Sean J. Mulvihill,
MD
Chief Executive Officer, University of Utah Medical Group
Languages Spoken: English
Sean Mulvihill, MD has specialized expertise in the treatment of diseases of the liver, biliary tract, and pancreas. He is board certified in general surgery. His main clinical focus is in the management of patients with pancreatic tumors, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors. He has integrated a research program funded by the National Cancer Institute into his clinical practice, with the aim of determining the underlying cause of these cancers and identifying new treatment approaches. This knowledge is leading to improved diagnostic strategies, improved selection of treatment options, and improved outcomes.
Clinical Locations
Patient Care Center
801-581-7167
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Professor |
| Academic Divisions | General Surgery |
| Cancer Center Programs | Experimental Therapeutics |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.8/ 5
Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.8/ 5
Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.7/ 5
Wait time at clinic
4.4/ 5
Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.8/ 5
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
March 01, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Mulvihill was excellent in explaining everything I needed to know.
UofU Patient
February 12, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Doctor was excellent and very through in all of hjs explanations.
UofU Patient
February 12, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
most professional and informed response I have ever had by any doctor ever. if all health care ran this well we truly would be a great country
UofU Patient
November 23, 2020
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I'm confident that I am getting the best care possible from Doctor Mulvilhill.
UofU Patient
September 23, 2020
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
July 28, 2020
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good experience.
UofU Patient
April 14, 2020
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
everything went well
UofU Patient
April 07, 2020
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
everything to my satisfaction
UofU Patient
April 05, 2020
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Very thorough and mindful to communicating in laymans' terms.
UofU Patient
February 24, 2020
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
good
UofU Patient
December 29, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
very good
UofU Patient
November 19, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
My provider exuded his expertise.
UofU Patient
November 05, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I am very happy to have my provider, he always listens to my concerns, and he cares what I have to say. I am very happy he is so knowledgeable.
UofU Patient
October 31, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
excellent
UofU Patient
October 08, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr Mulvihill is the best!
UofU Patient
October 01, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
worst manners I have experienced, attitude, your wasting my time. NO, you waisted mine, because you were not willing to listen
UofU Patient
June 28, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I feel very confident with Dr Mulvihill and his Physician Assistants. He is always concerned in giving you the best care, asks You questions. And never leaves the examine room until everything is explained in words the patient understands . Gives you his times, he is not rushing in and out.
UofU Patient
June 04, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr Mulvihill is such a great doctor. Because Of this my primary doctor has referred other patients to him because of me.
UofU Patient
May 21, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Doctors are outstanding
UofU Patient
March 19, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Mulvihill was transparent, candid, thorough, and attentive to my questions and concerns. His staff mirrors his competency and professionalism. He and they are consummate professionals.
UofU Patient
February 11, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Mulvihill and his staff were thorough, courteous, and worked hard to make sure we didn't have any questions. They treated us like adults who were smart enough to understand both the gravity of my situation and the possible outcomes of my surgery and subsequent treatment. I appreciated the doctors willingness to speak openly, candidly, and honestly. I also appreciated very, very much the fact that he was willing to answer my questions and treat me like I understood what he was talking about.
UofU Patient
February 03, 2019
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I feel like I could not have a better provider?
UofU Patient
December 10, 2018
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I have complete confidence in Doctor Mulvihill. He explained everything to me and addressed my concerns.
UofU Patient
December 04, 2018
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I always feel confident when I have an appointment there and have the trust in the Doctor's that I have had.
UofU Patient
October 09, 2018
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
put us at ease and made us feel comfortable
UofU Patient
June 30, 2018
Dr. Mulvohil and his team made me feel at ease and they never left me out of any decisions and always checked with both myself and my wife to be certain that we understood and we're informed about the ups and down. Great job.
UofU Patient
June 19, 2018
I saw the doctor about every 6 months for a couple of years as we watched cysts in my pancreas.
UofU Patient
June 13, 2018
I am proud to say that Dr. Mulvohil does such an excellent job and follows through to make his patients feel not just relief from the procedures but also to know that he is there if we need him for any type of support. I am very pleased to say that I personally believe that the Huntsman Cancer Center has excellent choices of Doctots.
UofU Patient
May 20, 2018
I received such confidence from the care givers that I knew exactly what was needed to happen and what to expect and at the same time all my questions were answered in such a way that I felt they were all understood.
