Curtis P. Artz MUSC Surgical Society

Check-out this 4 minute SC Public Radio interview with Maggie L. Westfal, M.D., MPH., colorectal surgeon and Assistant Professor with the Department of Surgery. In this interview, she discusses a blood test being used to detect the return of colon cancer.

The test provides a more individualized approach for the patient as well as earlier detection of recurring cancer.

A blood test to detect the return of colon cancer This week, Bobbi Conner talks with MUSC's Dr. Maggie Westfal about a blood test being used to detect the return of colon cancer.

We are looking forward to celebrating our 2026 graduates today, and welcoming them to the Curtis P. Artz MUSC Surgical Society. Their work has made a lasting impact on our department, and we are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.

Ravi Veeraswamy, M.D. and Chun Li, M.D., MPH from MUSC along with Gilbert Upchurch, Jr, M.D., DHA and Michol A. Cooper, M.D., Ph.D. from The University of Florida have been awarded a Pilot Award from the Southeastern Health AI Consortium. The $400,000/2-year grant will be used to improve risk stratification in patients at risk for stroke.

The study will use AI methodology to analyze CT scans of carotid arteries to determine novel markers for stroke. The goal is to identify high-risk patients for intervention and to reduce unnecessary procedures in lower risk patients by developing personalized, accurate risk predictors that are superior to current population-based methods.

Congratulations to Kathryn Engelhardt, M.D.,MS, for recently receiving The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Foundation/WTS Mid-Career Investigator Award, which provides $100,000 in funding over two years ($50,000 annually) for the ALIGN-Lung project.

This project will develop and test a new tool to help patients with early-stage lung cancer make informed choices between surgery and radiation. The goal is to improve how treatment options align with patient values, reducing confusion, supporting patient autonomy, and enhancing the overall quality of cancer care.
Dr. Engelhardt previously received the Schiller Surgical Innovation Center Award from the MUSC Department of Surgery, which helped launch the ALIGN-Lung project. The support provided through that award was instrumental in advancing the research and positioning the project for this prestigious national funding opportunity with the AATS Foundation.

Department of Surgery had a blast in the sunshine yesterday at our Popsicle Social! 🌞 It was a great way to celebrate the end of the academic year, spend time together, and cool off with a delicious treat.

Today, we were honored to host our annual Kredel-Springs Lectureship and welcome John A. Olson Jr., M.D., Ph.D. as our distinguished guest speaker.

Dr. Olson serves as the William K. Bixby Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and Surgeon-in-Chief at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. His lecture, "The More Things Change... Recommendations for the Young Academic Surgeon", offered valuable insights and guidance for the next generation of academic surgeons.

Following his lecture, Dr. Olson participated in the Department of Surgery Research Fellow Presentations featuring Zachary Sollie, M.D., PGY-Research, Matthew Anderson, M.D., PGY-Research, Allison Frederick, M.D., PGY-Research, and Morgan Hill, M.D., PGY-Research, and spent time meeting with faculty throughout the day.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Olson for sharing his expertise and perspectives with our department.

The Kredel-Springs Lectureship honors Frederick E. Kredel, M.D., and Holmes B. Springs, M.D., for their contributions and personal dedication to resident education and continuing medical education.

Check out this discussion featuring Timothy Legare, M.D., MS, RPVI, from the Educational Conference for Endovascular Professionals.

301 Moved Permanently

We are excited to have John A. Olson, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., join us for the Kredel-Springs Lectureship on Tuesday, June 9, from 7 to 8 a.m. in the Bioengineering Auditorium. The Kredel-Springs Lectureship honors Frederick E. Kredel, M.D., and Holmes B. Springs, M.D., for their contributions and personal dedication to resident education and continuing medical education.

To learn more about the Kredel-Springs Lectureship, visit our website:

Kredel Springs Lecture The Kredel Springs Lectureship honors Frederick E. Kredel, M.D. and Holmes B. Springs, M.D. for their contributions to resident education.

Dr. Nancy DeMore, Professor of Surgery, Endowed Chair for Cancer Research, and Artist, is hosting a fundraiser to support the Surgical Resident Research and Education Fund. Her art is currently featured at the Mary Martin Gallery, and you can catch her in person there during the June 5th First Friday Artwalk. She will donate a portion of all her artwork sold in June and July to the Surgical Resident Research and Education Fund.

Nancy DeMore Fine Art Nancy DeMore Fine Art