Stephen J. Fenton

Stephen J. Fenton, MD, FACS, FAAP is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery and Adjunct Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He is a board-certified Pediatric Surgeon practicing at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, with additional clinics in Lehi and Billings. He specializes in fetal and neonatal surgery, pediatric trauma, and minimally invasive procedures for conditions ranging from hernias to complex congenital anomalies.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in Spanish from the University of Utah
• M.D. from Creighton University School of Medicine
• Residency and Chief Residency in General Surgery at the University of Utah
• Fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Dr. Fenton's research interests focus on fetal surgery, neonatal surgery, and pediatric trauma. He has pioneered work in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) life support and the multidisciplinary management of congenital anomalies. His clinical expertise includes minimally invasive techniques for gastroesophageal reflux, choledochal cysts, and complex neonatal disorders such as tracheoesophageal fistula and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. He is particularly known for his contributions to fetal care, having founded the Utah Fetal Center.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on improving pediatric trauma systems through statewide collaboratives and telemedicine, as well as advancing outcomes in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. He has led significant research on preventable transfers, ECMO utilization, and the management of traumatic injuries in children.

Dr. Fenton is the founder and director of two major initiatives: the Utah Fetal Center, which provides comprehensive care for pregnant mothers with fetuses diagnosed with congenital anomalies, and the Utah Pediatric Trauma Network, which aims to establish statewide standards for pediatric trauma care. These centers exemplify his commitment to multidisciplinary care and system-wide improvements in pediatric surgical outcomes.