About Us
Welcome from Our Chair
Welcome to the Department of Surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Our mission is surgical excellence through action, innovation, education and research.
James Hardy Chair in Surgery
Chaired by Dr. Christopher Anderson, the department is advancing the field of surgery through compassionate patient care, clinical training, research opportunities and education in the state's only academic medical center.
In its bid to be a center of excellence, the department has recruited and attracted highly skilled surgeons; innovative and ground-breaking surgical care has been the cornerstone of our department since it was founded in 1955 by Dr. James D. Hardy. Our department has a long-standing commitment to supporting many types of residents, fellows, faculty, staff, and thought; who represent different backgrounds and communities. These are roots that we strive to continue in our current day clinical, educational and research efforts.
Residency and fellowship programs in general surgery, urology, plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, surgical critical care, hand surgery, pediatric surgery and vascular surgery are all approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and corresponding specialty boards.
The department's surgery simulation program offers residents year-round, 24-hour access to laparoscopic training towers, a virtual laparoscopy simulator, a virtual endoscopy simulator, a robotic simulator and an animal skill laboratory.
Research interests cover a variety of surgical procedures, as well as infectious diseases, breast cancer, surgical physiology, and wound healing and regenerative medicine. The Department of Surgery also offers annual visiting lectureships hosted by the divisions of General Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Urology.
These services are dedicated to our valued constituents: the Medical Center's faculty, staff and students, and, particularly, the people of Mississippi.
Dr. Felicitas Koller named inaugural Hardy-Raju Chair of Transplant Surgery
Monday, November 10, 2025
Dr. Felicitas Koller has been named the Hardy-Raju Chair of Transplant Surgery. The endowed chair honors the legacy of surgical innovation at UMMC while ensuring its continued advancement of transplant care, research and education. Read More
Aru family endowment will support future UMMC medical students
Monday, July 21, 2025
After decades of service at UMMC, Dr. Giorgio Aru and his wife, Jan, have turned their attention to supporting the next generation of physicians. The couple has established a scholarship to help medical students overcome financial barriers and pursue a future in medicine. Read More
Latest News
UMMC Department of Surgery celebrates 70 years
Published on Monday, July 7, 2025
Surgeon, public safety chief and peds resident earn acclaim
Published on Monday, June 23, 2025
UMMC opens dedicated burn unit to expand statewide care
Published on Monday, May 5, 2025
UMMC Hand Center earns accreditation as the first-ever Center of Excellence in hand surgery
Published on Monday, April 21, 2025