administrators and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Please join us in congratulating Tina on her new role. This is an important new position for the department, and we look forward to seeing her continued success
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When elementary school principal Greg Muzik was struck by a car while cycling, his survival—initially estimated at just five percent—relied on the immediate and decisive actions of VCU Medical Center's surgical team. Trauma surgeons Dr. Natalie Wall and Dr. Craig Sadler performed emergency, life-saving operations to halt severe internal bleeding, while Dr. Katie Nealon meticulously managed his complex, multi-organ injuries throughout his 32 days in the surgical trauma ICU.
To honor the extraordinary dedication of these surgeons and the wider medical team, Muzik's caregivers were recognized at VCU Health's annual Shining Knight Gala on May 16, 2026. The gala celebrated their life-saving teamwork while raising funds for the health system's Injury and Violence Prevention Program and the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education.
Read article...
Watch video...
| Congratulations to all of our team members recognized as Shining Knights this year! | | |
Acute Care Surgery
- Craig Sadler, MD, FACS
- Ashley Slaughter, MD
- Jonathan BeCraft, ACNP-BC
- JaTori Robinson, NP
- Christen Brown, NP
- Katie Nealon, MD
Plastic Surgery
- Ja Hea Gu, MD, PhD
- Annabel Baek, MD
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General Surgery
- Natalie Wall, MD
- Devon C. Freudenberger, MD
- Matt Wishnoff, MD
| | 10-year-old is Now Pain Free Thanks to VCU Surgeons in Rare Operation | | |
Keegan Bowles is looking forward to returning to the football field. The 10-year-old from Southwest Virginia hasn’t simply been sitting out this off-season though. His body has been enduring something much more monumental than training and touchdowns.
On February 24, 2026, Keegan underwent a rare and complex operation to alleviate debilitating abdominal pain associated with genetic chronic pancreatitis – just 2 months after his mom Amanda, who is also a recent breast cancer survivor, had the same procedure.
The surgery is called total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation, or TP-IAT.
Continue reading...
| | Highlights & Congratulations! | | |
Postdoc Featured in The Scientist
Congratulations to Dr. Fariha Imtiaz, a Post-doc student of Dr. David Turner, who was recently featured in The Scientist
Postdoc Portrait: Fariha Imtiaz Explores the Link Between Glycotoxins and Cancer Risk
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MD/PhD Candidate Recognized 3 Times at SoM Awards
Congratulations to Tuong Vi Nguyen, a MD/PhD student in the Dr. Turner's lab! She was recognized three times at the School of Medicine Advanced Degree Recognition Ceremony.
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STAR Service Awards
VCU Health's STAR Service is a foundational, values-based initiative—standing for Service, Trust, Attitude, and Respect—designed to guide employee behavior, ensure patient-centered care, and create a safe, compassionate environment.
Please encourage your team members and leaders to celebrate others’ acts of STAR Service! To submit a recognition, click here (intranet) then click Recognize a Team Member at the top.
Congratulations to these recent STAR & StarBurst award winners!
⭐Jamie Bohl, MD
⭐David Bruno, MD
⭐Emily Rivet, MD
⭐Nicole Wieghard, MD
(pictured below clockwise from top-left):
| | General Surgery Residency News, Dates, and Highlights | | |
2nd Annual Resident VS. Attending Softball Game
It’s time for the annual faculty vs. resident softball game!
June 7th 12 - 4 pm
HENDERSON SPORTS COMPLEX – FIELD #1
500 FOREST LAWN DRIVE.
Bragging rights as well as a trophy are at stake!
We'll be sending some more reminders as the game gets closer!
