Surgery program leaders

Chief of surgery: Dave Shmeling, MD

Vice chief of surgery: David Vandersteen, MD

Director of surgical services: Gloria Drake

Medical director of cardiovascular services: David Dassenko, MD

Surgeons

To view information on surgeons at Children's, choose a specific category of surgery or visit Find a Doctor.

Other team members you may meet

Child life specialists

These trained professional work with children and adolescents to minimize the stress of surgery.

Experienced pediatric nurses and pediatric nurse practitioners

Intensive care nurses caring for surgery patients have an average of 10 years of experience at Children's in our pediatric intensive care units. The superior care provided by Children's nurses helped us earn the prestigious "Magnet" designation, which recognizes nursing excellence.

Pediatric anesthesiologists

These doctors are highly trained in working with children to help them remain calm, comfortable and safe before, during, and after surgery.

Pediatric critical care specialists

These physicians are specially trained in pediatric critical care medicine. Pediatric critical care specialists provide care in Children's intensive care units 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Pediatric pain specialists.

The pain team works with families to manage your child's symptoms and pain.

Social workers

The social work team provides emotional support and counseling, assistance with finding community resources, coordinating care, and planning for discharge.