Claudius Conrad

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Education

• 2011 Doctor Medicinae Habil in Surgery (PhD) University of Munich
• 2006 Doctor Philosophiae in Musical Science (PhD) University of Munich
• 2003 Doctor of Medicine, (MD) University of Munich

Biography

Prior to joining U of I as Director of Translational Research at the Cancer Center at Illinois and Medical Director of Innovation and Strategy at Carle, Dr. Conrad was the chief of general surgery and surgical oncology at Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, professor of Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, director of the Boston Liver, Pancreas, and Biliary Center and program director of the minimally invasive hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery fellowship.

Dr. Conrad received two post-doctoral degrees, (stem cell biology and music philosophy) from University of Munich, and subsequently completed general surgery training at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he became Instructor in Surgery at Harvard Medical School in 2011 as well as affiliated faculty at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Dr. Conrad also served as the Director of Music in Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital during this time and is recognized internationally as an expert on the role of music in medicine. He then received subspecialty training in surgical oncology at the Dana-Farber Surgical Oncology Program, followed in 2013 by the IHPBA Minimal Access Fellowship at the Institut Mutualist Montsouris in Paris and the University of Tokyo. Between 2013 and 2018, Dr. Conrad was an Assistant Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX.

Dr. Conrad’s current research focuses on novel techniques/technologies to treat complex liver and pancreas cancer. In this context, together with Prof. Gayet, he authored the first textbook and video atlas of laparoscopic HPB surgery. He currently serves as the program chair of the International Society of Laparoscopic Liver Surgery, and HPB committee member of the Society of Surgical Oncology, Society of Surgery of the Alimentary Tract and Society of American Gastrointestinal Surgeons and member of the International Relations Committee of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association. He has authored and coauthored some of the most impactful manuscripts in this field.

Academic Positions

• 03/2024-present Associate Dean of Research and Innovation, Carle Illinois College of Medicine
• 03/2024-present Professor of Clinical Medicine, Carle Illinois College of Medicine
• 11/2022- 03/2024 Professor of Surgery, Boston University, School of Medicine
• 12/2019-11/2022 Associate Professor Tufts, University School of Medicine

Other Professional Employment

• 03/2024-present Director, Translational Research, Cancer Center at Illinois, Medical Director, Surgical Innovation and Strategy, Carle Health
• 07/2021-03/2024 Chief, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• 03/2020-03/2024 Consular physician, German Consulate General Boston, German Mission in the United States
• 10/2018-03/2024 Chief, Surgical Oncology, Director, Boston Liver, Pancreas and Biliary Center, Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth Medical Center
• 09/2013-06/2018 Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center
• 06/2011-06/2013 Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Surgical Oncology, Harvard Medical School

Professional Registrations

• FACS - Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• FSSO - Fellow of the Society of Surgical Oncology

Other Professional Activities

• Fellowship - Minimally Invasive Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery - International HPB Association - Institut Mutualist Montsouris, Paris and University of Tokyo
• Board Certification - Fellowship General Complex Surgical Oncology - SSO
• Board Certification - General Surgery - American College of Surgeons

Teaching Statement

I emphasize active learning methods, including case-based discussions, hands-on simulations, and collaborative projects, to empower students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios. As the author of the first textbook and video atlas of laparoscopic hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, I am passionate about sharing practical insights and innovative techniques with the next generation of surgeons. This has led to me receiving the Tufts University Mentorship Award and having been nominated for the Harvard University Mentorship Award.

Furthermore, my involvement in professional societies such as the International Society of Laparoscopic Liver Surgery and the Society of Surgical Oncology reflects my commitment to lifelong learning and mentorship. I aim to inspire students to become leaders in their respective fields, equipped with the skills and ethical framework necessary to advance patient care and contribute meaningfully to the medical community.

In collaboration with colleagues and industry partners, I strive to create opportunities for interdisciplinary research and experiential learning that transcend traditional boundaries. By including in this research women surgeon from countries underrepresented in my field, I teach and foster inclusivity. By fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, I aim to prepare students to excel in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape and make meaningful contributions to the field of surgical oncology and beyond.

Well-Designed Instruction:

Drawing upon my experience as the Program Director of the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Fellowship, as well as my role in mentoring post-docs, medical- and undergraduate students, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the educational needs and objectives of learners in the field of surgical oncology. I begin each course by articulating clear and ambitious learning objectives that align with the overarching goals of the curriculum. These objectives serve as a roadmap for students, guiding their learning journey and providing a framework for assessing their progress and mastery of course content.

In designing instruction, I adopt a student-centered approach, integrating diverse instructional methods to accommodate varied learning styles and preferences. Whether through traditional lectures, case-based discussions, or hands-on simulations, I strive to create engaging and interactive learning experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning skills. Furthermore, I prioritize the development of comprehensive course materials, including syllabi and learning resources, that are organized, accessible, and of the highest quality. By transparently communicating course expectations, objectives, and assessment criteria, I empower students to take ownership of their learning and succeed in their academic pursuits. In this context, I believe my teaching is reflective of the excellence in teaching at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign defined as Well-designed, Well-delivered, Inclusive and Ethical, as well as Reflective and Evolving:

Well-Delivered Instruction:

In the classroom, I create an environment conducive to learning, where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to actively engage with course content. Drawing upon my experience as a recipient of the Tufts University Mentorship Award and my extensive experience in teaching and mentoring students, I leverage effective pedagogical strategies to maximize student engagement and comprehension. I manage class time efficiently, balancing didactic instruction with interactive activities to promote active learning and participation.

