Jeffrey B. Matthews, MD, currently the Surgeon-in-Chief and Chair of the Department of Surgery, has been appointed as the Surgeon-in-Chief of the University of Chicago Health System, with his new role commencing on July 1, 2024. This appointment is announced during a dynamic period of growth for the University of Chicago School of Medicine, which now includes an extensive network of facilities and clinics across the region, including a significant multispecialty care facility in Northwest Indiana, and partnerships and expansions in the western suburbs and Southland areas of Chicago.
Expanding the University of Chicago Health System
The University of Chicago Health System’s expansion includes acquiring a controlling stake in AdventHealth’s Great Lakes Region and the ongoing construction of a 575,000-square-foot cancer care and research facility scheduled to open in 2027 on the main medical campus. The aim is to ensure the delivery of high-quality surgical care, innovation, and the seamless integration of academic and clinical missions across all sites.
“As our institution continues to grow, we must ensure consistent, high-quality surgical care, innovation in surgical techniques, seamless integration of academic and clinical missions across all sites, and expansion of world-class surgical care spanning multiple sites throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana,” said Dr. Mark Anderson, executive vice president for medical affairs at the University of Chicago.
Leadership and Achievements
Dr. Matthews will continue his role as Chief of Surgery, a position he has held since 2006, while taking on his new responsibilities. As the chief medical officer for surgical and perioperative care, he will oversee growth, access, quality, safety, and value within the health system, working with leaders and service lines to expand surgical programs and capacity.
Under Matthews’ leadership, the Department of Surgery has experienced substantial growth and numerous accomplishments, including:
- Doubling the size of the transplant programs, which now significantly exceed national averages in serving minority communities.
- Launching the Level I Adult Trauma Program in 2018, now one of the busiest in Chicago.
- Managing surgical services during the COVID-19 pandemic with an Ethical Triage Framework for Time-Sensitive and Medically Necessary Procedures endorsed by the state of Illinois and the American College of Surgeons.
- Increasing the department’s research portfolio by 68% from 2006 to 2024, reaching a projected $12.3 million.
- Expanding the surgical faculty nearly twofold to 145 and increasing the number of residents and fellows from 78 to 135, with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion recognized nationally.
A Career Marked by Excellence
A specialist in gastrointestinal surgery with a focus on pancreatic and biliary diseases, Dr. Matthews holds leadership roles in several prestigious organizations, including the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Surgery. His prolific research career includes over 200 published papers and long-term funding from the National Institutes of Health for his work on epithelial transport and barrier function.
Dr. Matthews has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of University Surgeons, recognizing his academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the field of surgery.
“The selection of a decorated faculty leader for this health system-wide position reinforces the health system’s commitment to bringing academic medicine to a growing number of communities and ensuring the highest level of patient care,” said Tom Jakiewicz, president of the University of Chicago Health System.
Dr. Matthews’ new role underscores the University of Chicago Health System’s dedication to maintaining its standard of excellence and expanding its reach to provide top-tier medical care to more communities.
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