Faculty

Research Summary

Stem Cell Therapies of Short Bowel Syndrome, Hirschsprung's Disease, Childhood Cancer, Temperature Regulation During Surgery

Clinical Summary

Neonatal surgery; Robotic assisted surgery; Intestinal Failure; Short Bowel Syndrome; Portal Hypertension

Bio

As a transplant surgeon and scientist, Dr. Adams is interested in developing the best therapies and diagnostics for transplant patients, by understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the immune system that give rise to organ rejection. As a graduate student, under the direction of Drs. Chris Larsen and Tom Pearson, Dr. Adams investigated the efficacy of costimulation blockade and helped develop Belatacept, now a clinically available therapy for transplant patients. Belatacept leads to improved survival and kidney function for renal transplant patients. The Adams' Lab has four main areas of investigation (1) costimulation blockade and costimulation independent rejection (2) xenotransplantation (3) transplant diagnostics (4) transplant outcomes.

Research Summary

Dr. Adams research efforts are concentrated on the development of novel strategies and therapeutics to promote transplantation tolerance. He has made important contributions to our understanding concerning the interplay between viral infection, immune memory and the allo-immune response. Dr. Adams is also an internationally recognized expert in large animal models of xenotransplantation (pig-to-non-human primateorgan transplant).

Clinical Summary

Kidney Transplant, Liver Transplant, Pediatric Transplant, Xenotransplant

Bio

Empathy and excellence guide my interactions with patients. I strive to put myself in every patient’s shoes, and my goal is to offer each patient the safest and most advanced care. Empathy is achieved by listening, excellence is the result of research.

Research Summary

Sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis, Endobronchial ultrasonography, Diaphragmatic plication, Esophageal mucosal resection, Impedance esophageal function tests, Esophageal stents, GERD, 3D bio printing for esophageal reconstruction

Clinical Summary

Thoracic surgery; Esophageal surgery; Tracheomalacia; Cancer

Bio

I am a Minnesota native from the small town of Blue Earth. I greatly value the physician-patient relationship and want to provide friendship, support, and expert consultation to the patients and families that I treat. My goal for our meetings is to build a trusting relationship, provide clarity and understanding of the disease process, and help create a framework for treatment moving forward. I am a surgeon by training, but my biggest goal is to treat you as an individual patient, with individual needs, in order to achieve a combination of the greatest duration and quality of life regardless of whether or not surgery is a part of that treatment plan.

Research Summary

My main research interests revolve around pancreatic and other upper GI malignancies. I have particular interest in tumor immunology, specifically the areas of adoptive cell therapy and dendritic cell based vaccines and their effects on the tumor immune microenvironment. I also have interest in tumor genetics and the investigation and development of biomarkers for early diagnosis, staging, and treatment guidance.

Clinical Summary

Upper gastrointestinal malignancies including liver, pancreas, biliary tract, stomach, and gastroesophageal junction.

Bio

Awards & Recognition

• 2018 The David Gaviser Award Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Awarded to the resident demonstrating the greatest achievement in surgical research
• 2017 University of Minnesota Medical Center Medical Education Committee Award for Resident/Fellow Contribution to Quality Improvement
• 2017 The Henry Buchwald Award Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Awarded to Chief Residents for Excellence in Research and Commitment To Academic Medicine
• 2016 Best Clinical Science Poster Presentation Department of Surgery Research Day Poster Session University of Minnesota
• 2015 MEDINFO, Student Paper Competition Finalist
• 2015 Justin W. Goodhue, MD Humanitarian Scholarship for Outstanding Dedication to Humanitarian Efforts

Medical School
MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine  

Residency
University of Minnesota  

Fellowship
Colon & Rectal Surgery
Cleveland Clinic Florida  

Doctoral Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Informatics
Institute for Health Informatics
University of Minnesota  

Bio

Awards & Recognition

• Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America (2011-2022)
• Minnesota Monthly Top Doctors (2014-2022)
• Minneapolis St. Paul Top Doctors ( 2012-2022)
• Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Health Care Hero (2022)
• Advocates for Better Health, Charles Bolles Bolles-Rogers Award (2021)
• Surgical Educator of the Year, University of Minnesota Department of Surgery (2018)
• Minnesota Physicians Community Caregivers Volunteer Physicians (2020)
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2009)

Medical School
M.D., University of Kansas, School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS  

Residency
Residency, University of Kansas, School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS (General Surgery)  

Fellowship
Fellowship, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (Surgical Critical Care)  

Research Summary

Expertise: Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Critical Care and Trauma, Pancreatitis and Transplant

Service Summary

• Member, Clinical Trials Steering Committee, U.S. Army Institute for Surgical Research
• Reviewer, National Institutes of Health
• Vice Chair, Perioperative Services and Quality 

Clinical Summary

Acute care; Critical care; High risk surgery; Islet Transplant Surgery; Minimally Invasive Surgery; Surgery (gastrointestinal, hernia, splenic, skin and soft tissue, billiary, laparoscopic, high risk, acute care, emergency, trauma surgery); Surgical infectious diseases; Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis; Trauma Services

Bio

Dr. Brauer was born in Minneapolis and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He has extensive training in the management of benign and cancerous conditions of the liver, pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, and upper gastrointestinal system. His primary focus is on the patient and caregiver experience: he ensures patients are informed and involved in their care, he seeks ways to improve access to care for patients of all backgrounds including through telehealth visits, and he focuses on minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical techniques including laparoscopic and robotic surgery. He is accepting new patients.