SIGN UP THROUGH THIS LINK!:
RESIDENTS VS ATTENDINGS BASEBALL GAME – Fill out form
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Residents Present at APSA 2026
VCU surgery residents represented the department very well at APSA 2026! Congratulations to the following residents who presented:
Cody Tragesser: plenary podium presentation: Administration of Exogenous Oral Serotonin Reduces Severity of Experimental Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Makenna Laffey: podium presentation: GLP-1 Produced by Enteroendocrine Cells Regulates Necrotizing Enterocolitis Severity in Mice
Taylor Jacobs: podium presentation: Decreasing Post-Operative Opioid Use After Pectus Excavatum Repairs with Intra-Operative Methadone Use
Dr. Laura Boomer was also on several panels and led several breakout sessions. She was instrumental in introducing residents to leaders in the pediatric surgery world.
Everyone did a wonderful job and Taylor was awarded the APSA Quality, Safety and Value in Surgery Award!
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FACULTY AND ALUMNI : TAKE ONE MINUTE TO HELP US BOOST SURGERY RESIDENCY RANKINGS ON DOXIMITY
The Doximity Residency Navigator is an important evaluation tool used by medical students during their residency search.
Please fill out a nomination survey to help boost our ranking. The survey closes on June 8.
On the Nomination Survey, please list VCU as a "top" residency program.
PLEASE SEE LINK BELOW - OR NAVIGATE TO "DOXIMITY RESIDENCY NAVIGATOR NOMINATION SURVEY"
Nomination Survey:
https://www.doximity.com/surveys/best_residencies/new
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CURRENT RESIDENTS (PGY2 AND ABOVE) AND ALUMNI : PLEASE FILL OUT DOXIMITY RESIDENCY SATISFACTION SURVEY
VCU Surgery needs your help to ensure that our program’s strengths and unique qualities are well known by each new class of potential residents. Please fill out a Residency satisfaction survey to help boost our ranking. While typically open year-round, early participation in the Satisfaction Survey is encouraged for the 2026-2027 cycle, which officially kicks off in April 2026.
PLEASE SEE LINK BELOW - OR NAVIGATE TO "DOXIMITY RESIDENCY NAVIGATOR SATISFACTION SURVEY"
Satisfaction Survey:
https://www.doximity.com/surveys/residency_satisfaction/new
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EPA Reminder
A quick reminder to all faculty and housestaff to complete your Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for the trainees you’ve worked with this block!
Timely EPA completion is essential for delivering meaningful feedback, tracking trainee progress, and meeting accreditation expectations for workplace‑based assessment. Even brief observations help our learners grow and support high‑quality surgical education.
Thank you for taking the time to contribute to our trainees’ development and to the strength of our program!
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PGY1, 2, 3 General Surgery Residents – Collect EPA’s!
General surgery residents are reminded to be collecting EPA's which will be required for board certification. Residents are asked to go to the American Board of Surgery website and familiarize themselves with EPA collection. Please make sure you have downloaded the Firefly web-based app, and work with your faculty to compile a portfolio of EPA’s. If faculty need the web based APP, please contact Rulla Haboush or Rahul Anand.
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The VCU Division of Bariatric and Gastrointestinal Surgery will be hosting Advances in Foregut Gastroenterology & Surgery, a free continuing education conference designed for healthcare professionals who provide GI care. We invite you to join us on Saturday, June 6th from 8AM-3PM at the VCU Medical Center to learn more.
This conference offers essential insights into foregut gastroenterology while underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care. Join us to explore the evidence behind various treatment options and learn how to collaborate effectively across specialties to optimize outcomes. Lead by national gastroenterology and foregut surgeons experts, this program will equip you with the advanced knowledge in foregut gastroenterology diagnosis and treatment.
At a Glance
Conference Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM PM ET
Location: VCU McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 1201 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23298
**Information on parking will be sent to attendees prior to the symposium
Webpage and Registration: https://surgery.vcu.edu/gerd-2026/
Spaces for this course are limited. Sign up today to secure your spot!
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Family Fun Day!
The Department of Surgery will be hosting a family event at the new Richmond Flying Squirrels CarMax Park Stadium for the 5:00 p.m. game on August 9, 2026.
Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please complete the form below to request tickets. Significant others and children are welcome —just be sure to include them in your total number of tickets requested. A buffet and soft drinks will be provided, and guests are welcome to purchase additional food or beverages at the stadium.
