Steven D. Schwaitzberg MD, FACS

Steven Schwaitzberg

Steven D. Schwaitzberg
MD, FACS

SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and Chairman - Department of Surgery

Department of Surgery

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Specialty/Research Focus

Endocrine Surgery; Gastrointestinal Surgery; Minimally Invasive Surgery; Robotic Surgery; Surgery; Surgery - Laparoscopic

Contact Information
Buffalo General Hospital
D-352
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: 716-859-3779
Fax: 716-859-7349
schwaitz@buffalo.edu
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Patient Care

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD

Overview Research Publications Activities Latest News

Education and Training:
  • MA, Science (surgery), Harvard University (2014)
  • MD, Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine (1980)
  • BA, Biology, The Johns Hopkins University (1977)

Employment:
  • Professor, Biomedical Informatics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical sciences (2016-present)
  • Director of Surgical Programs, Great Lakes Health (2015-present)
  • Professor and Chair, Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2015-present)
  • Professor, Surgery, Harvard Medical School Harvard (2014–2015)
  • Associate Professor, Surgery, Bouve College of Health Sciences Northesastern University (2011–2015)
  • Chief of Surgery, Cambridge Health Alliance (2005–2015)
  • Associate Professor, Engineering, Tufts University School of Medicine (2011–2014)
  • Associate Professor, Surgery, Harvard Medical School (2009–2014)
  • Visiting Associate Professor, Surgery, Harvard Medical School (2005–2008)
  • Associate Professor, Engineering, Tufts University School of Medicine (2004–2007)
  • Associate Professor, Otolaryngology, Tufts University School of Medicine (1994–2005)
  • Associate Professor, Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine (1994–2005)
  • Surgeon, New England Medical Center (1987–2005)
  • Assistant Professor, Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine (1987–1993)
  • Chief of Surgery, 365th Evacuation Hospital, US Military Medical Complex (1990–1991)
  • Chief of Surgery, Lemnuel Shattuck Hospital (1987–1990)
  • Assistant in Surgery, New England Medical Center (1986–1987)
  • Instructor, Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine (1986–1987)
  • Instructor, Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine (1985–1986)
See all (9 more)

Awards and Honors:
  • Top Doctors (2018)
  • Top Doctors (2017)
  • Distinguished Service Award (2016)
  • Distinguished Service Award (2016)
  • Edgar C. Hayhow Award (2016)
  • Top Doctors (2015)
  • America's Most Compassionate Doctors (2013)
  • Patient's Choice Award (2011)
  • 2010 Health Policy Scholar (2010)
  • Who's Who (2010)
  • Leading Expert in Laparoscopy Patient's Choice Award (2009)
  • Who‘s Who (2008)
  • Physician Commendation (2006)
  • Oliver Smith Awards (numerous) (2005)
  • Best Doctors in Surgery (2005)
  • 2st Century Laureate Achievement Award (2003)
  • Best Doctors in America (2003)
  • Top Physician (2003)
  • Medical Fiction Writing for Physicians (2001)
  • Oliver Smith Award for Excellence, Compassion and Service (1999)
  • 2nd Place - Small Business Innovative Research Development (1996)
  • Citation for Teaching Excellence (1995)
  • Third Year Surgical Student Recognition (1995)
  • Teaching Award (1992)
  • Outstanding Emergency Physician Recognition (1985)
  • B.A. General Honors (1977)

