Celia M Divino, MD

A distinguished surgical educator and leader, Dr. Celia M. Divino holds the prestigious position of Chief of the Division of General Surgery and the Stanley Edelman Professor of Surgery. With a unique blend of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge innovation, Dr. Divino has redefined medical education. Dr. Divino is a staunch advocate for the timeless art of mentoring, recognizing its pivotal role in nurturing young doctors' ability to make informed and sound decisions. With a wealth of experience in advanced minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Divino specializes in laparoscopic gastrointestinal and hernia surgery. Her expertise extends to the realm of Neuroendocrine disease, particularly carcinoid tumors, where she is recognized as a leading authority. Her outstanding contributions have earned her a place on the roster of the Best Doctors in America since 2010 and New York Magazine's Top Doctors since 2014. Dr. Divino's unwavering dedication to surgical excellence and medical education makes her a guiding figure in the field of surgery. 

In addition to her clinical commitments, Dr. Divino maintains multifaceted administrative roles, which span the department, institution, and national arena. Notably, Dr. Divino has held key leadership positions that underscore her commitment to the field. Her prior role as the Chair of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Resident Education, along with her service on its Advisory Council Quality Pillar, demonstrates her dedication to shaping the future of surgical education. Currently, Dr. Divino maintains active engagement within the American College of Surgeons, serving on the Advisory Council of General Surgery and their Subcommittee on Novel Techniques, as well as on the Special Committee of the Academy of Master Surgeons. In her capacity as Vice Chair for Education, she has fostered a culture of safety through the training of house staff, emphasizing the critical importance of team training and pathways to enhance patient care while reducing medical errors. In this pursuit, Dr. Divino pioneered the establishment of the Mount Sinai Center for Surgical Simulation, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence, to improve the level of safety and care that we provide our patients. Dr. Divino's motivations extend to various prestigious professional organizations, where she remains an active and influential member. These include the American Surgical Association, American College of Surgeons, the Society for the Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, the Association of Women Surgeons, the Society for Surgical Education, ACS Academy of Master Surgeon Educators, the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, the Association of Program Directors in Surgery, and the Endocrine Society. Her dedication to these organizations reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing surgical practice and education at every level.

Dr. Divino has established an influential presence in the realm of research, marked by her remarkable track record of securing research grants from esteemed institutions. Her dedication to advancing medical knowledge has garnered support from organizations such as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, The Department of Defense, The National Institute of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and The Association of Women’s Surgeons. Dr. Divino's contributions extend beyond grant acquisition, and she has played a pivotal role on major editorial boards, contributing her expertise to shape the landscape of medical and surgical literature. Her extensive body of work, comprising numerous publications, abstracts, and presentations, has made a significant impact on the field. Dr. Divino’s accomplishments in the laboratory, classroom, and operating room have been repeatedly recognized both within the medical center, as well as on a national level. Awards include The Surgical Attending of the Year Award, The Medical Student Teaching Award, The Dr. Robert Paradny Teaching Award in Surgery, and most recently, the prestigious  Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Jacobi Medallion Award. Dr. Divino has also been honored with multiple commendations from various scientific societies and community groups including The American Medical Association’s Janet W. Glasgow Memorial Achievement Award, the Medical Leadership Award from the New York State Assembly, and the 2020 Career Achievement Award in Medical Education.

Watch Dr Divino perform a laparoscopic appendectomy.

In The News

Dr. Divino discusses gallstones in The Daily News feature The Daily Check Up. View the PDF.