Research Summary

Dr. Brauer is a Health Services Researcher, meaning he focuses on the ways in which we use and deliver healthcare to patients. His research focuses on studying outcomes and designing interventions to decrease complications, readmissions, length of stay, and cost for patients undergoing HPB surgery. Recently, he is studying ways to improve access to surgery and post-surgical care for patients with HPB conditions, including the utilization of telehealth and regionalized care closer to home.

Clinical Summary

Non-cancerous and cancerous conditions of the liver, pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, stomach, and small intestine, as well as rarer abdominal tumors such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and neuroendocrine tumors. He also has an interest in the diagnosis and management of pancreas cysts and liver cysts, and incorporates minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic or robotic surgery) when it is appropriate.

Bio

Dr. Brunsvold is the Program Director of the General Surgery Residency. She also serves as the Clinical Director of the SimPORTAL Simulation Center. She serves as the Medical Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and as the Medical Director of the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Program.Nationally, Dr. Brunsvold participates in leadership and committee work in several organizations, including recently serving as Chair of the Education Research Committee of the Association for Surgical Education. She has contributed substantially to the Fundamentals of Surgery Curriculum and the ASPIRES project of the American College of Surgeons.Dr. Brunsvold has been nationally recognized for her contributions to education, she received the Phillip J. Wolfson Outstanding Teaching Award from the Association for Surgical Education in 2014. She also received the 2009 Education Specialty Award for a submission to the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Research Summary

Dr. Brunsvold has authored over two dozen peer-reviewed articles, focusing primarily on education topics. She developed and published peer-reviewed published curricula in surgical education and surgical critical care. She collaborated in the development of a course in basic intensive care topics and procedural skills, which draws national and international attendees. She is the director of a regional annual conference ECMO for the Failing Heart and Lung.

Clinical Summary

Acute Care Surgery; Critical Care Medicine; General Surgery; Minimally Invasive Surgery; Trauma Surgery; Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Infection and Sepsis; Abdominal Catastophe; Rescue from Surgical Complications

Bio

Professor of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Buchwald earned his B.A. at Columbia College, New York, in 1954, graduating first in his class. He earned his M.D. at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, graduating at the top of his class in 1957. He then interned at the Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. After two years as Chief Flight Surgeon, SAC, U.S. Air Force, he completed his residency training at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, earning his M.S. (Biochemistry) and Ph.D. (Surgery) degrees. Buchwald joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota in 1966. Among the numerous awards and honors Buchwald has received in recognition of his clinical and scholarly accomplishments are the following: Phi Beta Kappa, 1953; Valedictorian, Columbia College 1954; graduating Summa Cum Laude, 1954; Alpha Omega Alpha, 1956; Shearing Award, 1957; First Clinical Research Award, Minnesota Surgical Residents Society, 1966; Phi Lambda Upsilon Honorary Chemistry Fraternity, 1966; Samuel D. Gross Award, Philadelphia Academy of Surgery, 1967; Sigma Xi, 1968; Distinguished Service Award, Association for Academic Surgery, 1976; Inventor of the Year Award and induction into the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame, 1988; Outstanding Achievement Award, Minnesota Medical Alley, 1989; First Annual Clinical Scholar Award, University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic and Medical School, 1991; and elected to membership in the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center's Academy for Excellence in Health Research, 2015. Buchwald is a distinguished member of the major national and international societies in surgery and in his specific interest areas of obesity management, atherosclerotic coronary heart disease, and implantable artificial internal organs. He has served as Chair of the Surgical Council of the American College of Nutrition (1976); Secretary-General and Chair of the International Study Group for Implantable Insulin Delivery Devices (1984-1992); President of the Central Surgical Association (1997-98); President of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (1998-1999); and President of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) (2003-2004). In 2014, he was inducted as an Honorary Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious American College of Surgeons Jacobson Innovation Award, and in 2020 the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Gold Medal for Achievement in Research.

Education

PhD, University of Minnesota
Major: Surgery
MD, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
BA, Summa cum laude, Columbia College, Columbia University

In addition to an exemplary career as a clinical surgeon, Dr. Buchwald has been known as a teacher and educator. He was the first Owen and Sarah H. Davidson Wangensteen Chair in Experimental Surgery, and served as the Director of Graduate Surgical Training and Surgical Residency, as well as for 15 years voted by his peers to head the University of Minnesota Hospital Credentials Committee. In 2002, the Minnesota Medical Alumni Society presented him with the Harold S. Diehl Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Professional Contributions.

In 2002, the 53^rd Volume of the Surgical Forum of the American College of Surgeons was dedicated to Dr. Buchwald, in addition to the Department of Surgery Wangensteen Award for Excellence in Teaching. A group of his former residents initiated the annual Henry Buchwald Award, given to a resident who exemplifies skills as a career physician and researcher. He is on numerous Editorial Boards, served as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Obesity Surgery, and continues to write a bi-monthly column for General Surgery News.

Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements

University of Minnesota Surgical Residency, Residency
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Fellow, Helen Hay Whitney Foundation

Fellow, American Heart Association

Multiple Honorary Fellowships and Visiting Engagements in the United States and Internationally

Professional Memberships

See above

Research Summary

Obesity Management Type 2 Diabetes Oxygen Transport Hyperlipidemia Management Atherogenesis Mechanisms Implantable Infusion Pump Technology

Dr. Buchwald has been the recipient of numerous NIH and other organization grants for research. He was the Principal Investigator of the 20-year Program On the Surgical Control of the Hyperlipidemias, the first randomized clinical trial to demonstrate that cholesterol lowering by the partial ileal bypass that he introduced resulted in cardiovascular disease reductions and prolonged life expectancy. Dr. Buchwald was a pioneer in bariatric surgery and the co-author and primary advocate of the concept of metabolic surgery. In addition, he holds an appointment in Biomedical Engineering. He has 20 patents to his name, including the first implantable infusion pump to use insulin delivery and continuous chemotherapy.

Bio

Dr. Buckley received her MD from Mayo Medical School in Rochester, MN and completed a plastic surgery residency at the University of Minnesota, with a fellowship in pediatric craniofacial plastic surgery at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. She is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Division of Plastic Surgery, and has additional certifications in wound care and integrative holistic medicine.

Research Summary

Improved wound healing techniques Plasma and wound healing Biofilm/microbiomes related to wound healing Biomedical devices, including post-radiation stenosis expanders Wearable technology, including early warning aids to prevent pressure sores Complimentary and alternative medicine for healing Cross-pollination and collaboration between different specialties and cultural healing traditions Material sciences, including wound "caulk," dissolvable VAC sponges and silicone wound rings

Clinical Summary

Wound Care; Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Alternative Medicine; Post-Bariatric Surgery

Bio

For the past six years, Dr. Bulander Jr. has served as an assistant professor within the division, including positions as Program Director of the Department's Surgical Critical Care Fellowship. He is also a member of the M Physicians Risk and Compliance Committee. He holds memberships on the Mortality Review Committee, the UMMC Committee on Clinical Case Review, and the Medical School Admissions Committee. He is also an instructor for the Fundamentals of Clinical Thinking course at the Medical School.

Research Summary

Surgical education History of surgery

Teaching Summary

Instructor - Fundamentals of Clinical Thinking course

Clinical Summary

Critical care surgery, trauma surgery

Bio

Dr. Burlak is a Professor of Surgery and Scientific Program Director of the Schulze Diabetes Institute at the University of Minnesota. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of xenotransplantation. His research has focused on overcoming the shortage of life-saving human organs through the development of genetically modified pigs as organ donors. He and his group have overcome molecular and immunologic incompatibilities that have previously prevented pig organs and cells from being considered clinically. The application of cutting-edge technologies has made possible the creation of pigs with multiple genetic modifications in as little as 6 months. Dr. Burlak is also recognized as a leader in the development and application of proteomic and glycomic technologies. His research group has characterized numerous proteins and carbohydrates that comprise the differences between pigs and humans. These studies have brought collaborations with experts from around the world to the field of xenotransplantation.In 2013 Dr. Burlak received the international Carl Groth Xeno Prize for the most influential manuscript published in the field of xenotransplantation for that year. Dr. Burlak also co-mentored and co-authored the publication that was awarded the 2014 Carl Groth Xeno Prize. At the Schulze Diabetes Institute, Dr. Burlak will build on past successes by exploring glycoprotein markers of early pig islet rejection, by examining adaptive immune responses to transplanted pig islets, and by generating genetically modified pigs to remove the remaining barriers to pig islet xenotransplantation in the clinic.

Research Summary

Diabetes, Transplantation Immunology, Genetic Engineering I am focused on curing type 1 diabetes through creating genetically modified pigs to be islet cell donors. We will reach this goal by understanding the recipient immune interactions with pig islet cell clusters and developing highly sensitive techniques to monitor transplanted cells. We are developing highly sensitive methods for detecting damage to transplanted pig islet cells in non human primate models. Additionally, we have leveraged our understanding of the NHP and human immune responses to islet cell clusters to make unique genetic modifications to the DNA of pigs. Pigs carrying genetic modifications to cell surface glycoproteins give rise to stealth islets that may go unnoticed by the recipient immune system.Student projects in the Burlak lab involve: Understanding the basic immunology of Type 1 Diabetes, Analyzing the cellular and humoral immunological responses of non-human primates before and after islet transplantation. Characterization of blood borne biomarkers to detect pancreas or islet cell damage and stress. Genetically engineering pigs to be islet donors for xenotransplantation. Developing new approaches for modifying DNA to control gene expression.