Grants and Sponsored Research:
  • January 2012–January 2017
    Develop virtual simulation of tissue energy interactions
    National Institute of Health
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2011–January 2016
    Developing Physics-Based Virtual Simulation Technology for Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery
    National Institute of Health
    Role: Consultant
  • January 2011–January 2016
    Operating Room Simulator based Head
    National Institute of Health
    Role: Consultant
  • January 2010–January 2015
    Developing a Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Skill Trainer (VBLaST)
    National Institute of Health
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2010–January 2015
    Prospective Multicenter Human Clinical Trial of NOTES Versus Conventional Cholecystectomy
    Ethicon, Stryker, Olympus, Storz Consortium
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2011–January 2014
    Laparoscopic Surgery Training System (LASTS) Phase II SBIR contract
    Office of Naval Research
    Role: Consultant
  • January 2011–January 2014
    Haptics for Medical Simulation (HAMS) Phase I SBIR contract
    US Army
    Role: Consultant
  • January 2011–January 2014
    Effects of FLS Completion on Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Complication Rates
    Johnson and Johnson
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2010–January 2014
    Laparoscopic Surgery Training System (LASTS) Phase I
    Office of Naval Research
    Role: Consultant
  • January 2000–January 2010
    Program in Human Factors in Surgery
    NSF
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2007–January 2009
    Human Factors in Surgery
    SAGES
    Role: Co-Investigator
  • January 2003–January 2005
    Panacryl Implantation in hernia risk abdominal wall closure.
    Ethicon
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2003–January 2005
    Prophylaxis in Colon Surgery
    Merck
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 2004–January 2004
    Preclinical Implantation of Diaphragmatic Prosthesis
    LifeCell
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1997–January 1998
    Antibiotics in Sepsis
    Merck
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1996–January 1997
    Implantation of Anti-adhesion Barrier
    Genzyme
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1995–January 1996
    IL 1-RA in Sepsis
    Synergen
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1995–January 1996
    Preclinical Evaluation of Anti-adhesion Barrier
    Genzyme
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1994–January 1995
    Surfactant in ARDS
    Forest Pharmaceuticals
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1992–January 1994
    Teaching Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery
    US Surgical Corp
    Role: Principal Investigator
  • January 1988–January 1989
    Microwave Blood Warming
    National Institute of Health
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
  • January 1987–January 1988
    Microwave Blood Warming
    Department of Defense
    Role: Co-Principal Investigator
See all (12 more)

Patents:
  • Microwave warming "In-Line microwave warming apparatus." A microwave apparatus for warming of a liquid such as blood or IV fluids in which the warming occurs in-line by means of a microwave heating cavity having a source of microwave energy coupled thereto. A support element in the form of a bobbin forms an assembly with an IV tube wound about the bobbin. This tubing-bobbin assembly is inserted into the microwave heating cavity. A non-invasive, non-perturbing microwave temperature monitor is provided coupled to the microwave heating cavity for monitoring the temperature of liquid flowing in the IV tube. Controls are provided including a desired operating temperature selector for combining signals representative of, not only cavity temperature, but also inlet and outlet temperatures to control the power level of microwave energy delivered to the heating cavity. (1991)
  • Barrett's Esophagus Treatment US Patent Application # 15/127059 "System and method for treatment of Barrett's esophagus incorporating radiometric sensing." The invention provides, inter alia, devices and systems adapted for treating Barrett's esophagus and associated methods of treatment using the devices. In certain embodiments, the invention provides an ablation catheter and method of use to endoscopically access portions of the human esophagus where undesired growth of epithelium may develop. In some embodiments, the devices and systems include a microwave antenna, an ablation means (such as a microwave ablation means), an expandable basket configured to accommodate an optical inspection system proximate to the ablation means and a radiometer coupled to the antenna, the radiometer being configured to measure, e.g., temperature and or impedance mismatch from the antenna.
  • Portable cautery system A medical instrument, such as a cautery device, wherein bleeding is stopped or prevented by clamping the bleeding site with a dedicated forceps and using a highly localized heat source such as a fiber-coupled laser. The laser energy quickly and locally heats up the tip of the forceps cautery device. The tip of the forceps device has minimum thermal mass and is thermally insulated from the body of the forceps. In this present invention, there is no electrical current flowing through or into the tip of the instrument, and can therefore be safely used in any part of the body including around the heart or the brain. When combined with a small semiconductor laser, the device is battery operated, self-contained and hand-held, and can therefore be used in any environment including outdoors.
  • Testing Environments Dynamic Minimally Invasive Training and Testing Environments. The disclosed invention contemplates a device and method related to training medical personnel (i.e., for example, surgeons) to perform endoscopic procedures. The disclosed technology solves two problems currently present in the art of using surgical simulators. The first improvement provides a dynamic training program, rather than a program that is the same for every training run. In one embodiment, the device provides a target array that can change position in three dimensions during the training session. In one embodiment, the target array can also change position at various velocities. Consequently, the present invention provides improved discrimination between evaluating innate skill of hand-eye coordination versus surgical skill.

