The practice of surgery at Johns Hopkins is grounded in research. Our investigations drive innovations in surgical technique and patient safety, advance in the understanding and treatment of disease and trauma, and develop new technologies to help individuals and populations. We seek to further knowledge and perfect practice both in our own community and around the world.

Developing better, safer and novel approaches is part of our historical legacy and ongoing mission. From the groundbreaking contributions in infection control, use of anesthesia and surgical treatment of breast cancer from our first surgeon-in-chief, William Halsted; through the lifesaving “Blue Baby” procedure for children born with congenital heart defects developed by Helen Taussig, Vivien Thomas and Alfred Blalock; to today’s work in minimally invasive robotic surgery and transplant techniques, our work has continually improved the experience and outcomes for patients both within our wards and around the world.

Members of the department pursue investigations in areas ranging from cancer epigenetics to vascular repair.  We are tackling some of the most difficult and lethal diseases, including melanoma, gastric cancer and pancreatic cancer. We seek to nurture the next generation of leaders through our residencies, fellowships and collaborations with other researchers across a variety of disciplines to develop innovations such as bionic limbs and a radically new artificial heart.

We invite you to learn more about the work we do:

• Learn about our work in outcomes research at JSCOR.org
• Read the latest issue of Johns Hopkins Surgery
• Search clinical trials in cancer treatment at the Kimmel Cancer Center
• Search all clinical trials at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
• Advance our work by learning about ways to give