Bio

Dr. Srinath Chinnakotla, MD, M.Ch (Surgery), FACS, MBA, is a Professor of Surgery, Transplant Surgeon and General Surgeon at the University of Minnesota. He performs both Adult and Pediatric Transplants. He currently serves as Surgical Director of Liver Transplantation and Executive Medical Director of Pediatric Transplantation at the University of Minnesota M Health Associated Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Chinnakotla is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery.Dr. Chinnakotla is also a ASTS certified transplant surgeon, who graduated from Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research in 1990 and did his initial surgical training in India before relocating to the United States for a multi-organ Transplant Surgery Fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Prior to moving to Minneapolis, Dr. Chinnakotla spent 10 years as staff transplant surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center, a busy Liver Transplant Program where he established himself with expertise in Liver Transplantation and served as Assistant Director of Adult Transplant Surgery 2004-2010. He started the Intestinal Transplant Program at Children's Medical Center Dallas, where he performed the first pediatric intestinal/multivisceral transplant in Texas. He also served as Surgical Director of Pediatric Liver and Intestinal Transplantation at Children's Medical Center from 2007-2010.

Dr. Chinnakotla has over 20 years of experience as a staff transplant surgeon and has performed over 1,200 abdominal organ transplants, including 900+ liver transplants, in both adults and children. His special interests include liver transplantation, pediatric transplantation, complex and high-risk liver transplants, Complex Hepatobiliary Surgery, liver surgery, kidney transplants, auto-islet transplants and multi-organ transplants.Dr. Chinnakotla has published more than 145 peer reviewed articles as well as a number of book chapters and review articles. He is a reviewer for several scientific journals. He has given presentations on a wide range of transplant surgery topics nationally. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of OPTN/UNOS, member liver/intestine committee and as Councilor of Region 7 UNOS and representative for the Pediatric Committee. He was listed on St. Paul Minneapolis Best Doctors in 2012, 2021. Dr. Chinnakotla is an elected member of the prestigious American Surgical Association.

On a personal note, he enjoys most being with his children and family. His hobbies include boating, fishing and complaining about Minnesota winters.

Research Summary

Dr. Chinnakotla has published more than 145 peer reviewed articles as well as a number of book chapters and review articles. He is a reviewer for several scientific journals. He has given presentations on a wide range of transplant surgery topics nationally.

Clinical Summary

Kidney Transplant, Liver Transplant, Pediatric Transplant, TPIAT

Research Summary

Mediators of Inflammation, Sepsis and Injury Response Surgical Infections Surgical Education

Clinical Summary

Acute Care Surgery; Critical Care Surgery; General surgery (e.g., gastrointestinal, hernia, splenic, skin and soft tissue, biliary, laparoscopic, and high risk emergency); Minimally Invasive Surgery; Surgical Critical Care; Trauma Surgery

Bio

I have been lucky to pursue a career that fulfills me personally, professionally and academically. I completed my plastic surgery training from the Mayo Clinic, and am currently an Associate Professor, and Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Minnesota. My practice encompasses the broad spectrum of plastic surgery, including both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. My clinical interests include breast surgery, facial reconstruction, peripheral nerve surgery, and cancer reconstruction. I am an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and other professional associations, on multiple committees in those societies, and on various educational (PSEN) and journal editorial subcommittees.

Research Summary

Clinical research Outcomes research Breast reconstruction Wounds Cancer reconstruction Microsurgery

Clinical Summary

Breast cancer; Breast surgery; Cosmetic surgery; Elective hand surgery; Facial plastic surgery; Facial reconstruction; General and Cancer Reconstruction; Oculoplastics; Post-bariatric surgery body contouring; Skin cancer

Bio

My research focuses on the development of novel therapeutic agents and approaches for cancer treatment, particularly the gene therapy and virotherapy by using adenovirus system. I have been developing a series of cancer-targeted oncolytic adenovirus, e.g. pancreatic cancer-targeted OAd and cancer stem cell-targeted OAd. My goal is to develop a systemically injectable oncolytic adenovirus for cancer therapy.

Research Summary

Cancer gene therapy with Adenovirus Vector Systemic treatment with Oncolytic adenovirus Viral Vectors as a Tool for Gene Delivery

Bio

Dr. Davydova is an Associate Professor at the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota (UMN). She is also a faculty member at the UMN Institute for Molecular Virology, Masonic Cancer Center, Center for Genome Engineering, and MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program. 

Dr. Davydova has over 20 years of experience in the field of gene therapy and cancer research. As a member of the Gene Therapy Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), she was directly involved in the development of first generations of adenoviral vectors for malignant diseases and establishment of standardized procedures for virus manufacturing. Her scientific contribution has resulted in developing critical elements to improve infectivity and specificity of adenovirus-based vectors which extended their utility for human gene therapy. 

Since joining the Department of Surgery and the Masonic Cancer Center at the UMN in 2006, Dr. Davydova’s research is focused on the clinical translation of adenovirus-based technologies for cancer patients. Her work with a focus on oncolytic adenovirus-mediated therapies for pancreatic cancer was funded by multiple awards including two NIH R01 grants.  

Dr. Davydova is a member of several professional societies, including American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, American Association of Cancer Research, American Pancreatic Association and serves as an Academic and/or Guest editor in professional journals. She is also actively participating as a reviewer at multiple NIH study sections (e.g., Translational Immuno-Oncology (TIO), Radiation Therapeutics and Biology (RTB), Clinical and Translational Exploratory/Developmental Studies) and many international grant review panels. 