Journal Articles:

See all (100 more)

Books and Book Chapters:

  • Miller A., Schwaitzberg SD. (2015) In: Surgical and Endoscopic Options for Benigh and Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction. Springer Verlag
  • Beard R, Schwaitzberg SD. (2011) Elective General Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach. In: Ventral Hernia. PMPH - USA
  • Beard R., Schwaitzberg SD. (2011) Elective General Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach. In: Incisional, Epigastric and Umbilical Hernias. PMPH-USA
  • Schwaitzberg SD. (2009) Evidence Based Emergency Surgery. In: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Schwaitzberg SD. (2009) Evidence Based Emergency Surgery. In: Incarcerated hernia. Informa Healthcare
  • Sachs B, Schwaitzberg SD. (1995) Atlas of Endoscopic Spinal Surgery. In: Lumbosacral sacral discectomy and spinal fusion. Quality Medical, 275-292.

Professional Memberships:
  • American Board of Surgery; Certifying Exam (2018–2021)
  • Japanese Society for Endoscopic Surgery (honorary) (2017–present)
  • Central Surgical Association; Buffalo Surgical Society (2015–present)
  • Board of Governors; Board of Governors Advocacy and Health Policy Pillar: Coalition Workgroup (2013–2019)
  • Board of Governors; Board of Governors Advocacy and Health Policy Pillar: Coalition Workgroup (2013–2016)
  • American Surgical Association (2013–present)
  • Society for Surgery on the Alimentary Tract (SSAT); 2011 Health Policy Committee (2009–present)
  • Boston Surgical Society; 2010 Councilor 2012 Dinner Chairman (2005–present)
  • New England Surgical Society (2001–present)
  • Deterling Surgical Society (1998–present)
  • Surgical Infection Society (1997–present)
  • DeBakey International Surgical Society (1995–present)
  • Association for Academic Surgery (1993–present)
  • Association for Academic Surgery (1993–present)
  • Society of Critical Care Medicine; 1994-1997 Chairman, Multi-institutional Trial (Surgery) (1992–present)
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS); 2005-2011 Committee on Emerging Surgical Technology and Education (CESTE) 2006-2012 Informatics Committee 2007-2012 Video Based Education Committee 2008-2012 Video-based Education Executive Committee 2012 Consultant to Video-based Education Executive Committee (1990–2012)
  • Massachusetts Medical Society (1990–present)
  • Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons; 1998-2001 Chairman, Technology Committee 1998-2004 Fundamentals of Laparoscopy Surgery Committee 2000-2007 Chairman, Development Committee 2000 Chairman, Learning Center 2001, 2003-2008 Postgraduate Course Director 2002-2004 Board of Governors 2004-2006 Second Vice President 2005-2010 Chairman, Program Committee 2007 Program Chair for Annual Meeting 2007-2010 First Vice President 2010-2011 President-Elect 2011-2012 President 2012-2013 Immediate Past President 2012 Chairman Nominating Committee 2012 Chairman Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery Committee 2016 Distinguished Service Award (1989–present)
  • Eastern Association for Surgery of Trauma (EAST); 1993-1994 Publications Committee (1988–2003)
See all (9 more)

