U of U Surgeon Pioneers New Paths in Pediatric Vascular Surgery
Within the small specialty of vascular surgery, few surgeons are dedicated to pediatric cases despite growing demands. While almost all vascular surgeons can perform basic pediatric procedures, pediatric patients differ greatly from adult counterparts, with age playing a role in how long any reconstructive work must last.
Kaohinani Longwolf, MD, a former fellow in the Department of Surgery, saw the need for a dedicated pediatric vascular surgeon in the Mountain West, where none previously existed. As a fellow, she began working toward creating a program within the Division of Vascular Surgery to focus on pediatric cases.
“I've always loved being involved with pediatrics, and it’s really exciting to be at the forefront of developing this new resource,” Longwolf said. “Children’s needs are just so different, so the focus is on finding the best way to treat them and build a patient-centered system for them.”
Longwolf’s mentors helped build the foundation for the program by taking on more pediatric cases while she was a fellow. When she completed her fellowship in August 2023, she transitioned to serving as a faculty member and attending physician. Between Longwolf and her mentors, the pediatric caseload increased from just one in 2022 to nine in 2023.
The creation of the new program allows for a significantly streamlined system, ensuring pediatric patients can stay in a hospital dedicated to their specific needs throughout their treatment process, putting patient needs at the center of care.