
Surgery Clinic
The Pediatric Surgery Clinic draws on internationally recognized leaders in the fields of pediatric surgical cancer, minimally invasive surgery and birth defects. UCSF has also pioneered work in treating severe birth defects in children before they are born, developing procedures that have resulted in healthy newborns and mothers. Our Oakland campus has a dedicated center for children who need open-heart surgery.
Many modern surgical techniques and modern technologies – developed by UCSF physicians – allow many procedures to be performed with miniature instruments and tiny scopes or video cameras that are inserted through small incisions in the body. The surgeon can make repairs by watching a monitor and moving the instruments. The advantages of this method are numerous. There are fewer risks than in open surgery, and most patients experience less pain and scarring and faster recovery.
And because we also offer a child-focused outpatient setting for more routine surgery, you always get the highest level of care – and comfort – needed for your child's condition. Children from throughout the United States and other countries come to UCSF to benefit from our surgeons' expertise. We offer specialized clinics for certain conditions including:
Chest Wall Deformity Clinic
The Chest Wall Deformity clinic specializes in pectus excavatum, the most common chest wall deformity in children. Pectus excavatum occurs more frequently in boys than in girls and results from abnormal growth of the cartilage – the soft, flexible tissue attached to the sternum or breastbone – causing the chest wall to curve inward. Pectus excavatum often is apparent at birth but typically becomes more severe over time. In most children, this deformity poses no health risk and surgical repair is done primarily for cosmetic reasons.Hernia Surgery Clinic
Our hernia surgery clinic is a leader in the minimally invasive repair of inguinal hernias. Children, especially babies, present special challenges in surgery because their small size and their responses to illness and surgery. Our pediatric surgeons provide consultation and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient surgical care specifically designed for infants and children.Our locations (6)
Our team
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James Betts
MD
Pediatric surgeon -
Olajire Idowu
MD
Pediatric surgeon -
Aaron Jensen
MD, MS, FACS
Pediatric and trauma surgeon -
Sunghoon Kim
MD, MS
Pediatric surgeon -
Hanmin Lee
MD
Fetal and pediatric surgeon -
Tippi Mackenzie
MD
Fetal and pediatric surgeon -
Christopher Newton
MD, FACS, FAAP
Pediatric surgeon -
Lan Vu
MD
Fetal and pediatric surgeon -
Silvia Bellfort-Salinas
MSW
Social worker -
Maura O'Day
PNP, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
New visitor rules
Patients may have only one visitor at a time and switch visitors twice a day. Thanks!

Your Stay
We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.
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Your Child's Care Team
Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.
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Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
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Smell the roses
Wander outside into our Butterfly Garden in Oakland and our healing gardens at Mission Bay.