Presentations:
  • "The Surgeon as an Innovator" ; Baystate Medical Center (2019)
  • "Advances in Surgery" ; First Congress of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Lublin (2018)
  • "Future of Surgery" (2018)
  • "In the Words of Yogi Berra...." Graduation (2018)
  • "Advances and white light imaging in surgery" American College of Surgeons Virtual Grand Rounds. Accredited Educational Institutes; American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress (2017)
  • "Electrosurgical energy in a nutshell" (2017)
  • "Modern Parathyroid Surgery" (2017)
  • "UB Rise Simulation Series" (2017)
  • "Bile Duct Injury" ; World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (2016)
  • "Surgery in the New World Order" Schultz Lecture (2016)
  • "We can All be Innovators" International Pediatric Endoscopic Group Keynote Address (2016)
  • "Current Transition Surgical Resident Training in the United States" (2015)
  • "Duct Injury Prevention Requires a New National Training Paradigm" ; ; SAGES 2015 (2015)
  • "Education and Evolution in American Surgery" ; ; Association of Polish Surgeons (2015)
  • "Prospective Randomized Trial of NOTES versus Laaroscopic Cholecystectomy" ; SAGES Scientific Session Plenary Presentation (2015)
  • "The Rationale for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery Program - Applications in Latin Amrica" (2015)
  • "Theodore Drapanas Lecture" ; University at Buffalo (2015)
  • "Learning to See the Body: Supporting Instructional Practices in Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures." Conference on Human Factors in Computing System (2014)
  • "Duct Injury Prevention Requires a New National Training Paradigm Despite Successful Deployment of FLS" ; ; SAGES (2014)
  • "Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery Training" ; Japanese Society of Endoscopic Surgeons (2014)
  • "Legal Aspects and HIPAA Requirements When Recording Surgical Procedures" ; SAGES Annual Meeting (2014)
  • "New Energy Sources" ; European Society for Endoscopic Surgery (2014)
  • "Preventing Complications in MIS" ; Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA), (2014)
  • "The Evolution and Current Status of Flexible Endoscopic Training in Surgery in the United States" ; Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) Winter Meetings (2014)
  • "The Pitfalls and Dangers of MIS" ; Rush University - Visiting Professor (2014)
  • "Why the NOTES hype did not change much between gastroenterologist and surgeons" ; European Society for Endoscopic Surgery (2014)
  • "Complication of MIS" ; Tufts Medical Center (2013)
  • "Complications of MIS" ; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (2013)
  • "Current Management of Esophageal Reflux" ; Mount Auburn Hospital (2013)
  • "Driving Technology Towards Unmet Needs - Man Meeting Virtual Reality" ; (MMVR) NextMed (2013)
  • "Exposure to FLS Task Outweighs Video Gaming Experience for the VBLaST PT(c) Simulator." ; ; SAGES (2013)
  • "Fuse Task Force. Rationale for the Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy(tm) (fuse) Educational Program" ; ; SAGES (2013)
  • "Is It Time to Play Taps for Single Port Surgery?" ; SAGES Presidential Debate (2013)
  • "Medical Training in a Virtual Multicultural World" ; IBM and University of Massachusetts Boston (2013)
  • "successful Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Testing for Practicing Surgeons in the Middle East" ; ; SAGES (2013)
  • "Surgery in the New World Order - The Shifting Sands" ; 4th Annual Women's Career in Surgery (2013)
  • "The Role of Specialty Societies in Surgical Transformation - Procedural Retooling for Surgeons in Practice: Incentives, Pressures, Technology" ; Methodist Hospital (2013)
  • "The Simulation Collaborative - IDEAS Conference" ; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (2013)
  • "The Stretta Procedure: What's the Real Data?" ; SAGES Presidential Debate (2013)
  • "Time Series Analysis for Transvaginal Notes and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy" ; ; SAGES (2013)
  • "What Will Surgery Be Like in the Future?" ; Visiting Professor-Inova Fairfax Hospital System (2013)
  • "Laparoscopic Surgery Training System" Military Health System Research Symposium (2012)
  • "The Added Value of Virtual Reality Technology and Force Feedback for Surgical Training Simulators." ; ; IEA 2012 Meeting (2012)
  • "Difficult Situations in Suturing and Stapling" ; European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (2012)
  • "FUSE: A National Curriculum in Surgical Energy" ; American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress (2012)
  • "Longitudinal Clerkships - Surgical Experience" ; Harvard Medical School (2012)
  • "Managing Surgeons in the Modern World: What do Women Bring to the Table" ; 3rd Annual Women's Careers in Surgery (2012)
  • "Modeling patients for optimized port placement in robotic-assisted surgery." the ASME 2012 11th Biennial Conference on Engineering Systems Design and Analysis (2012)
  • "Regulatory Challenges in Natural Orifice Surgery" ; 7th International NOTES Summit (2012)
  • "Resection of Mediastinal Parathyroid - Reduction of Electrical Complications in Minimally Invasive Surgery" ; XIII World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (2012)
  • "SAGES Presidential Address: You Must Be the Change You Wish to See in the World" ; SAGES (2012)
  • "Surgeon Leaders in 2012 and Beyond" ; 13th Annual MIS Fellows Course (2012)
  • "Surgeons Don't Know what they Don't Know about the Safe Use of Surgical Energy." ; Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. (2012)
