Iljana Marjorie Gaffar MD FAAP

Summary

• Iljana M. Gaffar, MD, is a double board-certified pediatric surgeon specializing in general pediatric surgery, including minimally invasive procedures, congenital anomalies, and pediatric surgical oncology. She completed her fellowship at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University and general surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, after earning her BA/MD from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Dr. Gaffar brings experience across academic, community, and international settings, and is dedicated to advancing equity in surgical care by building systems that ensure all children—regardless of location—have access to high-quality subspecialty care close to home. She is deeply involved in wellness and advocacy for both patients and fellow physicians, leading initiatives in physician coaching, peer support, and global efforts that promote well-being, emotional intelligence, and balance in surgical practice. Her current research is increasingly focused on shaping the future of surgical care, with particular attention to surgeon well-being, sustainable career design, and surgical education. Earlier in her career, she published on pancreatic cell tracing and islet transplantation in journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, and Endocrinology. Dr. Gaffar is also committed to building supportive communities for healthcare professionals, patients, and families navigating surgical conditions, and to fostering safe, healthy environments where care teams can thrive.