UofU Patient
April 09, 2018
Dr. Mulvihill was excellent in all areas.
UofU Patient
March 21, 2018
I could not ask for better service
UofU Patient
December 18, 2017
I'm so glad my care is at Huntsman Hospital; I appreciate Dr. Mulvihill and know I have the best care and doctor; I feel comfortable and at ease and appreciate his concern and I have the utmost confidence in him. The staff there is great; Brandi is always kind and my experiences there are always pleasant. I'm so grateful I ended up at your hospital and with an excellent doctor.
UofU Patient
October 09, 2017
He makes you feel at ease.
UofU Patient
September 30, 2017
Excellent visit - thorough, unrushed, couldn't expect more or better.
UofU Patient
August 19, 2017
We couldn't ask for anything better!!
UofU Patient
August 01, 2017
Because I was/am anxious, I didn't think of all the questions i now have. However, I believe the doctor and team answered what I asked. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and seemed concerned. The process was as efficient and pleasant as possible under the circumstances.
UofU Patient
February 21, 2017
I was very satisfied with my visit.
UofU Patient
February 07, 2017
Even though we had never met the care provider prior to the appointment we felt very comfortable with his professionalism and friendliness
UofU Patient
February 04, 2017
Dr. Mulvihill has always been kind, concerned, pleasant, and never rushed. His confidence has been a big part of my recovery.
UofU Patient
January 30, 2017
Saved my life.
UofU Patient
December 06, 2016
Very friendly, kind, and knowledgable, and personable. Came to him for a second opinion, his was against surgery instead of for as my original Dr, so i was left feeling very conflicted about what to do next. My only complaint is the Dr. didnt spend much time with me. maybe five minutes. didn't really get to ask any questions, or be given time to think. Didn't really give us much follow up information either, i left feeling confused and overwhelmed on what to do or what my options were.
UofU Patient
July 20, 2016
My interactions with both Dr. Cannon and Dr. Milvilhill were outstanding. Both doctors were very compassionate and gave me a clear understanding of my potential choices depending on many varying situations. I never felt rushed and all my questions were answered completely.
UofU Patient
May 31, 2016
Needless to say, I was extremely impressed by the quality of service I received, which exceeded my expectations based on experiences elsewhere.
UofU Patient
May 23, 2016
I have complete confidence that Dr. Mulvihill will keep us current with all pertinent information, and that he will proceed with the best plan for my health and well-being.
UofU Patient
May 11, 2016
Dr. M. gave me the clearest explanation of the procedure, outcomes and what to expect after surgery. He actually listened to what I had to say about my symptoms and acted truly interested in my goals and what was important to me.
UofU Patient
April 18, 2016
I feel I received the best possible care from all the staff, from the surgeon down to my hourly care, and am eternally greatful for the fine care I and my family received. Thank You.
UofU Patient
April 05, 2016
Have a close friend coming on April 12th for his surgery and it was on his recommendation that I came. So I plan on paying it forward.
UofU Patient
February 23, 2016
Dr. Mulvihill was well prepared to discuss my condition.
UofU Patient
February 21, 2016
Dr. Mulvihill drew an example of my problem, but was not sure I understood just where my cancer was located. Later I called Brandie and she sent me an e mail that explain exactly where it was and I am very appreciative of he help.
UofU Patient
December 08, 2015
I feel like I'm in the best possible hands; I feel secure and confident in my care and appreciate the concern shown me. Dr. Mulvihill is the best!
UofU Patient
November 05, 2015
Dr. Mulvahill and his team are the best. I would recommend their services to everyone that I care for.
UofU Patient
November 04, 2015
it is just excellent in all aspects
UofU Patient
November 03, 2015
I have nothing but praise for the way I was treated.
UofU Patient
October 20, 2015
This was an out of network second opinion about a potential surgery recommended by my in network doctor and surgeon and therefore expensive. I feel that the doctor should have been better informed of my particular circumstances which he could have been if he had spent more time reading the information provided before the appointment. I left more confused than when I arrived.
UofU Patient
September 09, 2015
All of the staff spent a great deal of time with me and were exceedingly kind, caring and very helpful in working to ease my fears.
UofU Patient
August 17, 2015
I have spent a lot of time at the Huntsman Center during the last several months. Everyone has been nothing less than angels and their care and assistance have exceeded my expectations.