  • "Surgery in the New World Order" ; Visiting Professor-Stony Brook University (2012)
  • "Surgery in the Shifting Sands" ; Brigham and Women's Hospital (2012)
  • "Surgical Competency" ; Masters in Endoscopy Conference (2012)
  • "Surgical Competency and Skills" ; King Fahad Medical City - Grand Rounds (2012)
  • "Teaching Surgery and the Quest for the Universal Translator" ; TED.x Beacon Street (2012)
  • "The Evolution of 3D Imaging in Minimally Invasive Surgery" ; American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress (2012)
  • "Thoracoscopic Resection of Giant Mediastinal Parathyroid Adenoma." ; Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons; SAGES (2012)
  • "Virtual Realty Simulation in Surgery" ; Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (2012)
  • "Current Work towards Clinical Competence and Potential Roadmay" ; TATRC'sContinuing Clinical Competence/Skills Deterioation Symposium (2011)
  • "How to Minimize Complication in MIS" ; Canadian Association of General Surgeons (2011)
  • "Introducing New Technology into the Operating Room" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2011)
  • "Managing Surgeons in the Modern World: New Expectations" ; 2nd Annual Women's Careers in Surgery (2011)
  • "Meet the Experts: Creating High Quality Video for the Operating Room" ; AmericanCollege of Surgeons (2011)
  • "Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy" ; 2011 Colombian Surgery Association XXXVII Congress (2011)
  • "MIS from 30,000 feet - What can we expect" ; 12th Annual MIS Fellows Course (2011)
  • "Putting Independance Back nto Surgical Training" ; Association of Program Directors in Surgery (2011)
  • "Techniques in Laparoscopic Hernia Repair" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2011)
  • "The Story of FLS and its Impact on Surgical Education in the United States - Surgery Issues in Electrosurgery." ; 2011 Chinese Medical Association/Chinese Society of Surgery (2011)
  • "What re the Significant Barriers to NOTES Adoption?" ; National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering at the National Institutes of Health (2011)
  • "The Management of the Difficult Appendix" American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress (2010)
  • "Against Occam's Razor: TAP Repair of Recurrent Inguinal Hernia with Concomitant Inversion of Original Propylene Plug." ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons; SAGES (2010)
  • "Adrenal Incidentaloma" ; SAGES - MIS and Cancer Endocrine/Solid Organ Postgraduate Course (2010)
  • "Are There Better Ways to Teach Surgeons" ; IBM Innovation Center-Health Care Panel (2010)
  • "Complications of Minimally Invasive Surgery" ; St. Vincent's Medical Center (2010)
  • "Complications of Minimally Invasive Surgery" ; Mt. Auburn Hospital (2010)
  • "Complications of Minimally Invasive Surgery" ; 2010 Sobracil Congress (2010)
  • "From Tack to TEPS: The Perils and Pitfalls of Minimally Invasive Surgery" ; Lenox Hill Hospital (2010)
  • "Minimizing MIS Complication in the OR" ; Washington University (2010)
  • "MIS Coplications to Patients and Surgeons" ; Skubiszewski Medical University of Lublin (2010)
  • "Perils and Pitfalls of Minimally Invasive Surgery" ; Massachusetts General Hospital (2010)
  • "The Smart Image of the Operating Room" ; 6th Innovations in the Surgical Environment Conferenc (2010)
  • "Vibration to Provide Force Information in Surgery" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (2009)
  • "Avoiding Complications in MIS" ; University of Texas Southwestern Medicl Center (2009)
  • "Barriers to Reimbursement" ; Masters in Surgery Conference (2009)
  • "Controversies in Gastrointestinal Surgery. Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery versus Single Port Access" ; Digestive Disease Week (2009)
  • "Is There any Hope for Endolumenal Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux?" ; Japanese Society of Endoscopic Surgeons (2009)
  • "Minor Ductal Injuries are Not so Minor. Patient Safety in Biliary Surgery" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2009)
  • "Does telementoring shorten the pathway to proficiency in the simulation environment?" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2008)
  • "Learning curve in laparoscopic suturing with haptic feedback" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2008)
  • "Speed-accuracy trade-off in VR simulation with haptic feedback" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2008)
  • "When does GERD testing become cost effective?" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2008)
  • "Concepts to Cash: Device Development" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2008)
  • "Endolumenal Treatment of Gastrointestinal Reflux" ; Latin American Society of Endoscopic Surgery (ALACE) (2008)
  • "If they ask me, what should I tell my hospital about EMR implementation fo surgeons" ; American Colleges of Surgeons (2008)
  • "Will Infection Be a Barrier to NOTES Adoption?" ; World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (2008)
  • "Aldosterone and Estrone Co-secretion from ACTH-independent Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia (AIMAH)" ; The Endocrine Society (2007)
  • "Differences in Minimally Invasive Management of Gastric Cancer" ; Japanese Society for Endoscopic Surgery (2007)
  • "Treatment of GE Reflux/Lecture" ; Medicare Regional Contractor Advisory Committee (2007)
  • "Comparison of Trocar Insertion Force in MIS" ; ; SAGES (2006)