Dr. Davydova is a productive mentor to numerous laboratory trainees at different levels including undergrad and graduate students, medical scholars, postdoctoral fellows, surgical residents, and junior faculty.

Education

Dr. Davydova received her M.D. and Ph.D. in Pathophysiology and Molecular Biology from the Siberian State Medical University in Tomsk, Russia. In 2000, she was invited to join the Gene Therapy Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she obtained extensive training in virus-based gene therapy and cancer research.

Research Summary

Dr. Davydova’s current goals are focused on the clinical translation of oncolytic adenovirus for cancer patients, including patients with pancreatic, breast, melanoma, and sarcoma malignances. 

Her research focus includes but is not limited to:

• Development of oncolytic adenovirus as a platform for cancer therapy and imaging. 
• Development of novel virus-based immunotherapies for cancer patients.
• Clinical translation of oncolytic adenovirus from “bench to bed”. 
• Development of immunocompetent preclinical models for oncolytic virus therapy and cancer research. 

Selected Publications

• Osipov, I. D., Vaskihovskaia, V. A., Zabelina, D. S., Kutseikin, S. S., Grazhdantseva, A. A., Kochneva, G. V., Davydova, J., Netesov, S. V., Romanenko, M. V. (2023). Development of Oncolytic Vectors Based on Human Adenovirus Type 6 for Cancer Treatment. Viruses 2023, 15 (1), 182.  doi: 10.3390/v1510182
• Romanenko, M., Osipov, I., Netesov, S. V., Davydova, J. (2021). Adenovirus Type 6: Subtle Structural Distinctions from Adenovirus Type 5 Result in Essential Differences in Properties and Perspectives for Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics, 13(10). PMID: 34683934 PMCID: PMC8540711 doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101641
• Robertson, M. G., Eidenschink, B. B., Iguchi, E., Zakharkin, S. O., LaRocca, C. J., Tolosa, E. J., Truty, M. J., Jacobsen, K., Fernandez-Zapico E., Davydova, J. (2021). Cancer imaging and therapy utilizing a novel NIS-expressing adenovirus: The role of adenovirus death protein deletion. Mol Ther Oncolytics(5;20), 659-668. PMID: 33816784 PMCID: PMC7985464 doi: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.03.002
• Koodie, L., Robertson, M. G., Chandrashekar, M., Ruth, G., Dunning, M., Bianco, R. W., Davydova, J. (2019). Rodents Versus Pig Model for Assessing the Performance of Serotype Chimeric Ad5/3 Oncolytic Adenoviruses. Cancers, 11(2). PMID: 30744019 PMCID: PMC6406826 doi: 10.3390/cancers11020198
• Shapovalova, M., Davydova, J., Henzler, C., Daniel, M., Dehm, S. M., Warlick, C. A., LeBeau, A. M. (2018). Exploiting the transcriptional specificity of the alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase AMACR promoter for the molecular imaging of prostate cancer. Oncotarget, 9(94), 36693-36704. PMID: 30613352 PMCID: PMC6291171 doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.26401
• Salzwedel, A. O., Han, J., LaRocca, C. J., Shanley, R., Yamamoto, M., Davydova, J. (2018). Combination of interferon-expressing oncolytic adenovirus with chemotherapy and radiation is highly synergistic in hamster model of pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget, 9(26), 18041-18052. PMID: 29719589 PMCID: PMC5915056 doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.24710
• LaRocca, C. J., Davydova, J. (2016). Oncolytic Virotherapy Increases the Detection of Microscopic Metastatic Disease at Time of Staging Laparoscopy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. EBioMedicine, 7, 15-6. PMID: 27322450 PMCID: PMC4909609 doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.05.019
• Tasca, A., Stemig, M., Broege, A., Huang, B., Davydova, J., Zwijsen, A., Umans, L., Jensen, E. D., Gopalakrishnan, R., Mansky, K. C. (2015). Smad1/5 and Smad4 expression are important for osteoclast differentiation. Journal of cellular biochemistry, 116(7), 1350-60. PMID: 25711193 PMCID: PMC4431909 doi: 10.1002/jcb.25092
• LaRocca, C. J., Han, J., Gavrikova, T., Armstrong, L., Oliveira, A. R., Shanley, R., Vickers, S. M., Yamamoto, M., Davydova, J. (2015). Oncolytic adenovirus expressing interferon alpha in a syngeneic Syrian hamster model for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Surgery, 157(5), 888-98. PMID: 25731784 PMCID: PMC4417428 doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2015.01.006
• Davydova, J., Yamamoto, M. (2013). Oncolytic adenoviruses: design, generation, and experimental procedures. Current protocols in human genetics, Chapter 12, Unit 12.14. PMID: 23853080  doi: 10.1002/0471142905.hg1214s78