Clear communication is paramount in facilitating student learning. I articulate complex concepts with clarity and precision, utilizing diverse instructional modalities, such as multimedia presentations and interactive discussions, to enhance comprehension and retention. Additionally, I provide timely and constructive feedback on student performance, guiding learners towards continuous improvement and mastery. By fostering a growth mindset and instilling confidence in students, I empower them to embrace challenges, overcome obstacles, and achieve their full potential.

Inclusive and Ethical Instruction:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values that inform my teaching practice. Drawing upon my experience in fostering the academic success of women minorities in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery from countries with few women in the field, I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported. I design instruction to be inclusive and accessible, employing strategies such as Universal Design for Learning to accommodate diverse learners and ensure full participation.

Furthermore, I conduct myself with integrity and professionalism, treating students with respect and dignity. Equitable course policies are implemented consistently, ensuring fairness and transparency in assessment and evaluation. By incorporating diverse perspectives and voices into my teaching materials and promoting a culture of mutual respect and appreciation for diversity, I create a classroom environment where every student feels empowered to succeed.

Reflective and Evolving Instruction:

Continuous improvement is central to my teaching philosophy. Drawing upon my experience as a scholarship recipient at Harvard Medical School on optimal didactics and my involvement in teaching development activities, I regularly evaluate and revise my instructional practices based on feedback from students, colleagues, and self-assessment. I stay abreast of current research and best practices in teaching and learning, integrating innovative pedagogical techniques and technologies into my instruction.

Moreover, I actively solicit feedback from students to gain insights into their learning experiences, preferences, and needs. By creating an open dialogue for reflection and growth, I empower students to play an active role in shaping their educational journey. Through ongoing reflection, self-assessment, and professional development, I strive to create an enriching and dynamic learning environment that inspires students to excel academically and professionally.

In conclusion, my teaching philosophy is rooted in a commitment to excellence, equity, and continuous improvement. By designing and delivering instruction that is well-designed, well-delivered, inclusive and ethical, and reflective and evolving, I aim to inspire and empower the next generation of surgical oncologists to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to the field.

Research Statement

Research Statement:

My research endeavors are driven by a passion for advancing the field of surgical oncology through innovative techniques, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translational approaches aimed at improving patient outcomes. With a focus on complex liver and pancreas cancer, my work encompasses both clinical investigation and technological innovation to address critical challenges in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of these diseases.

My research team and I are dedicated to developing novel techniques and technologies that push the boundaries of minimally invasive hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery. Leveraging my expertise in laparoscopic HPB surgery, I am leading efforts to refine existing surgical approaches and explore emerging modalities such as robotics and image-guided interventions to enhance precision and patient safety.

A key aspect of my research agenda is the translation of cutting-edge discoveries from the bench to the bedside. By bridging the gap between basic science and clinical practice, we aim to accelerate the development and implementation of innovative therapies for liver and pancreas cancer. Collaborating closely with basic scientists, engineers, and industry partners, we are investigating novel biomarkers, targeted therapies, and immunotherapeutic strategies with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms.

Furthermore, my research extends beyond the operating room to encompass the broader socio-economic and healthcare delivery aspects of cancer care. Through health services research and outcomes analysis, we are evaluating the impact of multidisciplinary care models, disparities in access to care, and healthcare policy on patient outcomes and healthcare utilization. By identifying gaps in care and implementing evidence-based interventions, we strive to optimize the delivery of high-quality, equitable cancer care to diverse patient populations.

As a program chair of the International Society of Laparoscopic Liver Surgery and a member of several professional societies, I am actively engaged in collaborative research initiatives and knowledge dissemination efforts on a global scale. Through international collaborations and participation in multi-center clinical trials, we are leveraging collective expertise and resources to address complex research questions and drive practice-changing advancements in the field of HPB surgery.

In summary, my research program is characterized by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact. By embracing a multidisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration, and leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, we aspire to make significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of liver and pancreas cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes and transforming the practice of surgical oncology.

Post-Doctoral Research Opportunities

Cancer Prognostication of Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas Cancer;

Novel Technologies in Operating Room;

Music in Clinical Medicine

Graduate Research Opportunities

Cancer Prognostication of Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas Cancer;

Novel Technologies in Operating Room;

Music in Clinical Medicine

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Cancer Prognostication of Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas Cancer

Novel Technologies in Operating Room

Music in Clinical Medicine

Journal Editorships

• JAMA Surgery
• Pancreas
• Journal of the American College of Surgeons
• Surgery
• Annals of Surgery
• Annals of Surgical Oncology
• Langenbeck’s Archive of Surgery
• Journal of Surgical Oncology
• Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery
• Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery

Other Scholarly Activities

• Healing Hands - Piano Album Recording with Steinway Record Label - https://www.steinway.com/music-and-artists/label/healing-hands-claudius-conrad

Honors

• 2026, Phyllis M. Wise Professor of Medicine and Innovation
• 2021, Karl Storz Lecture, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
• 2016, Society of Surgical Oncology and Japanese Society of Gastrointestinal Surgeons International Career Development Award, Japan
• 2016, North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society Clinical Investigator Scholarship
• 2016, IHPBA best video award, 12th World Congress of the IHPBA
• 2016, Fullbright Scholar, Mentor
• 2014, Best Video Award, The 2nd International Consensus Conference on Laparoscopic Liver Resection
• 2013, Review Award, Journal Nutrition
• 2012, Robotic Abdominal Surgery, European School of Surgery, Paris
• 2012, Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery, European School of Surgery
• 2009, Steinway Artist
• 2009, Physiology and Clinical Music, New York Academy of Science
• 2009, Leadership Award, American College of Surgeons
• 2009, Excellence in Research Award, American College of Surgeons
• 2007, Fritz Linde Investigators Award, German Surgical Society (collaborative)
• 2006, Young Investigators Award, International Society of Anti-Angiogenesis