Learn about the Department of Surgery at IU School of Medicine, including medical education, faculty contacts, clinical care and research.
Department of Surgery

The Future of Surgery
Starts Here

As one of the largest departments in the country and part of the only academic medical center in the state, the Department of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine cares for some of the highest volumes of surgical patients in the country with outstanding outcomes. The department is an international leader in surgical education, health services, outcomes and quality improvement research. With a new $6 billion campus to open in 2027, the Department of Surgery continues to have a tremendous impact in the Hoosier state and around the world.

two surgeons focus on their work in the operating room

Mission

The Department of Surgery at IU School of Medicine is dedicated to delivering equitable, high-quality patient care through a collaborative approach. We lead innovative research and discovery programs, advance innovation in surgical education and cultivate future leaders in surgery. We strive to shape the future of surgery by fostering a supportive work environment.

Vision

We strive to be a nationally recognized surgical department, renowned for outstanding patient care, groundbreaking research, innovative quality initiatives, excellence in teaching and a strong commitment to professional development. We are dedicated to cultivating key destination programs, providing exceptional care to patients throughout Indiana and beyond.

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Discover the Department of Surgery

Learn more about the opportunities available to department faculty, staff and trainees as well as the benefits of working and living in Indianapolis. 

Department of Surgery 2023-24 Annual Report

Learn more about the department’s most impactful achievements, including advancements in outstanding clinical care, groundbreaking research, innovative education programs and meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.

Surgery resident, Jasmine Lee, MD, in the operating room as part of her training

Clinical Care

IU Surgery researcher takes a look at a beaker in the lab

Research

Payton Miller, MD, teaches medical students how to tie a suture

Education

Karl Bilimoria, MD, MS

Exciting advancements are unfolding at the IU School of Medicine Department of Surgery! As a hub of high-volume, high-quality clinical care, we are at the forefront of transformative growth, including the development of our cutting-edge $6 billion campus. Our nationally recognized research centers are rapidly expanding, particularly in clinical and outcomes research, while our surgical education program continues to set the standard for innovation. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where faculty, trainees and staff can thrive. Together, these efforts empower us to push boundaries, drive surgical innovation and shape the future of patient care.

Karl Bilimoria, MD, MS

Department of Surgery Chair

2023 by the Numbers

$17 M+
in Research Funding
22,000+
Surgical Cases per Year
130
Trainees
300+
Faculty Members across Indiana

Department Cornerstones

Focus on Quality and Innovation

The Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center (SOQIC) at IU School of Medicine is a collaborative health services, outcomes, health policy and quality and safety improvement research enterprise of more than 50 researchers that is focused on improving care within IU Health, across the state and beyond.

Discover SOQIC and Quality programs

Clinical Centers of Excellence

Within several renowned centers of excellence, our department’s surgeons are pioneering advancements in all areas of surgery. Our programs in pancreatic surgery, trauma, vascular surgery and transplantation are among the busiest in the country. These specialized centers of excellence bring together multidisciplinary teams of experts to provide high quality care, innovative clinical trials, a patient-centered experience and unique educational opportunities for trainees.

View clinical care divisions

Surgeons operating
Faculty members visit with patients and doctors in Kenya

Making a Global Impact 

With a full-time faculty member based in Kenya since 1996, the Department of Surgery has been a key partner in the AMPATH-Kenya initiative, sending faculty, residents, researchers, fellows and students to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for hands-on training and research. The program fosters bi-directional education, advances global surgical care and has secured over $210 million in research funding.

Get the details on GME's Global Health Pathway

Dedication to Professional Development 

IU School of Medicine offers professional development programs tailored to every career stage, from enhancing teaching skills for trainees to leadership and career advancement for all levels of faculty. With opportunities for coaching, peer review and wellness, these initiatives foster growth, collaboration and long-term success.

Dive deeper into professional development opportunities

Faculty and trainees speaking as part of a professional development panel
The new medical and education research building is perfectly situated downtown Indianapolis

Future of Indiana University School of Medicine

Faculty, staff and trainees will benefit from a $6 billion project consolidating adult services into a 44-acre campus with advanced health care and education facilities. Included in this project is an expanded medical education and research facility, spanning 326,000 square feet, which includes flexible classrooms, simulation centers, labs and a state-of-the-art surgical skills and innovation center.

Learn more about the new health district

New IU Health Hospital New IU School of Medicine Building