• Mansky, K. C., Jensen, E. D., Davydova, J., Yamamoto, M., Gopalakrishnan, R. (2013). Protein Kinase D Promotes In Vitro Osteoclast Differentiation and Fusion. J Biol Chem, 288(14), 9826-9834.  
• Oneal, M. J., Trujillo, M. A., Davydova, J., McDonough, S., Yamamoto, M., Morris, 3rd, J. C. (2013). Effect of increased viral replication and infectivity enhancement on radioiodide uptake and oncolytic activity of adenovirus vectors expressing the sodium iodide symporter. Cancer gene therapy, 20(3), 195-200. PMID: 23412431  doi: 10.1038/cgt.2013.4
• Miura, Y., Yamasaki, S., Davydova, J., Brown, E., Aoki, K., Vickers, S., Yamamoto, M. (2013). Infectivity-selective oncolytic adenovirus developed by high-throughput screening of adenovirus-formatted library. Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy, 21(1), 139-48. PMID: 23032977 PMCID: PMC3538312 doi: 10.1038/mt.2012.205
• Armstrong, L., Arrington, A., Han, J., Gavrikova, T., Brown, E., Yamamoto, M., Vickers, S. M., Davydova, J. (2012). Generation of a novel, cyclooxygenase-2-targeted, interferon-expressing, conditionally replicative adenovirus for pancreatic cancer therapy. American journal of surgery, 204(5), 741-50. PMID: 22748294 PMCID: PMC3467355 doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2012.02.016
• Oneal, M. J., Trujillo, M. A., Davydova, J., McDonough, S., Yamamoto, M., Morris, 3rd, J. C. (2012). Characterization of infectivity-enhanced conditionally replicating adenovectors for prostate cancer radiovirotherapy. Human gene therapy, 23(9), 951-9. PMID: 22694073 PMCID: PMC3440023 doi: 10.1089/hum.2012.047
• Pham, L., Beyer, K., Jensen, E. D., Rodriguez, J. S., Davydova, J., Yamamoto, M., Petryk, A., Gopalakrishnan, R., Mansky, K. C. (2011). Bone morphogenetic protein 2 signaling in osteoclasts is negatively regulated by the BMP antagonist, twisted gastrulation. Journal of cellular biochemistry, 112(3), 793-803. PMID: 21328453 PMCID: PMC3335346 doi: 10.1002/jcb.23003
• Davydova, J., Gavrikova, T., Brown, E. J., Luo, X., Curiel, D. T., Vickers, S. M., Yamamoto, M. (2010). In vivo bioimaging tracks conditionally replicative adenoviral replication and provides an early indication of viral antitumor efficacy. Cancer science, 101(2), 474-81. PMID: 19900190 PMCID: PMC4584507 doi: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2009.01407.x
• Ramírez, P. J., Vickers, S. M., Ono, H. A., Davydova, J., Takayama, K., Thompson, T. C., Curiel, D. T., Bland, K. I., Yamamoto, M. (2008). Optimization of conditionally replicative adenovirus for pancreatic cancer and its evaluation in an orthotopic murine xenograft model. American journal of surgery, 195(4), 481-90. PMID: 18361926  doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.04.014
• Le, L. P., Le, H. N., Dmitriev, I. P., Davydova, J. G., Gavrikova, T., Yamamoto, S., Curiel, D. T., Yamamoto, M. (2006). Dynamic monitoring of oncolytic adenovirus in vivo by genetic capsid labeling. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 98(3), 203-14. PMID: 16449680  doi: 10.1093/jnci/djj022
• Davydova, J., Le, L. P., Gavrikova, T., Wang, M., Krasnykh, V., Yamamoto, M. (2004). Infectivity-enhanced cyclooxygenase-2-based conditionally replicative adenoviruses for esophageal adenocarcinoma treatment. Cancer research, 64(12), 4319-27. PMID: 15205347  doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-04-0064
• Le, L. P., Everts, M., Dmitriev, I. P., Davydova, J. G., Yamamoto, M., Curiel, D. T. (2004). Fluorescently labeled adenovirus with pIX-EGFP for vector detection. Molecular imaging, 3(2), 105-16. PMID: 15296675  doi: 10.1162/1535350041464874
• Yamamoto, M., Davydova, J., Wang, M., Siegal, G. P., Krasnykh, V., Vickers, S. M., Curiel, D. T. (2003). Infectivity enhanced, cyclooxygenase-2 promoter-based conditionally replicative adenovirus for pancreatic cancer. Gastroenterology, 125(4), 1203-1218.  doi: 10.1016/S0016-5085(03)01196-X

Clinical Summary

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery, uniportal VATS, lung and esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, chest wall deformities, lung transplantation, ex-vivo lung perfusion, tracheobronchomalacia, hyperhidrosis

Bio

December 2023: Dr. Erik Finger honored as the holder of the Eunice L. Dwan Chair for Diabetes Research Award - The Eunice L. Dwan Endowed Diabetes Research Chair was established in 2001 to attract and/or retain an outstanding faculty member in the area of diabetes research. By encouraging and supporting cutting-edge medical research, Mrs. Dwan hoped to improve health for future generations as a positive response to her family's experience and concerns with this challenging disease.

