News

HCI established The Society of Huntsman Translational Scholars to recognize excellence in the discipline of translational science. Thomas Varghese Jr, MD, MS, was recently honored with a Huntsman Translational Scholar award.

Minimally invasive robotic surgery for lung, esophageal, and mediastinal resections achieves several benefits for patients, such as shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain, and a lower chance of complications. Huntsman Cancer Institute is the only hospital in the entire Mountain West region using the robotic Intuitive da Vinci® Surgical System for thoracic surgery.

Tom Varghese, MD, is a thoracic surgeon who treats patients with lung cancer at Huntsman Cancer Institute. But did you know he's also an amateur cartoonist who's passionate about gender equity in the medical field?

When I was diagnosed with uterine sarcoma, behind all of the distress about treatment was an overwhelming feeling of disbelief that I was about to become infertile at age 28. But being able to retrieve and freeze my eggs before chemotherapy gave me back a little bit of the control I felt was lacking.

“Our perspective was to enjoy life no matter the circumstances. You find joy. Sometimes you have to search under the rug and in the closet, but there’s something to be happy about every day.”

Just three weeks after their wedding in 2007, newlyweds Dan and Melanie Hedlund were in for some startling news—Dan had osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

John Stringham, MD, is a cardiothoracic surgeon who specializes in lung transplant surgery and also has a special interest in lung cancer surgery for patients with lung failure. He discusses his interests in minimally invasive surgery and why HCI provides hope for patients with lung cancer.

After what Ken and Julieann Selden call the worst trial they’ve ever faced, the young couple now live a more purposeful life. Ken's diagnosis with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma brought a lifetime’s worth of grief, fear, pain, hope, and joy.