• 2019-2021 Vascular Surgery Fellow: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• 2012-2019 General Surgery: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• 2008-2012 Medical School: Tufts University Medical School, Boston, MA
• 2002-2006 Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University Medical School

Dr. Zuckerman is a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery. He serves as the Assistant Program Director of the Neurosurgery Residency. He is also the Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center and Vanderbilt Spine Outcomes Lab. His clinical interests include the surgical treatment of all spinal disorders, including and adult spinal deformity, scoliosis, degenerative spine disease, primary and metastatic spinal tumors, spinal trauma and sport-related spine injuries. His practice also includes the treatment of sport-related concussion, traumatic brain injury, and peripheral nerve pathology. 

Research
Dr. Zuckerman’s research focuses on clinical spine outcomes, sport-related concussion, traumatic brain injury, global neurosurgery, and neurosurgical education. Dr. Zuckerman has authored over 370 peer-reviewed publications and given over 100 national podium presentations. He has published in the Journal of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery, American Journal of Sports Medicine, and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Some of his invited presentations include: Alignment Goals for the Fused Spine, Craniovertebral Junction Disease in Athletes, Coronal Alignment: The Unsung Hero of Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Sport-Related Concussions. 

Memberships, Awards and Honors

Dr. Zuckerman is a member of the AOSpine Tumor Knowledge Forum and the Spinopelvic Study Group. He serves as an Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant for the National Football League (NFL) and a member of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee. He has received several awards including the Charles Kuntz Scholar Award, ThinkFirst Injury Prevention Award, Depuy Synthes Award for Research on Brain and Craniofacial Injury, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Vanderbilt Neurosurgery Resident Teaching Award, and the Vanderbilt Credo Award. Dr. Zuckerman currently serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves and received the 2020 Alfred Award for Military Distinction from Officer Training Command in Newport, RI. 

Education
Dr. Zuckerman earned his BS degree from Cornell University, Ithaca NY, graduating magna cum laude. He received his MD from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where he served as Class President for four years and was awarded the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Award of Distinction. He completed his Neurological Surgery residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, during which he also obtained an MPH in Epidemiology from the T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health and completed enfolded rotations in Spinal Oncology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX and Peripheral Nerve Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Following residency, he served as the Cornell University Global Neurosurgery Fellow at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, where he spent 6-months implementing a Spine Trauma Protocol to decrease the time from hospital admission to surgery. To finish his training in complex spinal disorders, he completed a Comprehensive Adult/Pediatric Spinal Deformity Fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, NY.

Academic Office
Vanderbilt Neurological Surgery
Village at Vanderbilt
1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 4340
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: (615) 322-1883
Fax: (615) 343-6948

Dr. Demarest joined our surgical faculty in the Department of Thoracic Surgery after completing a fellowship in Thoracic Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI. Her clinical and research work has focused on innovations and developments in artificial lung technology. She will be joining the Laboratory for Organ Recovery, Regeneration and Replacement to continue an ongoing collaboration with Columbia University Medical Center and Carnegie Mellon University alongside her previous PhD advisor, Dr. Bacchetta. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to develop a long-term, portable artificial lung for patients with acute and chronic lung failure. Her patient care interests center on surgery for diseases of the lung, esophagus, rib cage and diaphragm, lung transplantation and robotic surgery.

Research

Dr. Demarest’s research has primarily focused on lung failure, lung transplant and artificial lung technology and development. Her PhD in Biomedical Engineering was earned during residency at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, the fourth ranked engineering school in the nation. There she developed her dissertation, “Prolonging the Useful Lifetime of Artificial Lungs” and continues her research into innovations, especially clot prevention with devices, increasing possibilities for long-term use and portability for patients with lung failure. Among her recent publications in peer reviewed journals are: The Landmark Series: Multimodal Therapy for Esophageal Cancer, Annals of Surgical Oncology; Preparedness in the Time of COVID:  Implications or Engagement of the Health Care Team with Acute Respiratory Failure, Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery; and A Macrocyclic Peptide FXII Inhibitor Provides Safe Anticoagulation in a Preclinical Thrombosis Model and in Artificial Lungs, Nature Communications.

Memberships, Awards and Honors

Dr. Demarest has certification from the American Board of Surgery, General Surgery, and board eligibility with the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Demarest is active in  the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Women in Thoracic Surgery and in both the Sigma Pi Sigma National Physics Honor Society, and Beta Beta Beta, National Biological Honor Society. She was the recipient of Columbia University's Blakemore Award for Outstanding Surgical Research, a Young Innovator Fellowship from the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs and was selected into the American Association of Thoracic Surgery’s Leadership Academy and their Surgical Robotics Fellowship. Dr. Demarest was awarded Cor et Manus Award of Distinction, and Charlotte D. Yudell, MD Memorial Award, for outstanding women graduating medical school. She received an American Heart Association Fellowship Grant of $100,000 to fund her original research, awards from Women in Thoracic Surgery Scholarship, Alpha Omega Alpha Postgraduate Award, and AATS Member for a Day Scholarship.

