Biography

Dr. Kirkwood graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and completed her general surgical training at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. Dr. Kirkwood has an interest in all areas of vascular surgery. Her research interests include radiation dose control in complex endovascular cases, the natural history and potential enlargement of iliac artery aneurysms following endovascular aneurysms following endovascular aneurysm repair for concomitant AAA, the feasibility and safety of simultaneous thoracic and abdominal endovascular aortic repair in multilevel aortic disease, and functional outcomes of limb revascularization for peripheral artery disease using heparin-coated conduits. Her clinical focus includes traditional open and endovascular abdominal and thoracic aortic surgery, carotid disease including conventional carotid endarterectomy, and carotid stenting. She also has an interest in endovascular therapies and lower extremity bypass focused on peripheral arterial disease and limb salvage. Dr. Kirkwood is a member of the Alpha Omega Honor Medical Society and is certified by the American Board of Surgery in vascular and general surgery. Dr. Melissa Kirkwood is certified as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation.

Education

Medical School
Yale University School of Medicine (2004)
Residency
University of Chicago Medical Center (2009), General Surgery
Fellowship
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center (2011), Vascular Surgery

Research Interest

  • Feasibility and safety of simultaneous thoracic and abdominal endovascular aortic repair in multilevel aortic disease
  • Functional Outcomes of limb revascularization for peripheral artery disease using heparin coated conduits
  • Racial and ethnic disparities regarding outcomes following infected aortic graft explants
  • Radiation dose control in complex endovascular cases
  • The natural history and potential enlargement of Iliac Artery Aneurysms following Endovascular aneurysm repair for concomitant AAA

Publications

Featured Publications LegendFeatured Publications

Honors & Awards

  • D Magazine Top Doctor
    (2016)
  • S. Timothy String Award
    Best Manuscript Presentation at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Southern Association for Vascular Surgery (2015)
  • Society for Vascular Surgery Women's Leadership Award
    (2015)
  • Leadership Emerging in Academic Department (LEAD) Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center
    (2014-2015)

Professional Associations/Affiliations

  • Joint Commission (2016)
  • Medical Student Education Research Advisory Committee (2016-2017)
  • Society for Vascular Surgery, Committee on Consensus Guidelines for Radiation Safety (2015-2017)
  • Society for Vascular Surgery, Leadership Committee (2015-2017)
  • Society for Vascular Surgery, Post Graduate Committee (2015-2017)
  • Southern Association for Vascular Surgery, Finance Committee (2015-2017)
  • UT Southwestern Medical School Admissions Committee (2015-2017)
  • UT Southwestern Mentoring Excellence Program (2015-2016)
  • Society for Vascular Surgery, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (2014-2017)
  • UT PACT surgery Coordinator (2014-2017)
  • Vascular Surgery Fellowship (2014-2017)
  • American College of Surgeons, Fellow (2013)
  • American College of Surgeons, North Texas Chapter, Vascular Surgery Representative (2013-2017)
  • American College of Surgeons, North Texas Chapter, Women in Surgery Representative (2013-2015)
  • Association of Women Surgeons (2013)
  • Society for Vascular Surgery, Vascular Education and Self-Assessment Program (VESAP3) Radiation Safety Question Writer (2013-2013)