John Porterfield, M.D., is a renowned educator, particularly in robotic surgery.John Porterfield, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been selected to join the Board of Directors of the Institute for Surgical Excellence. ISE is expanding its groundbreaking surgical training and education programs to equip surgeons of all disciplines with the skills needed to apply cutting-edge technologies.
The institute says Porterfield, who is known for education research in general surgery, will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to its mission to provide patients with the best level of care possible.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Porterfield join us as we continue our work in promoting surgical excellence in all disciplines,” said Martin Martino of the ISE Board of Directors. “Innovations in surgery are continuing to create countless opportunities for both surgeons and patients, and Dr. Porterfield’s commitment to improving the quality and standards of surgical training and better outcomes is widely recognized and will be an invaluable component to the ISE leadership.”
“I am honored to join the Board of Directors of ISE,” Porterfield said. “In this era of advanced minimally invasive surgery, increased use of robotics, technical innovation and limited work hours, we will face a number of challenges and opportunities as we train the next generation of surgeons. ISE will play an important role in these efforts, and I look forward to the opportunity to help guide this process.”
Porterfield joined the UAB Department of Surgery in 2008 after training at the Mayo Clinic. He serves as director of the general surgery residency program and has won several UAB Faculty Teacher of the Year awards. Porterfield was recently inducted into the prestigious Southern Surgical Association. He also is an active member of numerous professional organizations including the Southeastern Surgical Congress, the Association of Program Directors in Surgery, and the American College of Surgeons Committee on Resident Education. He speaks nationally and internationally regarding his expertise in surgical education, endocrine and robotic surgery. He has written five book chapters and contributed to 30 journal articles.
The Institute for Surgical Excellence is a public, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving surgical care and patient outcomes. ISE’s mission is to support the implementation of safer solutions to complex surgical interventions, often involving the application of emerging technologies.