Three Department of Surgery faculty members have received the University of Pittsburgh’s highest faculty honor, earning Distinguished Faculty designations in recognition of their exceptional contributions to research, education, leadership, and service.
This year’s honorees are Dr. Norman Wolmark, Distinguished Service Professor; Dr. Michel S. Makaroun, Distinguished Service Professor of Surgery; and Dr. David Geller, Distinguished Professor of Surgery. The prestigious designation recognizes faculty members whose accomplishments have had a transformative impact on their disciplines and reflects the highest level of recognition bestowed by the University.
Dr. Norman Wolmark has made landmark contributions to cancer care through his leadership of NSABP and NRG Oncology. His research helped establish breast-conserving surgery as a standard treatment and advanced personalized breast cancer care through the development of the Oncotype DX recurrence score assay. A highly cited researcher, mentor, and clinical trials leader, Dr. Wolmark has shaped oncology practice worldwide. The Distinguished Service Professor designation recognizes his lasting impact on cancer research, patient care, and scientific innovation.
Dr. Michel Makaroun helped transform vascular surgery through his pioneering work in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), advancing minimally invasive treatments for aortic disease and helping bring innovative technologies into clinical practice worldwide. At the University of Pittsburgh, he built one of the nation’s leading vascular surgery programs and trained more than 70 vascular surgeons, many of whom now serve as leaders in the field. A prolific researcher, educator, and past president of six major vascular organizations, Dr. Makaroun has had a lasting impact on patient care, surgical training, and the advancement of vascular surgery. The Distinguished Service Professor designation recognizes his exceptional contributions to medicine and the University.
Dr. David Geller is internationally recognized for advancing minimally invasive liver surgery, helping establish laparoscopic liver resection as a standard treatment for liver disease. A distinguished surgeon-scientist, he has led groundbreaking research in liver injury and cancer biology while maintaining continuous NIH funding for three decades. Through his leadership in surgery, research, and education, Dr. Geller has trained generations of surgeons and investigators and has made lasting contributions to patient care and scientific discovery. The Distinguished Service Professor designation honors his exceptional achievements and service to the University of Pittsburgh and the field of medicine.
Drs. Wolmark, Makaroun, and Geller have each achieved international distinction through pioneering advances in cancer care, vascular surgery, and minimally invasive liver surgery, respectively. Their groundbreaking scholarship, leadership, and dedication to mentoring future generations have advanced patient care and strengthened the University’s reputation as a leader in academic medicine.
The Department of Surgery congratulates these exceptional faculty members on this well-deserved honor and celebrates their lasting contributions to medicine, science, and education.