Research

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.