May 1, 2021 marked the 10th anniversary of Keith Lillemoe, MD, as chief of surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Lillemoe's tenure has been marked by his efforts to improve surgical quality and safety, to expand surgical education, to advance women and minorities academically and administratively, and to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion in the department.

Under his auspices, for the fourth consecutive year, the Mass General Department of Surgery achieved a meritorious composite quality score in the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). The department also celebrated its fourth consecutive year as the “top ranked surgical residency in America” as rated by Doximity, and we continue to occupy the pinnacle of National Institutes of Health research funding in the U.S.

Keith’s leadership is based on the traditional values of loyalty and support, not only for the people in his department, but for other chiefs and hospital leadership. He treats everyone as individuals with unique challenges and needs, so he customizes his support to an individual’s specific circumstances. I have benefitted from his kindness and wisdom and consider him a good friend.

Timothy Ferris, MD
Former CEO of the MGPO and current National Director of Transformation in England’s National Health Service (NHS)

Keith has done a remarkable job as MGH chief of surgery over the last 10 years. His wise and steady hand at the helm of the department of surgery has allowed it to flourish over the decade. He has also emerged as an important leader across Mass General, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School and American surgery. We are very fortunate to have him at Mass General.

Peter L. Slavin, MD
President of Massachusetts General Hospital

A Tenure Marked by Important Milestones

Through his steadfast efforts over the past decade, Dr. Lillemoe has:

  • Increased the number of female full professors from one to eight in the department, with more in the pipeline
  • Established a committee devoted to diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Led the department to successfully compete for funding from the MGPO Frigoletto Committee to institute a Surgical Wellness Program
  • Positioned faculty and trainee development high on his list
  • Appointed a new chief research officer to guide the department's academic portfolio and partnerships
  • Fostered clinical growth, innovation and network development
  • Propelled the work of the Department of Surgery Codman Center for Surgical Excellence and the Mass General Center for Outcomes and Patient Safety in Surgery (COMPASS) to embrace clinical innovation and care delivery
  • Initiated a new and improved Faculty Mentoring Program
  • Used his leadership in national societies to quietly push a progressive agenda, encouraging and promoting women and minorities in a traditionally male-dominated profession

The Department of Surgery thanks Dr. Lillemoe for his leadership, kindness, mentorship and mastery of surgery. Congratulations from all of us on 10 years as chief of surgery!