Clinical Summary

Kidney Transplant, Pancreas Transplant, Living Donor Transplant

Research Summary

Myocardial Metabolism and its Relation to Cardiac Function Energy Metabolism and Ischemia

Clinical Summary

Congenital Heart Disease; Growth of Hypoplastic Ventricles; Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoeophageal Fistula

Bio

Dr. Gaertner is originally from Vancouver, Canada, but spent most of his childhood and early life in Mexico. After receiving his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Mexico, he completed a research fellowship, general surgery residency and colon and rectal surgery fellowship at the University of Minnesota. He is actively involved in both basic science and clinical research of diseases of the colon and rectum, and has published numerous articles and book chapters in his field. Dr. Gaertner is certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and the American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery (ABCRS); and his clinical expertise includes colorectal oncology, inflammatory bowel disease, and minimally invasive approaches to colorectal diseases.

Research Summary

Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal diseases (laparoscopy and robotic surgery) Colorectal Oncology Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) Transanal endoscopic microsurgery Sphincter preserving operations for rectal cancer Diverticulitis Clostridium difficile infection after colorectal surgery Postoperative abdominal adhesions Parastomal hernia repair

Clinical Summary

Colon and rectal cancer; Diverticulitis; Inflammatory bowel disease; Anorectal diseases; Pelvic floor dysfunction; Laparoscopic and robotic surgery

Bio

Our team focuses on multidisciplinary management for individuals with complex colorectal problems. I strive to provide personalized, comprehensive, state of the art care for all patients with diseases of the colon and rectum. In particular, I have extensive experience in the management of colorectal, anal, small bowel, pelvic, and peritoneal tumors on which the majority of my practice focuses on. We offer the full spectrum of treatments for primary or recurrent diseases, including advanced robotics, cytoreduction and HIPEC, and pelvic exenterations.

Education

Medical School
MD, Universita' degli Studi Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (2006-2012)  

Residency
General Surgery Residency, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA (2015-2020)

Fellowship
Colon & Rectal Surgery Fellowship, University of Minnesota, (2020-2021)
Advanced Colorectal Surgical Oncology Fellowship, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, (2021-2022)
Visiting Colorectal Fellowship, University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia (2022-2023)

Additional Education
Research Fellowship Training Program, Duke University Clinical Research Institute, (2014 - 2015)
Clinical Research Methodology Curriculum, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, (2021 - 2022)
Colorectal Peritoneal Malignancy - Basingstoke, UK (2023)

Awards and Recognition

• Clinical Excellence Honoree, University of Minnesota (2023)

Research Summary

• Colorectal Oncology (diagnosis, treatment, prevention)
• Health Services and Outcomes Research

Service Summary

Professional Memberships

• ACS - American College of Surgeons
• ASCRS - American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
• SSAT - Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
• SSO - Society of Surgical Oncology
• PSOGI - Peritoneal Surface Oncology International Group
• PelvEx Collaborative - Pelvic Exenteration

Clinical Summary

• Colon and Rectal cancer; Appendiceal cancer; Anal cancer; Peritoneal Carcinomatosis and Cytoreduction/HIPEC; Small Bowel Tumors; Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery; Diverticulitis; Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis); Anorectal diseases; Pelvic floor dysfunction.

Bio

Teaching:

• Surgical Resident Enrichment Program
• T32 Comparative Medicine and Pathology Training Program
• AnSci/CMB/VMed 8134 – Ethical Conduct of Animal Research

Research Summary

I use an integrated interdisciplinary approach to address issues of concern in human and animal health, my lab has a unique focus on two closely related issues: 1) Developing methods to understand immunometabolism towards innovative therapies for diseases with high public health impact, e.g. diabetes, obesity, and infectious disease, and 2) Identifying reasons why non-clinical models fail or succeed in predicting human outcomes to confer solutions that improve the accuracy of these models. When there are no alternatives to animal models, we focus on critical refinements aimed at reduction in use and the best animal experience. My work explores this interface to provide therapies that improve the quality of life for patients and improve the welfare of animals used in biomedical research.

Current projects in the lab include: optimal design and the impacts of behavioral management on coping, physiology, and well-being; and the development of predictive biomarkers and regenerative medicine approaches to reverse metabolic disease, induce immune tolerance or immune recognition, and replace damaged cells, tissues, and organs.

Bio

I believe that modern health care delivery has eroded the patient-physician relationship. Both parties have contributed; physicians by forgetting their obligation as patient advocate and the patient by allowing the first opinion often to be the final opinion. Our choices are not that limited and I routinely encourage second opinions on all important health care decisions.

My care philosophy is to advocate as a physician and surgeon for the patient as a whole, not just the disease process. By gaining your confidence and trust we can then make the best possible decision for the patient and family; both surgical and non-surgical options have equal bearing on that decision. It is my hope that my manner and experience will best suit your comprehensive medical needs.