Education

Dr. Demarest received a Bachelor of Science in Biophysics from the University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Beta Beta Beta, and Sigma Pi Sigma. She earned her MD at New York Medical College, New York, NY, where she served as Vice President of the student body, director of a free clinic in East Harlem NY, and was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She then completed a residency in General Surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. She attended the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, MI for a fellowship in Thoracic Surgery where she served as chief fellow and has a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University in Biomedical Engineering.

Contact

Department of Thoracic Surgery
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
1313 21st Avenue, South
609 Oxford House 
Nashville, TN 37232
Office: (615) 322-0248
Fax: (615) 936-7003

Patients

Department of Thoracic Surgery
The Vanderbilt Clinic
1301 Medical Center Drive 
Suite B-817
Nashville, TN 37232
Fax: (615) 343-5993
Appointments (615) 322-0064
EMAIL: Caitlin.Demarest@VUMC.org

WEBSITE: Department of Thoracic Surgery
WEBSITE: Vanderbilt Lung Institute 
WEBSITE: Vanderbilt Lung Transplant

Dr. Smith joined our surgical faculty in the Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery following his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His particular areas of research and clinical interest include complex ventral and incisional hernias of the abdominal wall, emergency general surgery, management of enterocutaneous fistula, and trauma and surgical critical care. 

Research
One of Dr. Smith’s primary research interests is participation in an ongoing Department of Defense grant between an industry sponsor, Vanderbilt Medical Center, and Vanderbilt School of Engineering to develop a machine augmented virtual reality soldier health kit to guide forward combat elements through performance of complex medical procedures. A further research focus is developing military/civilian partnerships to ensure the readiness of military physicians and medical teams to perform highly effective combat casualty care. Prior research experience surrounds the coagulopathy of trauma and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta.

Among Dr. Smith’s recent publications in peer reviewed journals are: Medical Management of Left Sided Diverticular Disease, Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery; Three Versus Four-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrates for “Factor-Based” Resuscitation in a Porcine Hemorrhagic Shock Model, Journal for Trauma Acute Care Surgery; and Smartphone-Based Mobile Thermal Imaging Technology to Assess Limb Perfusion and Tourniquet Effectiveness Under Normal and Blackout Conditions, Trauma Acute Care Surgery.

Memberships, Awards and Honors
Dr. Smith holds certifications in both the American Board of Surgery, General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. He has active membership in the Eastern Association for Surgery in Trauma, American College of Surgery, the American Association for Surgery in Trauma, and Excelsior Surgery Society. Dr. Smith is the recipient of a grant sponsored by the Department of Defense to research development of machine augmented health kit. 

Education
Dr. Smith received a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Genetics from The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. He attained a DO at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV. Both his internship and residency were completed at Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA. This was followed by a fellowship in Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.

Contact
Division of Acute Care Surgery
Medical Arts Building, Suite 404
1211 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212 
Phone: (615) 936-0083
Fax: (615) 936-0185

Patients
Emergency General Surgery/Trauma Surgery Clinic
The Vanderbilt Clinic, Suite 3501A
1301 Medical Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37232
Fax: (615) 343-2210
Appointments: (615) 322-2063

WEBSITE: Division of Acute Care Surgery

Dr. Connor joined our surgical faculty in the Department of Plastic Surgery after completing an integrated residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Northwestern University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Her primary clinical and research interests focus on advancements in breast reconstruction surgery, aesthetic surgery and peripheral nerve surgery. Dr. Connor’s patient care interests will center on breast cancer reconstruction, body contouring, migraine and occipital neuralgia and treatment of painful neuromas.

Research

Dr. Connor’s research has primarily focused on improvements and developments in breast reconstruction techniques and outcomes, aesthetic surgery outcomes, and targeted muscle reinnervation for treatment of peripheral nerve pain.  During her dedicated research year in residency, she served as lead coordinator for a Department of Defense funded randomized clinical trial evaluating targeted muscle innervation as a treatment for chronic neuroma related pain in amputees. Among her recent publications in peer reviewed journals are: Targeted Muscle Reinnervation at the Time of Upper Extremity Amputation for the Treatment of Pain and Severity Symptoms, Journal of Hand Surgery; Obtaining Good Results in Cosmetic Blepharoplasty, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; and A Quantitative Analysis of Animation Deformity in Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Memberships, Awards and Honors

Dr. Connor holds board eligible membership in the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She is a candidate for active membership in both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Connor received the award for Best Presentation in the Reconstruction Session at the ASPS Plastic Surgery Meeting 2019 and was acknowledged as a Purdue University Rising Professional in 2017, awarded to recent graduates annually making an impact in their field. She was a Vanderbilt Medical Scholar as well as a Vanderbilt Canby Robinson Society Scholar while attending Vanderbilt University Medical School.

Education

Dr. Connor earned a Bachelor of Science from the Honors College at Purdue University, Lafayette, IN, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa while serving as captain of their women’s basketball team. She received the Flora Roberts Award as the top graduating female student in her undergraduate class before going on to receive her MD at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.  She then completed a seven-year integrated residency in Plastic Surgery at Northwestern University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.

WEBSITE

Vanderbilt Cosmetic Surgery

Vanderbilt Plastic Surgery

EDUCATION

• Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
  • B.E. 2010, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, cum laude
• Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
  • M.D. 2014
• Graduate Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Health Professions
  • M.S. 2019, Healthcare Quality and Safety
• Board Certification: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Board Certification in Medical Quality, 2017
• Residency: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
  • 2014 – 2019 Resident in General Surgery
  • 2018 – 2019 Administrative Chief Resident of Education
• Fellowship: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
  • 2019 – 2021 Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Board Certification: American Board of Surgery
  • 2019 Board Certified General Surgeon

Dr. Padmanabhan joined our surgical faculty in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery upon completing a fellowship in Hepatobiliary Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.  Among his major research and clinical interests are hepatobiliary cancer surgery and pancreatic cancer surgery. His patient care and research also focus on bile duct cancer, liver cancer and neuroendocrine surgery. Dr. Padmanabhan’s research going forward centers on the role of immunotherapy in colorectal liver metastases.

Research
Dr. Padmanabhan’s past research has focused on chemotherapeutic resistance in colorectal cancer. Specifically, he studied the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in colon cancer and its role in cellular evasion of programmed cell death.  Currently, Dr. Padmanabhan is exploring the role of immunotherapy for micro-satellite stable (immunotherapy-resistant) colorectal liver metastases. His studies will center on identifying patients that may benefit from immunotherapy using advanced next generation sequencing technology. Additionally, his efforts will test novel immunotherapy delivery mechanisms for patients with immunotherapy-resistant disease. Among Dr. Padmanabhan’s publications in peer-reviewed journals are:  cFLIP Critically Modulates Apoptotic Resistance in Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition, Oncotarget; Epithelial Smad4 Deletion Up-Regulates Inflammation and Promotes Inflammation-Associated Cancer, Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Heptatology; Differential Cell Susceptibilities to KrasG12D in the Setting of Obstructive Chronic Pancreatitis, Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Memberships, Awards and Honors
Dr. Padmanabhan is board certified for the American Board of Surgery, General Surgery, and board eligible American Board of Surgery, Complex General Surgical Oncology. He holds membership in the American College of Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology and in both the American and International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Associations.  He is also a member of the Association for Academic Surgery. Dr. Padmanabhan is a recipient of the Alpha Omega Alpha Award, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and received the Joseph W. & Bonnie J. Graves Award and the Harwell Wilson Award by the Department of Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Education
Dr. Padmanabhan received his Bachelor of Science at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. He earned his MD at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH and completed both his internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN. Dr. Padmanabhan served a fellowship in Hepatobiliary Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. 

PATIENTS
Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center 
1301 Medical Center Drive, Suite 1710
Nashville, TN 37232
Fax: (615) 936-6535
Appointments: (615) 936-8422

CONTACT
Division of Surgical Oncology & Endocrine Surgery
2220 Pierce Avenue
597 Preston Research Building
Nashville, TN 37232
Phone: (615) 322-2391
Fax: (615) 936-6535

EMAIL:  Sekhar.Padmanabhan@vumc.org
WEBSITE: Division of Surgical Oncology & Endocrine Surgery
WEBSITE: Vanderbilt Pancreas Center
WEBSITE: Hepatology (Liver Care)

Dr. Iafrati joined our surgical faculty in the Department of Vascular Surgery from his previous posts at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, as past Vascular Division Chief, Director of Vascular Surgery Research, Director of Vascular Surgery Fellowship, and most recently, Director of Tufts Center for Vascular, Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. A major focus of his research and clinical interests include development of novel venous techniques together with establishing guidelines addressing care of venous and arterial ulcers, lymphedema, and diabetic foot ulcer care. Dr. Iafrati’s patient care specialties include open and endovascular management of carotid disease, peripheral vascular disease, Aneurysms, Venous Disease, and Advanced wound care management including hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy.

Research
Dr. Iafrati’s research is directed toward a broad spectrum of vascular surgery issues, especially venous disease.This includes development of surgical techniques such as vein valve transplant and repair, Subfascial Perforator vein surgery (SEPS), and endo-venous ablation.   Studies also established critical assessments of techniques, outcomes, and financial implications of care, together with appropriateness guidelines.  Basic/translational programs included mathematic modeling in aortic aneurysms, the dynamic platelet transcriptome response to weight loss, and bioactive peptides in wound healing. His most recent publications in peer reviewed journals include: “Private Payers’ Varicose Vein Policies are Inaccurate, Disparate, and Not Evidence Based”, Journal of Vascular Surgery, Venous Lymphatic Disorders; “Assessment of Self-reported Financial Conflicts of Interest in Vascular Surgical Studies”, Journal of Vascular Study; and “The Economic Impact of Infection Requiring Hospitalization on Venous Leg Ulcers”, Journal of Vascular Surgery.

Memberships
Dr. Iafrati holds leadership positions on the American Venous Forum Board of Directors and as Chair of the Health Policy Committee. He is a member and sits on committees of the Society of Vascular Surgery and the American Venous and Lymphatic Society. He is also an active member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Surgical Association, and the Wound Healing Society.

Education
Dr. Iafrati received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College, Cambridge, MA. He earned his MD at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and completed both his internship and residency at New England Medical Center, Boston, MA. Dr. Iafrati held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, serving until 2001.

Patients
Vanderbilt Wound Center
1301 Medical Center Drive
Suite 3701
Nashville, TN 37232
Appointment: (615) 421-1274

WEBSITE: Department of Vascular Surgery
WEBSITE: Vanderbilt Heart & Vascular Institute

Dr. Lopez joined our surgical faculty in the Department of Pediatric Surgery as an Associate Professor of Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Lopez comes to Vanderbilt from her previous position as Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. The major focus of Dr. Lopez’s research and clinical work is developing and implementing evidence-based clinical standards optimizing pediatric surgery. Her specific clinical emphasis includes thyroid and endocrine surgery, neonatal surgery, anorectal malformations, inflammatory bowel disease, and surgery for diseases of the esophagus. 

Research
In her research pursuits, Dr. Lopez has used her experience in building an institutional health analytics platform to monitor appendectomy outcomes resulting in multiple quality improvement initiatives generating value to pediatric appendicitis care. Based on this work, her team received the 2015 Healthcare Informatics Annual Innovators Award for effectively employing information technology to make a difference within the organization and in the industry at large. Dr. Lopez is interested in the application of novel cost accounting methodologies, such as Time-Driven Activity Based Costing, and investigating alternative payment models in pediatric surgery. She remains committed to studying the adoption of value-based strategies that reward high quality surgical care.

Among her recent publications in peer reviewed journals are: Effectiveness of a Clinical Pathway for Pediatric Complex Appendicitis based on Antibiotic Stewardship Principles, Journal of Pediatric Surgery; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Strategic Priority for the American Pediatric Surgical Association, Journal of Pediatric Surgery; Favorable Postoperative Outcomes for Children with COVID-19 Infection Undergoing Surgical Intervention: Experience at a Free-Standing Children’s Hospital, Journal of Pediatric Surgery.

Memberships, Awards and Honors
Dr. Lopez holds membership in the American Pediatric Surgery Association, Quality and Safety Committee as Vice Chair. She is a Consultant to the Pediatric Surgery Board of the American Board of Surgery, and is on the Executive Committee and Implementation Committee of the Pediatric Surgery Quality Collaborative. Dr. Lopez is a member of the Society of University Surgeons, and is a certified member of the American Board of Surgery, General Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, Pediatric Surgery. She was awarded the 2015 Fulbright & Jaworski LLP Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching and Evaluation, in recognition of exemplary educational contributions to Baylor College of Medicine. In addition, she received the 2016 Rising Star Clinician Award for clinical excellence and leadership. Dr. Lopez has participated as site co-investigator in multicenter research grants.

Education
Dr. Lopez received a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, CA and earned her MD at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT.  She also completed a Research Fellowship at Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Yale. Dr. Lopez completed her internship and residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY. She completed a clinical fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX. She also earned an MS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX. 

Contact
Department of Pediatric Surgery
2200 Children’s Way 
Doctor's Office Tower, Suite 7100
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt 
Nashville, TN 37232
Office: (615) 936-1057
Fax: (615) 936-1046

Patients
Pediatric Surgery Clinic
2200 Children’s Way 
Doctor's Office Tower, Suite 7100
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt 
Nashville TN 37232
Fax: (615) 936-1046
Appointments: (615) 936-1050

WEBSITE: Department of Pediatric Surgery
WEBSITE: General & Thoracic Pediatric Surgery