General Surgery Clinic
The Pediatric General Surgery Clinic provides compassionate care designed to meet the unique physical and emotional needs of children. This is important because extensive research has shown that children who receive surgical care at pediatric-focused facilities have significantly better outcomes than those seen at adult care centers. Benefits to kids include fewer complications, shorter surgery times and less time in the hospital.
Our surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive techniques, which bring less postoperative pain, less scarring and lower complication risks compared with traditional surgery. With expertise in both common and complex childhood conditions, our team is able to offer the complete spectrum of pediatric surgical care.
We treat a wide variety of pediatric conditions, including:
- Appendicitis
- Cancer
- Chest wall abnormalities
- Digestive system abnormalities
- Fetal and newborn birth defects
- Inguinal and umbilical hernias (those in the groin area and belly button area, respectively)
- Injuries requiring surgery
- Lung lesions (abnormal growths)
UCSF specialists developed many of the pediatric surgery methods that are now standard, including certain minimally invasive techniques for newborns and most fetal surgeries. We continue to conduct innovative research that aims to improve the understanding and treatment of numerous conditions, so our patients are frequently among the first to benefit from new findings.
Caring for children who need surgery is a great responsibility and privilege. Our team of world-renowned surgeons, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants and support staff is honored to serve patients and families from all over the Bay Area and across the nation.
Our team
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James M. Betts
MD
Pediatric and trauma surgeon -
Sarah Cairo
MD, MPH
Pediatric surgeon -
Olajire Idowu
MD
Pediatric and trauma surgeon -
Aaron Jensen
MD, MS, FACS
Pediatric and trauma surgeon -
Sunghoon Kim
MD, MS
Pediatric and trauma surgeon -
Hanmin Lee
MD
Fetal and pediatric surgeon -
Tippi C. Mackenzie
MD
Fetal and pediatric surgeon -
Willieford Moses
MD
Pediatric and trauma surgeon -
Christopher Newton
MD, FACS, FAAP
Pediatric and trauma surgeon -
Amar Nijagal
MD
Pediatric surgeon -
Doruk E. Ozgediz
MD, MSc
Pediatric surgeon -
Lan Vu
MD
Fetal and pediatric surgeon -
Brenna Esparza
NP
Nurse practitioner -
Erin Kilroy
RN, BSN
Nurse coordinator -
Mary Kate Klarich
NP, MSN
Nurse practitioner -
Dana Morgan
PA-C
Physician assistant -
Maura E. O'Day
PNP, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner
Patient stories
Teen surfer saved from paralysis
Our surgical team prevented paralysis in a teen after his harrowing surfing accident.
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Our locations (6)
Preparing for surgery
Read before your visit
Preparing for your child's surgery
Learn what to expect and how you can help ensure that your child's procedure and recovery go smoothly.
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Your photo I.D.
- Your child's health insurance card and co-pay, if applicable
- A CD or flash drive with any medical imaging studies done at an outside facility (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI with a dictated report). Speak to your team about how to upload these in advance.
- The name, address and telephone number of your child's primary care provider and of the physician who referred your child
- Any additional documents you were asked to bring
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Related clinics (5)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program
Pediatric Liver Center
Support services
Our research initiatives
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