  • "Force and Friction Assessment in Laparoscopic Surgery" ; ; SAGES (2006)
  • "the Utility of Articulated Manual Laparoscopic Instruments." ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons; SAGES (2006)
  • "Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in High Risk Cardiac Surgery Patients." ; ; SAGES (2005)
  • "Barriers to Radiofrequency ID Adoption in Medicine/Lecture" ; World Research Group (2005)
  • "Effects of Videogame Performance on Laparoscopic Skills Acquisition." the 49th Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (2005)
  • "Technology of Minimally Invasive Surgery" ; Cambridge Hospital (2005)
  • "The Good the Bad and the Ugly of Minimally Invasive Surgery Technology" ; Boston Surgical Society (2005)
  • "Understanding Operating Room" (2005)
  • "Visiting Professorship" ; University of Texas (2005)
  • "Workshop in Operating Room Technology/Lecture" ; Association of Operating Room Nurses (2005)
  • "Diagnostic Laparoscopy - Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgery (2004)
  • "Evaluation of physical versus virtual surgical simulators." the 48th Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (2004)
  • "OR of the Future/Lecture" ; World Research Group (2004)
  • "Personal Digital Assistants for Surgeons." (2004)
  • "The Future of Technology in Surgery/Keynote Address" ; International Pediatric Endoscopy Group (2004)
  • "Why Some Technologies Make It and Others Do Not" ; New England Technology Council (2004)
  • "Cost Containment Strategies for Laparoscopic Appendectomy" ; ; SAGES (2003)
  • "Utility of Voice-Activated System in Minimally Invasive Surgery." ; ; SAGES (2003)
  • "Visuomotor Constraints in Laparoscopic Surgery: A Human Factors Engineering Perspective." ; ; SAGES (2003)
  • "Visually perceived force feedback in simulated robotic surgery." the 47th Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (2003)
  • "Innovation in Minimally Invasive Surgery/Lecture" ; American College of Surgeons Spring Meeting (2002)
  • "Pharmacologic Strategies to Reduce Perioperative Complications/Lecture" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2002)
  • "Advances in Lparoscopic Clip Design: The Preformed Clip" ; ; SAGES (2001)
  • "Endoscopic Robotic Telemanipulator Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Instruments: Comparison Of Laparoscopic Task Performance for Surgically Naive Subjects" ; ; SAGES (2001)
  • "Laparoscopic Hernia Repair in a Community Based Videoscopic Surgical Center" ; ; SAGES (2001)
  • "Surgeon in the Digital Age/Lecture" ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (2001)
  • "The development of non-sticking, passively cooled electrosurgical instruments." IEEE 27th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference (2001)
  • "Cervical Scar Perception Influences the Need for Minimally Invasive Procedures" ; ; SAGES (2000)
  • "Advances in Bipolar Cautery" American College of Surgeons Scientific Exhibit (1999)
  • "Development of a Novel Portable Cautery System." American College of Surgeons Scientific Exhibit (1999)
  • "Laparoendoscopic Pancreatic Pseudocyst Drainage." American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopists, (1999)
  • "Malpractice Experience with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Massachusetts 1990-1998" ; Society Of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons; SAGES (1999)
  • "Radiofrequency Powered Linear Stapler." ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons; SAGES (1999)
  • "The Use of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt in Laparoscopic Surgery." ; Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons; SAGES (1999)
  • "Diode laser for abdominal tissue cauterization." (1999)
  • "The Relationship of Adhesions to General Surgery" ; 4th International Conference on Peritoneal Healing and Adhesion Prevention (1999)
  • "Laparoendoscopic Treatment of Pancreatic Pseudocyst." Boston Intercity Gastroenterology Conference (1998)
  • "2D versus 3D Laparoscopy" ; American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons; SAGES (1998)
  • "cutting and coagulation mechanisms in surgery" American College of Surgeons (1997)
  • "Non-invasive cardiac output monitoring. A Multicenter trial." ; Society of Critical Care Medicine (1997)
  • "Portable semiconductor laser system to stop internal bleeding." (1997)
  • "Techniques in Minimally Invasive Surgery" ; Albert Einstein Hospital (1996)
  • "Management of Bleeding Complication Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Appendectomy." World Congress of Minimally Invasive Surgery (1995)
  • "Lumbosacral Discectomy and Spinal Fusion." SAGES (1995)
  • "A Novel Collagen Matrix for Tissue Replacement" ; Association for Academic Surgery (1994)
  • "Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring." ; Association for Academic Surgery (1994)
  • "Continuous Microwave Warming in an Ex-Vivo Extracorporeal Circuit" ; Society of Critical Care Medicine (1993)
  • "Survival and Quality of Life afte Long Term, Non-trauma ICU Stays." ; Society of Critical Cae Medicine (1993)
  • "In Vivo Erythrocyte Survival Studies after aaaaaaaa'In-Line Microwave Warming" ; American Society of Anesthesiologists (1991)
  • "Inter Emergency Room Transfer" Southwestern Surgical Congress (1986)
  • "The Recognition and Management of Complication Associated with Peritoneal Dialysis" Southwest Surgical Congress (1984)
  • "Where Should All the Trauma Go" ; Emergency Nuse Association (1984)
  • "Grand Rounds - Various Topics and Locations" ; See Description
See all (145 more)

