Pediatric Surgeon Joins the Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine

Catherine J. Hunter, M.D., pediatric surgeon, has established her practice with The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine, as an associate professor with the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Department of Surgery. She also will serve as vice chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery, and associate program director. She holds the Children’s Hospital Foundation Paula Milburn Miller Chair in Pediatric Surgery.

Hunter treats a broad range of pediatric illnesses and possesses depth of expertise in traditional and minimally invasive approaches. She is board certified in both general surgery and pediatric surgery, specializing in chest wall deformities in children, and has established a clinic dedicated solely to the treatment of this condition.

“It is a thrilling opportunity to grow a robust practice with the full support of a premier academic health system represented by OU Medicine,” Hunter said. The commitment to innovation in patient-centered, pediatric-specific care is evident at The Children’s Hospital and I look forward to what we can achieve here.”

P. Cameron Mantor, M.D., professor, vice chair of Operations and division chief of pediatric surgery with the OU College of Medicine, said, “I can’t overstate how incredibly pleased we are with Dr. Hunter’s presence at The Children’s Hospital, in addition to welcoming her as a faculty colleague. Her contributions to pediatric surgery are far-reaching and significant, and her research holds much promise for improving treatment and care across multiple disciplines.”

Hunter completed a pediatric surgery fellowship and research fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and a general surgery residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, Calif. She served her surgery internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, and earned her medical degree at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City.

Hunter performs surgical procedures for infants, children and adolescents, using advanced minimally invasive techniques as appropriate. Procedures include correction of congenital anomalies, such as gastroschisis, esophageal atresia, diaphragmatic hernia and anorectal malformations, among others. Additional specialties include surgical oncology and pediatric trauma surgery.

Recognized nationally as an authority on the care of necrotizing enterocolitis, Hunter has more than 60 manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals. Research interests comprise nearly half of Hunter’s practice. Currently, she directs a research program funded by the National Institutes of Health to investigate the causes of necrotizing enterocolitis and explore potential treatment options.