2025 WINTER UPDATE FROM DR. NIRULA
Dear University of Utah General Surgery Alumni.
As we come to the end of another year and enter the holiday season it is always a time of reflection for me. A time to examine our accomplishments, our strengths, and opportunities for the future, but most importantly it’s a time for gratitude. Whenever I look back over the year as I head into my 9th year as Division Chief, I am inevitably struck by the astonishing team of people who are doing the important work that shapes our identity. The residents - who deliver the goods tirelessly; the APCs – the pillars that stabilize our clinical care platforms; the staff – who are the face of our clinical enterprise and often the first touch for our patients; the faculty – who embody our academic and clinical spirit. So, yes, there is much to be thankful for in the Division of General Surgery that you will see highlighted in this issue of the Alumni newsletter.
Perhaps the biggest change in the coming year is that we are saying farewell to Dr. Laura Lambert who has served the residency PD for over 5 years. During this time, she has added an important sense of humanism to the program and shaped our mindset regarding education while navigating challenges and turning them into opportunities that continue to make our program one of the most sought after and highly competitive residencies in the country with about 800 applicants this past year. While we will miss Dr. Lambert I am so proud to see her assume the role of Vice Chair of Academic Affairs and Surgical Education at NYU Grossman SOM Long Island, we will be welcoming Dr. Devi Krishnamurty as our new PD July 2026 (see highlights to learn more).
With a heartfelt wish to all of you that you have time to spend with those who are most important to you in your life this holiday season.
Warmly,
Ram Nirula, MD MPH