About the Department of Surgery

The Department of Surgery at Penn Medicine is dedicated to high quality patient care, education, basic science and clinical research. The surgical faculty is composed of a diverse group of general surgeons, subspecialists and researchers. Their clinical, educational, and scientific activities are devoted to providing the best possible patient care and the generation of new knowledge. Their pursuit of this goal is reflected in their strong commitment to student teaching and house staff training in the operating room, clinic, and research laboratory, and in their contributions to national and international scientific meetings and journals.

Ronald P. DeMatteo, MD, FACS is a nationally recognized surgical oncologist known for his expertise in treating liver, gallbladder, bile duct and pancreatic diseases, as well as abdominal sarcomas. In 2017 he returned to Penn Medicine, where he completed his surgical residency and postdoctoral fellowship, after 20 years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Most recently, he served as Memorial Sloan Kettering's vice chair of the department of surgery and head of the division of general surgical oncology.

Who We Are

PENN SURGERY is dedicated to high quality patient care, education, basic science and clinical research. The surgical faculty is composed of a diverse group of general surgeons, subspecialists and researchers. Their clinical, educational, and scientific activities are devoted to providing the best possible patient care and the generation of new knowledge. Their pursuit of this goal is reflected in their strong commitment to student teaching and housestaff training in the operating room, clinic, and research laboratory, and in their contributions to national and international scientific meetings and journals.

Welcome to Penn Surgery!

As you embark on your career in surgery, your decision about where to train is critical. We are delighted that you have considered Penn Surgery and we welcome your interest in our General Surgery training program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Our program has a long-standing tradition of excellence and we strive to create a robust educational environment that maximizes the clinical and academic potential of our surgical trainees. Our goal has been, and continues to be, the training of future leaders in surgery.

About Our Surgeons

Penn surgeons are among the most experienced physicians in the country. Our surgeons, many of whom are leaders in their fields, mold the future of surgery, researching the techniques and treatments that will improve the lives of patients worldwide. As such, many of our surgeons are also teachers to physicians from around the world, helping them learn the latest skills and techniques that save lives.

State-of-the-art Technology

By combining the skills of our surgeons with the latest surgical equipment, we're able to provide some of the most advanced medical care available today. Innovations like minimally invasive robotic surgery enable us to limit pain, promote faster recovery and potentially improve surgical outcomes.

Our surgeons are developing leading edge technology to provide you with the best possible surgical options. In fact, we're among the most experienced physicians in the world.

Committed to Superior Patient Care

From minor to complex surgical procedures, Penn surgeons are committed to matching the right patient with the right treatment. Our experience with, and knowledge of, the latest surgical advances enables us to provide you with the best possible care. We strive to improve the quality of life and reduce morbidity.

Patients from the Philadelphia region and around the world come to us for our surgical excellence. Our dedication to them and to you is unwavering.