Service Activities:
  • Academic Malpractice Insurance (SUNY); Advisor (2019–present)
  • Tissue Bank; Director (2019–present)
  • MEC -(Mimimum Essential Coverage) Chairman Cancer Committee; Chair (2018–present)
  • LCME Accreditation Taskforce Pediatric Chair Search Committee; Chair (2018–present)
  • Director UB RIS²E² Center Research, Innovation, Simulation, Structure and Education; Director (2017–present)
  • UBMD Executive Committee (2015–present)
  • Promotions Ad hoc committee reviewer or promotion for professor 0 HMS; Ad Hoc Reviewer (2014–2015)
  • Co-Chair, Post Graduate Course Flexible Endoscopy for Surgeons European Society for Endoscopic Surgery Paris, France; Co-Chair (2014–present)
  • Board of Directors Mount Auburn Cambridge IPA; Board of Directors (2013–2015)
  • Symposium Chair, Robotics Robotics in MIS - Hype or Hope Japanese Society of Endoscopic Surgery, Yokohama, Japan; Chair (2012–present)
  • Volume Editor Inguinal Hernia ACS Multimedia Volume 2 Cine-Med Print, DVD and Book editions; Editor (2012–present)
  • Editorial Board Member Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery; Editorial Board Member (2011–present)
  • Chief Medical Officer Search Committee (2010–2015)
  • Curriculum Subcommittee on Course and Clerkship Review and Evaluation Primary Reviewer HMS Ob/Gyn Clerkship Secondary Reviewer HMS GI Pathophysiology Secondary Reviewer HMS Medicine Clerkship Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Reviewer (2010–2015)
  • Symposium Director/organizer Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Association Latino Americana de Cirugia Endoscopica (ALACE) Symposium: Management of Complication in Minimally Invasive Surgery. Sponsored by ALACE/Sociedade Brasileira de Videocirurgia (SOBRACIL), Salvador, Brazil; Director (2010–present)
  • Accountable Care Organization Steering Committee (2009–2011)
  • Symposium Director/organizer Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)/ Japanese Society of Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) - Symposium in issues in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Tokyo, Japan; Director (2009–present)
  • Strategic Reorganizing Steering Committee (2008–2014)
  • Steering Committee for Implementation of Surgical Incentives for Completing FLS CRICO/RMF (2008–2009)
  • Co-Chair Grant Review Committee Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research (NOSCAR); Grant Reviewer (2008–present)
  • Curriculum and Community Scientific Education Boston Museum of Science/Board of Overseers Major advisory committee to the President of the Museum of Science concerning curriculum and community scientific education; Advisory Committee (2007–2015)
  • Grant Review Committee SAGES; Grant Reviewer (2007–2009)
  • Site Director General Surgery Residency - 4-8 hrs/week Beth Israel Deaconess Surgical Residency, Boston, MA (2007–present)
  • Circle of Values cittions Numerous Circle of Values citation from patients (2007–present)
  • Finance Committee (2006–2015)
  • Investment Committee (2006–2011)
  • Editorial Board Member Surgical Innovation; Editorial Board Member (2006–present)
  • Surgery Clerkship Committee Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (2005–2015)
  • Surgical Executive Committee (2005–2015)
  • Capital Finance Committee (2005–2015)
  • Advisory Committee for EMR Implementation (2005–2015)
  • Credentials Committee (2005–2015)
  • Managed Care Committee (2005–2015)
  • Board of Trustees Strategic Planning Committee (2005–2015)
  • Information Technology Steering Committee (2005–2015)
  • CEO Council (2005–2015)
  • Medical Executive Committee (2005–2015)
  • Chiefs of Service Council (2005–2015)
  • Chief of Surgery Cambridge HealthAlliance, Cambridge, MA (2005–present)
  • Medical Students Clerkship Director - 4 hrs/week Harvard Medical School Boston, MA; Director (2005–present)
  • Residency Associate Director, Residency Program New England Medical Center Department of Surgery Boston, MA (2004–2005)
  • Center for Innovative Minimally Invasive Therapy Forum Diffusion of Technology in Surgery Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (2004–present)