UofU Patient
July 21, 2015
I'm sorry that I was late for my appointment. I read the appointment card wrong. Was thankful that they still let me see the doctor.
UofU Patient
December 12, 2014
No bad comments. He was good.
UofU Patient
December 08, 2014
we were very impressed with Dr. Mulvihill and his expertise.
UofU Patient
February 16, 2014
we feel very lucky to have met Dr Mulvihill and have him treating me
UofU Patient
February 13, 2014
i would like to say that the doctor, staff , and all are very polite.
UofU Patient
February 10, 2014
Encouraging and very clear.
UofU Patient
November 27, 2013
all my questions were discussed and I left with a confident feeling that my next steps were to be
UofU Patient
October 08, 2013
Dr. Mulvihill is a great doctor and is very pleasant to talk with as well. he was great on answering all our questions and concerns in terms which we understood . My experience with Dr. Mulvihill would be a 100% referral to anyone whom I know would need his assistance as well.
UofU Patient
June 25, 2013
excellent and impressed with the knowledge level and with the terminology used for ease of understanding all issues talked about.
UofU Patient
May 13, 2013
Extremely positive experience.
UofU Patient
January 22, 2013
Came to Dr. Mulvihill by recommendation of a doctor i work for now. Also, he was the specialist that my origional surgeon was talking to. i knew i was in good hands before i arrived. Talking with Dr. Mulvihill in person confirmed that!
UofU Patient
October 23, 2012
Always a good experience
UofU Patient
June 15, 2012
I feel very confident that I am in good hands
UofU Patient
May 12, 2012
All care providers I have met or been counseled by while at Huntsman have been extremely professional and very friendly
UofU Patient
March 14, 2012
Dr. Mulvihill was excellent and we enjoyed learning from him and hearing his plan for my treatment. He was very professional, thorough, informative, positive, and kind.
UofU Patient
February 18, 2012
Excellent in every respect. Profesional, informative, and personable.
UofU Patient
February 11, 2012
My diagnosis was not clear. I hope it will be resolved quickly and given priority. I also wish to be informed of my situation as it progresses.
UofU Patient
February 07, 2012
I was very well treated
UofU Patient
February 04, 2012
I highly regard Dr. Mulvihill's expertise, mannerism and professionalism. I consider I have access to the best!
Sean Mulvihill, MD has specialized expertise in the treatment of diseases of the liver, biliary tract, and pancreas. He is board certified in general surgery. His main clinical focus is in the management of patients with pancreatic tumors, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors. He has integrated a research program funded by the National Cancer Institute into his clinical practice, with the aim of determining the underlying cause of these cancers and identifying new treatment approaches. This knowledge is leading to improved diagnostic strategies, improved selection of treatment options, and improved outcomes.
Academic Locations
Huntsman Cancer Hospital
801-581-7167
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Professor |
| Academic Divisions | General Surgery |
| Cancer Center Programs | Experimental Therapeutics |
Research Interests
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Clinical Trials in Pancreatic Disease
- Quality of Health Care
- Education, Professional, Retraining
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
Education History
| Chief Resident | University of California - Los Angeles General Surgery Chief Resident |
| Residency | University of California - Los Angeles General Surgery Resident |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | University of California - Los Angeles GI Research Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Residency | University of California - Los Angeles General Surgery Resident |
| Internship | University of California - Los Angeles Surgery Intern |
| Professional Medical | University of Southern California Medicine M.D. |
| Undergraduate | University of California - Davis Zoology B.S. |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Swords DS, Mulvihill SJ, Brooke BS, Stoddard GJ, Firpo MA, Scaife CL (2019). County-level Variation in Use of Surgery and Cancer-specific Survival for Stage I-II Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg, 272(6), 1102-1109.
- Stokes SM, Scaife CL, Brooke BS, Glasgow RE, Mulvihill SJ, Finlayson SRG, Varghese TK Jr (2020). Hospital Costs Following Surgical Complications: A Value-driven Outcomes Analysis of Cost Savings Due to Complication Prevention. (Epub ahead of print) Ann Surg.
- Swords DS, Mulvihill SJ, Brooke BS, Firpo MA, Scaife CL (2019). Size and Importance of Socioeconomic Status-Based Disparities in Use of Surgery in Nonadvanced Stage Gastrointestinal Cancers. Ann Surg Oncol, 27(2), 333-341.