Ticket Sign Up: DOS Family Day at the Flying Squirrels Baseball Stadium – Fill out form
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Call for Proposals: VCU School of Medicine Research Theme
Introduction
The School of Medicine is launching new Scientific Research Themes to nurture high‑potential areas of discovery that are not currently central to existing research centers or institutes and offer an excellent framework for collaborative research across the departments with substantial investment. Proposed Themes should demonstrate a clear scientific opportunity, the potential for broad impact, and a strong foundation for attracting sustained extramural support.
Themes may span basic, translational, clinical, population, or computational science research, provided they align with the goals of this initiative and do not duplicate the research activities of existing centers or institutes.
Purpose of This Call
- Advance innovative, translational, high‑impact scientific research
- Promote cross‑disciplinary collaboration
- Strengthen VCU SOM’s competitiveness for federal and state funding
- Create a foundation for future research growth and visibility
Letter of Intent: Due Date, May 1, 2026
LOI submission link: https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=PEXW83NFA99MKNW7
Full Proposal: Due Date, July 1, 2026
Full Proposal submission link: https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=KHYAYXPFA88HE748
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OVPRI New Compliance Notices
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This compliance notice sets forth the OVPRI Division of Strategy and Regulatory Affairs’ new requirement that VCU investigators (covered individuals) must have completed Research Security Training within 12 months of submission of proposals to Federal funding agencies. In anticipation of future Federal requirements, this Compliance Notice further requires annual refresher training for the duration of work on the Federally funded project.
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VCU has deployed the consolidated (one hour) training session developed by the NSF funded SECURE Center. This is deployed into VCU's CITI instance. All are advised to make certain that they are using their CITI profile affiliated with VCU (as many individuals have multiple affiliations).
- This compliance notice sets forth the OVPRI Division of Strategy and Regulatory Affairs’ new requirement that VCU investigators must utilize Veeva Electronic Data Capture (EDC) for VCU-led investigator-initiated clinical trials that are required to follow FDA regulations.
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NIH “Common Forms” Update
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In guide notice NOT-OD-26-018, NIH announced implementation dates for mandatory use of SciENcv to generate and certify the "Common Forms." These include the Biosketch (including the new NIH Biographical Sketch Supplement) and Current and Pending Other Support (CPOS).
- Use SciENcv-generated and certified Common forms (Biosketch and CPOS) for proposal deadlines for January 25, 2026 and later.
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For JIT and RPPR, SciENcv Common forms must be used by January 25, 2026 and later. The Prior Approval Change of PD/PI Request, Just-in-Time (JIT), and Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) Participants section with the Common Forms requirements detailed in NOT-OD-26-018.
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Reminder that VCU Libraries provides helpful SciENcv-related resources, available here. Please contact Dr. Nina Exner, nexner@vcu.edu, to set up training for your team, lab, or division.
Resources:
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NIH's New Public Access Policy
The NIH Public Access Policy has recently been updated, and these changes may affect how you manage your research publications. VCU's Scholarly Communications and Research Data Librarians have created a clear, practical guide to help you navigate the new requirements.
Stay informed—click here to read the full blog post.
| Martin J. Mangino, PhD will be retiring in October after 21 years at VCU as Professor of Surgery and Physiology and former Associate Chair of Research in the Department of Surgery. He has been in academic research for over 40 years. Loren K. Liebrecht, MD, MS will be leaving the department to accept a faculty scientist position at the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine in Bethesda, MD within the Department of Surgery program entitled Battlefield Shock and Organ Support. | |
Dr. Martin Mangino and his company Perfusion Medical granted VA Catalyst Award
Perfusion Medical won the Virginia Catalyst award in April with the main academic partner being VCU. The University of Virginia, Department of Emergency Medicine, is the secondary academic partner. The award was for $800,000 over one year (direct costs) to be used to develop Perfusion Medical’s lead drug, PM-208, developed in the Mangino lab at VCU. The IV solution will be used to reduce whole blood requirements needed to resuscitate shock patients, thus conserving blood supplies and producing superior outcomes. Dr. Mangino serves as the VCU PI with Dr. Lisa Merck in Emergency Medicine as a Co-Investigator.