  • Special Projects Boston Museum of Science/Health Care Adviser for special projects Hall of Human Life Committee; Advisor (2004–present)
  • Editorial Board Member Medscape Surgery; Editorial Board Member (2004–present)
  • Scientific Review Committee (2003–2005)
  • Multimedia Editor Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques; Editor (2003–present)
  • Conflict of Interest Committee (2002–2005)
  • Editor Nutritional Considerations in the Intensive Care Unit. Kendall/Hunt Publishers Dubuque, Iowa; Editor (2002–present)
  • Editorial Board Member Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques; Editorial Board Member (2002–present)
  • Clinical Trials Committee (2001–2005)
  • Red and Blue Institutional Review Boards (IRB) New England Medical Center (joint appointment with Tufts University School of Medicine), Boston, MA; Chair (2001–2005)
  • Executive Committee Chairman IRB New England Medical Center, Boston, MA; Committee Member (2001–2005)
  • Editorial Board Member Same Day Surgery; Editorial Board Member (2000–2013)
  • Risk Management Committee (2000–2005)
  • Value Analysis Capital Acquisition Committee (2000–2003)
  • Editorial Board Member Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques; Editorial Board Member (1999–present)
  • Course Director Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: Lecture and Laboratory Program Sponsored by Consortium of Hospital in Thessalonica, Thessalonica, Greece; Director (1998–present)
  • Research Council - Executive Committee (1996–2004)
  • Vice Chair - IRB New England Medical Center, Boston, MA; Vice-Chair (1996–2001)
  • Course Director Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: Lecture and Laboratory Program. Sponsored by: University of Cairo and Liver Institute, Menufiya University, Cairo, Egypt.; Director (1996–present)
  • Institution Review Board; Chair (1995–2005)
  • Program Director Minimally Invasive Surgery-Lecture and Operating Room Preceptorships in General, Urologic and Gynecological Surgery Sponsored by Saudi ARAMCO, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (1994–present)
  • Institutional Review Board Member (IRB) (1993–2005)
  • Director of Surgical Research New England Medical Center, Boston, MA; Director (1993–2005)
  • Co-Director - Surgery Research Developing a Research Program in Surgery Sponsored by: United States State Department and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Co-Director (1993–present)
  • Program Director Minimally Invasive Surgery - Lecture and Operating Room Precptorship in General, Urologic and Gynecological Surgery Sponsored by Saudi ARAMCO, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (1992–present)
  • Medical Director New England Medical Center, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Boston, MA (1991–2005)
  • Ad hoc Reviewer Fertility and Sterility Gastroenterology Clinical Gastroenterology and Herpetology Journal of the American College of Surgeons Journal of the American Medical Association; Reviewer (1991–1997)
  • Critical Care Committee (1990–1998)
  • Surgical Team Chief, Director of Intensive Care 365th Evacuation Hospital, US Military Complex Seeb, Oman; Director (1990–1991)
  • Director New England Medical Center, Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Boston, MA; Director (1989–1996)
  • Infection Control Committee (1988–1996)
  • Nutrition Committee (1988–1996)
  • Director Educational Program in Minimally Invasive Surgery New England Medical Center, Boston, MA; Director (1987–2005)
  • Oliver Smith Awards Numerous awards for compassion and service to patients. Tufts Medical Center (1986–2005)
  • Acting Director New England Medical Center, Emergency Department, Boston, MA; Acting Director (1986–1988)
  • Clinical Articles Editor Infections of Surgery (1983–1984)
  • 2015 Strategic Planning Group

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Contact Information

Buffalo General Hospital
D-352
Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: 716-859-3779
Fax: 716-859-7349
schwaitz@buffalo.edu
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This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

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