General Surgery Research
Scholarly academic activity is one of the major goals of our Division. Despite being very active clinically and devoting considerable efforts to the teaching mission of the Department, the members of the Division of General Surgery also annually contribute publications to the surgical literature on a variety of clinical research topics.
Clinical Research

Charles M. Friel, MD
Chief of Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery; Surgical Director of Digestive Center of Excellence; Professor
434-243-9970
Charles M. Friel, MD
Dr. Friel specializes in the treatment of colorectal conditions. He has a particular interest in the treatment of rectal cancer as well as inflammatory bowel disease, where he is recognized as a regional and national leader, being recently recognized as one of the “Best Doctors in America.” He also specializes in minimally invasive approaches, including laparoscopy and colonoscopy.
Peter T. Hallowell, MD
Dr. Hallowell is a board certified general surgeon with specialties in minimally invasive surgery and bariatric surgery. He serves as the director of the bariatric surgery program, as well as the medical director of the surgery clinic. Additionally, he is also the co-director of our minimally invasive surgery fellowship.
Traci L. Hedrick, MD
Dr. Hedrick specializes in the treatment of colorectal conditions such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Her special focus is on minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery, laparoscopy, transanal endoscopic microsurgery and colonoscopy.

Sook C. Hoang, MD
Assistant Professor
Sook C. Hoang, MD
Sook C. Hoang, MD, is a double board-certified colorectal surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic approaches to treat a variety of colon and rectal disorders. These include colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), pelvic floor prolapse and fecal incontinence. She also performs high-resolution anoscopy for the surveillance and screening of high-risk patients with anal dysplasia.
Bruce D. Schirmer, MD
Schirmer specializes in treating patients with all types of gastrointestinal problems, obesity surgery and laparoscopic abdominal surgery.
Basic and Translational Research
Traci L. Hedrick, MD
Dr. Hedrick specializes in the treatment of colorectal conditions such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Her special focus is on minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery, laparoscopy, transanal endoscopic microsurgery and colonoscopy.

Sook C. Hoang, MD
Assistant Professor
Sook C. Hoang, MD
Sook C. Hoang, MD, is a double board-certified colorectal surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic approaches to treat a variety of colon and rectal disorders. These include colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), pelvic floor prolapse and fecal incontinence. She also performs high-resolution anoscopy for the surveillance and screening of high-risk patients with anal dysplasia.