Education

• MD, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine  
• Residency, Hennepin County Medical Center (Surgery)  

Clinical Summary

Acute Care Surgery; Critical Care Medicine; General Surgery; Laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery; Herniology; Trauma Surgery; Robotic Hernia Repair

Bio

I am a historian of 19th- and 20th-century medicine, interested in the historical intersections of health, medicine, biology, social sciences, institutions, and public policy. Integrative approaches have been central to my education: I earned my B.A. from Hampshire College and my M.A. and Ph.D. in History and Sociology of Science at the University of Pennsylvania (1997). I am working on a book that addresses the significance of place and practice in American medicine by exploring the history of rural health and medicine in the Upper Midwest, 1900-1955. In addition, I have done extensive research on the history of population studies and demography in the interwar period, and on the history of philanthropy. The University of Minnesota offers a wealth of opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. I have been involved with initiatives around interprofessional, community-based education, the history of the unit formerly known as the Academic Health Center, and the historical organization of medical care. Within the larger university, I am working with faculty on four campuses in History of Science and Technology, History, Anthropology, Global Studies, Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, and Public Health (among others) on projects related to health humanities, biomedicine, global philanthropy, the human in (big) data, and environmental and social issues.

Specialties:
19th and 20th century US History of Medicine and Public Health, Rural History or Rural Studies, History of Social Sciences

Research Summary

Selected Publications:

President's Award for Outstanding Service, 2021

‘Democracy Trains its Microscope’ on public health: intergovernmental relations, competing publics, and negotiations at the grassroots. In Mold, Alex, Peder Clark, and Hannah Elizabeth, eds. Publics and Their Health: Historical Perspectives (Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press, 2023).

Meeting Rural Health Needs: Interprofessional Practice or Public Health? Nursing History Review 24(2016): 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1062-8061.24.1

Silos and Synergies: Considering the History of Interprofessional Education and Practice in the United States. Nursing History Review 24(2016): 1-4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1062-8061.24.1

Back to the Future: Minnesota's Rural Health Workforce Shortages. Minnesota Medicine 96 (2013): 41-45.

Compromising Positions: A Story of Early 20th-Century Occupational Medicine on Minnesota’s Iron Range. Minnesota Medicine 90 (2007): 34-39.

‘The First Adequate Graduate School of Medicine in America.’ Minnesota Medicine 86(2003): 63-68.

"A Few Good Men: the Rockefellers and Population Studies." Pp. 97-114 in The Development of the Social Sciences in the U.S. and Canada: the Role of Philanthropy, eds. Theresa Richardson and Donald Fisher (Stamford, CT: Ablex Publishing, 1999).

"Factory Work for Doctors: The Early Years of the Section on Industrial Medicine and Public Health of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia." Transactions and Studies of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia Series V 17 (1995): 61-93.

Bio

I serve as the Medical Student and Resident Site Director for General and Vascular Surgery at the University of Minnesota. My goal is to deliver clinical excellence, compassionate patient care, pioneering research, and to educate surgical leaders.

Research Summary

Experimental Stem Cell Transplantation Islet Allograft Transplantation Advances in Hepatobiliary and Minimally Invasive Surgery Patient Blood Transfusion Management Surgical Education 

Clinical Summary

Acute Care Surgery; General surgery; Minimally Invasive Surgery; Transplant Surgery; Trauma Surgery; Surgical Critical Care

Bio

Bernhard J. Hering, M.D, is Professor and Vice Chair of Translational Medicine in the Department of Surgery, Executive Director of the Schulze Diabetes Institute and Director of Islet Transplantation at the University of Minnesota, where he holds the Jeffrey Dobbs and David Sutherland, MD, PhD Chair in Diabetes Research and the McKnight Presidential Chair in Transplantation Science. Dr. Hering is internationally renowned for his expertise in islet transplantation for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. His research on antigen-specific immune tolerance of transplants has been considered an important breakthrough in transplantation medicine and his studies on porcine islets as a scalable cell source have reinvigorated the field of islet xenotransplantation.A sought-after speaker, he has given more than 300 invited lectures including keynote lectures at national and international conferences. He is the author or co-author of over 350 articles, including publications in Diabetes Care, JAMA, Nature, Nature Communications, Nature Medicine, and the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Hering has been a member of steering committees of major research initiatives of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the Clinical Islet Transplantation Consortium, Immune Tolerance Network, Nonhuman Primate Transplantation Tolerance Collaborative Study Group, and Immunobiology of Xenotransplantation Collaborative Study Group and has been the Medical Director of the NIH Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry since its inception. Dr. Hering has served as President of the Cell Transplant Society, International Xenotransplantation Association, and International Pancreas and Islet Transplantation Association. In recognition for his contributions to cell transplantation for diabetes, the U.S. News & World Report and Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. named Dr. Hering one of America's Top Doctors, a distinction reserved for the top 1% of physicians across the U.S. for their specialty.

Research Summary

Cell Biology and Immunobiology of Islet Transplantation in Preclinical Models

Clinical Summary

Islet Transplantation for Treatment of Type I Diabetes

Clinical Summary

Pediatric tumors; Neonatal surgery, Pediatric thoracic surgery; Esophageal Atresia; Pediatric Trauma

Research Summary

Surgical outcomes in lung transplantation. Use of ex vivo lung perfusion in standard of care as well as expanded criteria lung donors. The tracking and characterization of graft antigen-specific CD4+ T cells responses with respect to antibody mediated rejection and chronic lung allograft disease in the lung transplant recipients.

Clinical Summary

Lung transplantation for end-stage lung disease, valve repair and replacement, complex and redo cardiac surgery, aortic dissection repair, coronary artery bypass grafting, and surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation.