After more than two decades with the Duke Department of Surgery, Cynthia Shortell, MD, Professor of Surgery, has announced her upcoming retirement, effective July 1.
Dr. Shortell first joined the faculty at Duke in 2005. She established the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and served as its first chief from 2005-2022. In addition, she has served as the department's Executive Vice Chair since 2020, and before that, she was Chief of Staff for the department from 2014-2020. From 2016-2017, she stepped in as Interim Chief of the Division of Trauma, Acute, and Critical Care Surgery, and from 2014-2026 served as Interim Chief of the Division of Pediatric General Surgery.
Peter J. Allen, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery, shared the following:
"Dr. Shortell is a gifted surgeon, having established herself as a national authority in areas such as carotid disease, chronic venous insufficiency, and complex venolymphatic anomalies. As an educator, she has taught countless medical students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty—many of whom are now leaders in the field—in some of he most technically demanding areas of the specialty."
Additional colleagues shared their thoughts about Dr. Shortell's impact at Duke.
Allan D. Kirk, MD, PhD, former Chair of the Department of Surgery: "Dr. Shortell has been one of the most consistently excellent leaders for the Department of Surgery throughout her Duke tenure. From the day I arrived, she stepped up and leaned in to every challenging situation. As Executive Vice Chair and Chief of Staff, whether it was a pandemic, a merger, or an economic challenge, she was a trusted voice of reason and wise counsel. Her dedication as chair of the promotions and tenure committee impacted every faculty member and recruit. Importantly, her compassion was always on display in dealing with the inevitable personal challenges that arise in such a high-pressure environment. I am so thankful for her partnership, and wish her all the best in this next, well-earned chapter of her life."
Dawn Coleman, MD, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery: "Through Dr. Shortell's vision, determination, and remarkable eye for talent, she built the foundation of the division we know today, recruiting the exceptional faculty I now have the privilege to work alongside and support, expanding our clinical footprint across the health system, developing nationally recognized programs, and elevating Duke's standing as a premier center for vascular care, research, and education."
Hope Weissler, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery: "Dr. Shortell has been a pioneer in vascular surgery, with particularly notable contributions to the care of nutcracker syndrome, arteriovenous malformations, and carotid disease. At Duke, she has led with an unshakable commitment to excellence in patient care. As I have started my career, I am personally deeply grateful for her mentorship, with its trademark mix of pragmatism and true respect for individuality."
Please join the Department of Surgery in thanking Dr. Cynthia Shortell for her outstanding contributions to Duke and the department, and in wishing her all the best in her retirement.