- Swords DS, Francis SR, Lloyd S, Garrido-Laguna I, Mulvihill SJ, Gruhl JD, Christensen MC, Stoddard GJ, Firpo MA, Scaife CL (2018). Lymph Node Ratio in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma After Preoperative Chemotherapy vs. Preoperative Chemoradiation and Its Utility in Decisions About Postoperative Chemotherapy. J Gastrointest Surg, 23(7), 1401-1413.
- Swords DS, Mulvihill SJ, Brooke BS, Skarda DE, Firpo MA, Scaife CL (2018). Disparities in utilization of treatment for clinical stage I-II pancreatic adenocarcinoma by area socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. Surgery, 165(4), 751-759.
- Capello M, Vykoukal JV, Katayama H, Bantis LE, Wang H, Kundnani DL, Aguilar-Bonavides C, Aguilar M, Tripathi SC, Dhillon DS, Momin AA, Peters H, Katz MH, Alvarez H, Bernard V, Ferri-Borgogno S, Brand R, Adler DG, Firpo MA, Mulvihill SJ, Molldrem JJ, Feng Z, Taguchi A, Maitra A, Hanash SM (2019). Exosomes harbor B cell targets in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and exert decoy function against complement-mediated cytotoxicity. Nat Commun, 10(1), 254.
- Swords DS, Mulvihill SJ, Skarda DE, Finlayson SRG, Stoddard GJ, Ott MJ, Firpo MA, Scaife CL (2017). Hospital-level Variation in Utilization of Surgery for Clinical Stage I-II Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg, 269(1), 133-142.
- Sharib JM, Fonseca AL, Swords DS, Jaradeh K, Bracci PM, Firpo MA, Hatcher S, Scaife CL, Wang H, Kim GE, Mulvihill SJ, Maitra A, Koay EJ, Kirkwood KS (2018). Surgical overtreatment of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: Do the 2017 International Consensus Guidelines improve clinical decision making? Surgery, 164(6), 1178-1184.
- Swords DS, Mulvihill SJ, Firpo MA, Scaife CL (2018). Causes of Death and Conditional Survival Estimates of Medium- and Long-term Survivors of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. JAMA Oncol, 4(8), 1129-1130.
- Young EL, Thompson BA, Neklason DW, Firpo MA, Werner T, Bell R, Berger J, Fraser A, Gammon A, Koptiuch C, Kohlmann WK, Neumayer L, Goldgar DE, Mulvihill SJ, Cannon-Albright LA, Tavtigian SV (2018). Pancreatic cancer as a sentinel for hereditary cancer predisposition. BMC Cancer, 18(1), 697.
- Swords DS, Zhang C, Presson AP, Firpo MA, Mulvihill SJ, Scaife CL (2017). Association of time-to-surgery with outcomes in clinical stage I-II pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with upfront surgery. Surgery, 163(4), 753-760.
- Swords DS, Firpo MA, Johnson KM, Boucher KM, Scaife CL, Mulvihill SJ (2017). Implications of inaccurate clinical nodal staging in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Surgery, 162(1), 104-111.
- Capello M, Bantis LE, Scelo G, Zhao Y, Li P, Dhillon DS, Patel NJ, Kundnani DL, Wang H, Abbruzzese JL, Maitra A, Tempero MA, Brand R, Firpo MA, Mulvihill SJ, Katz MH, Brennan P, Feng Z, Taguchi A, Hanash SM (2016). Sequential Validation of Blood-Based Protein Biomarker Candidates for Early-Stage Pancreatic Cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst, 109(4).
- Poruk KE, Firpo MA, Mulvihill SJ (2014). Screening for pancreatic cancer. Adv Surg, 48, 115-36.
Case Report
News Articles
The Scope & Other Podcasts
- Screening for Pancreatic cancer: Gold or Dross? - 09/07/11
- Dr. Sean Mulvihill, Researching Cancer
- Using the SAR - A case example
- Using the ACS NSQIP Semi-Annual Report
- NSQIP Program
- Dr. Mulvihill
- Nursing Innovation Report 2012-Huntsman Oncology
- MulvihillThanks_10-29-13a
- University of Utah Health Care Press Conference, 1-22-14