Skip to main content

About Pediatric Surgery

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF

In University of Utah’s Division of Pediatric Surgery, we uphold the commitment to put “the child first and always” by providing the highest level of surgical care for children. Our team includes some of the nation’s foremost experts in pediatric colorectal surgery, trauma care, and neonatal care at the Utah Fetal Center. 

Our division is dedicated to a threefold mission: providing exceptional surgical care for children with the most advanced knowledge and techniques, offering a unique and comprehensive pediatric surgery training experience for our fellows and residents, and supporting groundbreaking clinical and basic science research related to pediatric surgical issues through active faculty involvement and robust financial support. 

Our division strengths include key areas of pediatric surgery, including clinical volume, research and surgical outcomes. We handle a high case volume and complexity thanks to our extensive catchment area, which includes Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Nevada. Our faculty consists of national and international leaders in pediatric surgery, supported by a highly skilled team of 16 advanced practice clinicians. 

Our fellowship program is among the most competitive in the country, aimed at training the next generation of leaders in pediatric surgery. Fellows can independently perform common procedures during their second year, benefiting from a competitive salary with additional remuneration for on-call shifts. Moreover, our culture emphasizes work-life balance in the beautiful Mountain West. 

With a heritage of being a large, academically robust division currently staffed with twelve surgeons, we offer unparalleled training opportunities. Our program combines rigorous academic and clinical training in a regional setting unmatched anywhere else. We offer a top-notch opportunity to prepare for a career in pediatric surgery, driven by our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of children. 

Eric R. Scaife, MD

ERIC SCAIFE

HISTORY OF THE DIVISION OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY

Established in July 1971 with the recruitment of Dr. Dale G. Johnson, the Division of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Utah has evolved into a leader in pediatric surgical care and education. Driven by a commitment to excellence, the division formalized a partnership with Primary Children's Medical Center, pioneering pediatric surgical training at this renowned facility. Since its inception, the division has expanded its surgical volume and complexity, aligning with national benchmarks for case acuity and outcomes. Faculty additions, including esteemed surgeons certified by the American Board of Surgery in Pediatric Surgery, bring diverse expertise from prestigious institutions nationwide. Today, the division continues to advance pediatric surgical science and technique, shaping the future of pediatric surgery through innovation and collaboration.  

GIVE TO PEDIATRIC SURGERY

The Department of Surgery at the University of Utah is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and patient care. Our clinics and labs house some of the most advanced technology and treatment options available to the community today. Our surgeons and researchers rank amongst the most gifted in the country. We are committed to providing our patients and our community with high quality treatments and outcomes.

Throughout our history, we have relied on the generosity of like-minded friends, corporations, foundations, and those who endorse the University’s mission of excellence. Now, more than ever before, our donors are essential to furthering this vital work. We depend on the loyal support of our donors whose generosity and caring makes a profound difference in the lives of people. All gifts are instrumental in achieving our goals and are essential to our well-being and growth. Even the smallest gift helps us to continue and expand our cutting-edge research, support our outstanding faculty and recruit new faculty for the benefit of future generations. Each donation, no matter the amount, is necessary and greatly appreciated.

The reasons for making a gift are personal and varied, ranging from gratitude for treatment from a health care provider, wanting to leave a legacy for future patients to benefit from, honoring a loved one’s memory or simply to make a charitable contribution.

We invite you to partner with us in securing the future of the vital research being done here in Utah. For information on these options and any other philanthropic questions you may have, please contact:

Kate Throneburg, Director of Advancement | Kate.Throneburg@hsc.utah.edu 

CONTACT US

FACULTY

CHIEF
Eric R. Scaife 
eric.scaife@hsc.utah.edu

FACULTY
Doug C. Barnhart
douglas.barnhart@hsc.utah.edu 

Laurie M. Baumann
lauren.baumann@hsc.utah.edu 

Brian T. Bucher
brian.bucher@hsc.utah.edu 

Stephen J. Fenton
stephen.fenton@hsc.utah.edu 

Zachary J. Kastenberg
zachary.kastenberg@hsc.utah.edu 

Michael D. Rollins
michael.rollins@hsc.utah.edu 

Katie W. Russell
katie.russell@hsc.utah.edu 

Maren E. Shipe
maren.shipe@hsc.utah.edu 

Scott S. Short
scott.s.short@hsc.utah.edu 

David E. Skarda
david.e.skarda@hsc.utah.edu 

Robert A. Swendiman
robert.swendiman@hsc.utah.edu 

ADMINISTRATION

Theresa Ferraro
Administrative Manager
theresa.ferraro@hsc.utah.edu 

Sarah Brown
Administrative Assistant
sarah.a.brown@hsc.utah.edu 

Carly Arellano
Administrative Assistant
carly.arellano@hsc.utah.edu 

Anslea Allie
Administrative Assistant
anslea.allie@hsc.utah.edu