Bhargava Mullapudi, MD

Biography

As a pediatric transplant and general surgeon, I meet sick children and parents at the most vulnerable times in their lives. My goal is to make them feel at ease and to make decisions together. Even when there is a complex problem, I think: “If this were my child, what would I do?” Then I suggest the same treatment strategy to the parents. I take a mindfulness approach when I am operating, which means that there is nothing more important than your child.

I perform the following procedures:

• Liver, kidney and intestinal transplantations
• Surgical oncology
• Hepatobiliary surgery, which includes the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder
• Pancreas surgery, including total pancreatectomy islet cell auto transplantation (TPIAT)
• Complex vascular problems, which includes both arteries and veins
• Advanced minimally invasive approaches to the chest and abdominal surgery
• Neonatal surgery on babies who are four weeks old or younger
• Surgical robotics

I was inspired to pursue my career when my younger brother passed away at a young age. This experience motivated me to be a doctor and help children. Then, at age nine, I had a bad case of appendicitis and was amazed that the surgeon could cut into me and still take the pain away. At that point, I not only wanted to be a doctor but an outstanding surgeon!

Years later, when I was pursuing general surgery training, I was introduced to pediatric surgery and pediatric transplant surgery. This challenging field resonated with me. My research focus is on clinical outcomes in transplantation.

I was honored to receive the Jon S. Thompson Resident Teaching Award in recognition of my commitment and dedication to resident education and learning. I also received the Chancellor’s Council Award for clinical excellence at the University of Nebraska.

When I’m not working, I like hiking, backcountry camping, biking, yoga and meditation. I also enjoy spending time with my children and doing activities with them.