2025 New Hires

Welcome Dr. Jessica Fazendin, Endocrine Surgeon

We are excited to welcome Dr. Jessica Fazendin to our faculty as an Endocrine Surgeon. Dr. Fazendin brings specialized expertise in thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal surgery, combined with a strong commitment to patient-centered care and surgical education. Her dedication to advancing clinical excellence and mentoring future surgeons will be a tremendous asset to our department. Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Fazendin to our team!

Welcome Dr. Joel Prince, Plastic Surgeon

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Joel Prince to our faculty as a Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Prince brings exceptional expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, a passion for innovative patient care, and a strong commitment to surgical education. His skill, creativity, and dedication will greatly enhance our department and the lives of the patients we serve. Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Prince to our team!

 Welcome Dr. Nicole Wilson, Pediatric Surgeon

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Nicole Wilson to our faculty. Dr. Wilson joins us with a strong background in clinical excellence, a passion for medical education, and a commitment to advancing patient care. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to mentorship make her a valuable addition to our department. We are excited for the expertise and energy she brings to our team and look forward to her many contributions. Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Wilson to our community.

Welcome Dr. Taylor Wilkinson, Colorectal Surgeon

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Taylor Wilkinson to our faculty as a Colorectal Surgeon. Dr. Wilkinson brings exceptional expertise in colorectal surgery, a dedication to innovative patient care, and a strong commitment to advancing surgical education. Her compassionate approach and clinical excellence will be invaluable assets to our department and the patients we serve. Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Wilkinson to our team!

Welcome Dr. Simon Rodier, General Surgeon                                                                                                                                                      

Dr. Simon Rodier joins the Department of Surgery as a General Surgeon and Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma. He completed his residency in General Surgery at NYU Langone Health and a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, with expertise in abdominal wall reconstruction and advanced robotic and laparoscopic techniques. An accomplished researcher and presenter, Dr. Rodier has published extensively in surgical innovation and outcomes and brings a strong commitment to clinical excellence, education, and advancing minimally invasive surgical care.

Welcome Dr. Cameron Ghafil, Trauma Surgeon

Dr. Cameron Ghafil joins the Department of Surgery as a new Trauma Surgeon, bringing advanced training in Trauma Surgery and Critical Care from the University of Miami/Jackson Health System and residency experience at LAC+USC Medical Center. A member of Alpha Omega Alpha and recipient of the LAC+USC Physician of the Year Award, Dr. Ghafil has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications focused on trauma systems, critical care, and surgical innovation. His dedication to education and clinical excellence will strengthen our trauma and acute care surgery programs and support the department’s mission of advancing patient care and academic achievement.

Welcome Dr. Megan Shepherd, Bariatric Surgeon

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Megan Shepherd to the Department of Surgery as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Shepherd joins us following completion of her bariatric and foregut fellowship at Menorah Medical Center and a rigorous surgical residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville . She brings a strong academic foundation, an impressive record of national presentations and publications, and a clear commitment to advancing patient care and surgical education . We are excited for the expertise, energy, and leadership she will contribute to our department.