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Dr. Loren Liebrecht Inducted into the National Academy of Inventors VCU Chapter
Loren Liebrecht, MD, MS, a current research scientist in the Martin J. Mangino, PhD, lab was inducted into the VCU Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in April by the Vice President of Research and Innovation Dr. Srirama Rao, PhD. Dr. Liebrecht was nominated by the VCU Office of Technology Transfer and Ventures in recognition of her impactful research, patents, and translational work developing a novel IV resuscitation solution for hemorrhagic shock in collaboration with Dr. Mangino, who was inducted into the NAI as a Senior Member in 2022.
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Charles Payne Becomes First VCU Medical Student to Receive TULIP Award
Charles Payne, MS, a current M4 at VCU School of Medicine and former trainee in the Martin J. Mangino, PhD lab, has made history as the first VCU medical student to receive the TULIP Award, which honors non-nursing team members for excellence in patient care. He was recognized for his compassion, patient advocacy, and dedication, exemplified by his continued support of a pregnant patient during a prolonged hospitalization—even after his OB-GYN rotation ended—through regular visits and thoughtful gestures such as bringing badminton equipment to aid in her physical therapy. (More details are available in this VCU News article.)
The Mangino Lab congratulates Charles on this achievement and his continued success. His journey includes volunteering in lab during his post-baccalaureate training, earning a Master’s degree in Physiology focused on ischemia-reperfusion injury in sepsis (2023), and acceptance into VCU School of Medicine as a member of the inaugural McGlothlin Scholars cohort with a full four-year scholarship. During medical school, he has remained active in research, service, and mentorship, contributing as a Dean’s Summer Research Fellow, participating in the Rao R. Ivatury Trauma Symposium, and continuing his work as a paramedic in the VCU Health Emergency Department.
Charles’s dedication to science, medicine, and compassionate care reflects the very best of VCU and what we all strive for as individuals—a commitment to purpose, growth, and meaningful impact. With plans to pursue a career in trauma surgery and continue his training at VCU Health, we are excited about the future he represents and wish him continued success in his final year and beyond.
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Ren Hinchey
Surgery Clerkship Coordinator
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How long have you been with Surgery? Where were you prior?
I'm a fresh graduate of the University of Virginia, where I received my Master of Education in Higher Education Student Affairs. Alongside my master's program, I spent a year at the McIntire School of Commerce as a Graduate Assistant in Student Engagement, working closely with undergraduate and graduate student leaders to support their involvement in student organizations. I previously attended Randolph-Macon College for my bachelor's degree in Political Science.
Describe your role in your own words.
I am the Medical Student Clerkship Coordinator for the VCU Department of Surgery. I support third-year medical students throughout their Surgery Clerkship, serving as an administrative liaison between students and their faculty. My role involves making sure students have what they need to succeed during this critical stage of their medical education, helping to bridge communication and keep things running smoothly on both sides.
Most exciting and/or challenging part of your position?
This is my first professional role outside of RMC and UVA, so getting to learn all about the VCU School of Medicine is incredibly exciting. I recently moved to Richmond as well, so I'm taking the summer to explore the city and discover all the local hot spots!
What gives you the greatest satisfaction in your job?
Providing meaningful support to students. Knowing that I'm helping them navigate such an important stage of their education is incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to growing as a professional in this role.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I'm a proud cat dad to my Guppy boy and love spending time with my partner. I'm also the choreographer for my high school alma mater's show choir. I was a member of Randolph-Macon's collegiate show choir, LUXE, and the passion never left! If you stop by my office, you'll most likely catch me listening to my favorite podcaster, Amy Poehler. 😊
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| | Department of Surgery | Virginia Commonwealth University | (804) 828-7874 | | | | |
