Alexis Bowder, MD

My research in global surgery is focused on access to and outcomes for pediatric surgical care in Brazil and Haiti, increasing research capacity for clinicians in Haiti, and gender equity within the Surgical, Anesthesia and Obstetric specialties worldwide. My local research is focused on exploring trauma recidivism populations in the Milwaukee pediatric population, and intussusception and TEF outcomes for pediatric patients.

Kent Peterson, MD

I am working with the Veterans Health Administration and the Colorectal Surgery Department at the Medical College of Wisconsin to perform clinical research. Specifically, I am investigating surgical outcomes and prediction models for the response of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in rectal cancer patients.

Nathan Smith, MD

My research is primarily focused on advanced heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and how best to utilize the vast array of temporary mechanical circulatory support devices available to cardiac surgeons. Our current projects are centered around the use of these devices in high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting, acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19, and end-stage heart failure patients who are not transplant candidates.

Sam Thalji, MD

I am working primarily on investigating the utility of various biomarkers for prognosis and clinical decision-making in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. We are also exploring ways that precision medicine (molecular profiling, individual response to treatment) can guide optimal selection of neoadjuvant therapies for pancreatic cancer patients. I am working with other members of the department on surgical outcomes related to sarcoma, breast, and liver cancers.