Pediatric General Surgery

Pediatric general surgeons at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital are not only leaders in their field. They are also compassionate doctors who understand the high expectations of parents who entrust us with the care of their infants and children.

Whether it's simple or complex surgery, children from all over the world come to Comer Children's for expert surgical care and specialty services. Our general surgeons are ready to meet with you and your child at our children's hospital in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood.

Meet our Pediatric General Surgeons

Integrated Approach to Care for Children

At Comer Children's, our surgeons work with pediatricians and other specialists to help you understand your child’s treatment options — including whether surgery is the best approach.

You may meet with a pediatric surgeon after receiving a referral from one of your child’s other physicians. Our pediatric general surgeons assess your child’s condition before surgery and perform the surgery alongside pediatric anesthesiologists and other specialists. They then monitor your child after surgery so they have a smooth recovery.

Expert Pediatric General Surgery Care for Kids of All Ages

Neonatal Surgery

We perform pediatric general and thoracic surgery on newborns, many of whom are premature infants. Some procedures are performed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to correct congenital malformations or treat conditions related to low birth weight. Our surgeons routinely use the latest minimally invasive surgery to successfully treat congenital anomalies in even the tiniest babies.

General Pediatric Surgery for Toddlers, Children & Teenagers

Our pediatric surgical team cares for toddlers, children, teens and young adults. Our surgeons understand your child’s sensitivity to their body image, scarring and how surgery may affect their developing bodies. We will talk with your child before surgery, so they know what to expect and have the best possible experience at the hospital.

Request an Appointment

Specialized Surgical Care for Kids

Pediatric general surgeons can correct abnormalities in the chest and abdomen. Surgeons also treat trauma emergencies and collaborate with other pediatric medical and surgical specialists. Our surgeons know it takes a special touch for successful surgery on young people because children respond differently to surgery than adults. Here, every member of the pediatric general surgery team is specially trained in surgery for children of all ages and focused on providing the best individualized health care for children.

Our pediatric general surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery

A child's small size and anatomy poses unique challenges and requires a special approach. Our surgeons are distinguished because of their skill at performing minimally invasive surgery, which has many benefits over traditional surgery. This includes smaller incisions, less pain, fewer complications and a faster recovery. Our surgeons perform thoracoscopic procedures in the chest, laparoscopic procedures in the abdomen, as well as some robotic procedures.

As part of one of the country's leading academic medical centers, pediatric surgeons at Comer Children's have received international recognition for their research and surgical techniques that have improved outcomes. They were the first to introduce several minimally invasive surgical techniques to the Chicago area and to other surgeons throughout the country. They continue to explore new surgical advances, which are often featured in national media and published in medical journals.

Partnering with Parents & Caretakers

Parents and caretakers are an important part of every child's health care team. Pediatric surgeons use a family-centered approach to address each child's physical and emotional issues. We work as part of a team with other nationally recognized pediatric specialists on staff. We also partner closely with child life specialists to help children feel more at ease in the hospital and with their condition.

Meet Our Pediatric General Surgery Team

Under the expert clinical leadership of Grace Mak, MD, our team provides the highest level of pediatric surgical care for children of all ages.

Edward Barksdale, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Marion Henry, MD, MPH

Pediatric Surgery

Brian Jones, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Jessica J. Kandel, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Charlotte Kvasnovsky, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Thomas K. Lee, MD

Pediatric Surgery

Pediatric General Surgery APPs

Christine Baker, MSN, APRN, CWOCN
Joyce Eapen, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
Darcy Fisher, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Miyeita Magee, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
Caitlin Russell, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC
Tiffany Snow, MS, PA-C
Valerie Yu, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Lily Yuen, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC

Pediatric General Surgery RNs

Alexis Borger, MSN, RN
Jaime Fennesy, MSN, RN

Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance

A collaboration among the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, Advocate Children’s Hospital and Pediatrics at NorthShore University HealthSystem

The three organizations are committed to seamless, multidisciplinary care for children and their families.

Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance (CCHA)

Pediatric surgeon Jessica Kandel, MD, checks on a NICU patient

Request a Pediatric Surgery Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 773-702-6169 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer or transfer a patient, call 877-UC-KID-MD (877-825-4363).

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