Derek Wakeman

Derek Wakeman, M.D. is an Associate Professor in both the Department of Surgery (Pediatric Surgery) and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He practices at Golisano Children's Hospital as part of the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group (URMFG) and Accountable Health Partners (AHP). Dr. Wakeman specializes in pediatric surgery, treating general and thoracic neonatal and pediatric surgical diseases ranging from common conditions like hernias and appendicitis to complex congenital disorders such as esophageal atresia and gastroschisis.

Dr. Wakeman's educational background includes:

• MD from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons (2006)
• Fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine (2014-2016)
• Residency in General Surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (2011-2014)
• Fellowship in Nephrology at St. Louis University (2008-2011)
• Additional surgical training at Barnes-Jewish Hospital including residency and internship (2006-2008)

Dr. Wakeman's research focuses primarily on quality improvement and patient safety in pediatric surgery. He leads multiple quality improvement initiatives including efforts to enhance care for children after surgical procedures, with specific grant funding to improve care for children and their caregivers after gastrostomy (G) tube insertion. As the Medical Director of the American College of Surgeons Verified Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, he leads quality improvement efforts in injury prevention and minimizing unnecessary imaging and radiation. He co-leads the New York State Pediatric Trauma Research Consortium and participates in national collaborative research on social determinants of health and their impact on children's surgical care and outcomes. His work emphasizes value-based care through projects to de-implement unnecessary post-operative testing and reduce waste in the operating room.

Dr. Wakeman's extensive publication record demonstrates a clear focus on quality improvement in pediatric surgical care, with particular emphasis on gastrostomy tube management, trauma care, and the influence of social determinants of health on surgical outcomes. His recent work shows growing interest in developing assessment tools for quality improvement competencies and analyzing healthcare utilization patterns related to neighborhood factors.

Dr. Wakeman has received numerous awards throughout his career:

• Quality Award: Best Quality Improvement Abstract and Manuscript (2020)
• URMC Board Excellence Award for SIMORS team leadership (2019)
• URMC Institute for Innovative Education Team Based Care Summit Award for PEPS (2019)
• Best Trauma Abstract Winner (2019)
• Gregorio A. Sicard Fellow Teaching Award (2016)
• Eugene Bricker Teaching Award (2014)
• Multiple teaching awards during residency (2009-2013)
• Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership (2005)

As an educator, Dr. Wakeman has demonstrated exceptional teaching abilities throughout his career, receiving multiple teaching awards both as a resident and faculty member. He serves as the surgeon representative for Golisano Children's Hospital in a national pediatric surgery quality improvement collaborative and participates in research examining the effects of social determinants of health on children's surgical outcomes. His leadership extends to directing quality improvement projects focused on reducing unnecessary post-operative testing, minimizing surgical site infections, and improving care for children with gastrostomy tubes.

Dr. Wakeman co-leads a multi-disciplinary team focused on improving care for children receiving gastrostomy tubes and leads the Pediatric Trauma program at Golisano Children's Hospital. He is actively involved in the New York State Pediatric Trauma Research Consortium and participates in national collaborative research groups examining quality improvement in pediatric surgery.