AHN Appoints Renowned Surgical Oncologist Nipun Merchant, MD, as Chair of the Department of Surgery and First Surgeon-in-Chief

PITTSBURGH (Oct. 14, 2026) - Allegheny Health Network (AHN) today announced that Nipun B. Merchant, MD, an internationally recognized surgical oncologist, researcher and healthcare executive, has been appointed chair of the network's Department of Surgery and its first surgeon-in-chief, effective February 2027.

The newly created surgeon-in-chief role reflects AHN's commitment to creating a more integrated model of surgical care across its growing network. Dr. Merchant's appointment as chair represents a broader investment in elevating the Department of Surgery to national prominence in patient care, education and research.

Dr. Merchant joins AHN from the University of Miami Health System and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where his leadership spanned clinical care, scientific investigation and health system operations. He was the Alan S. Livingstone Professor of Surgery and served in senior leadership roles including Chief Surgical Officer, Executive Director of Perioperative Services and Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology. He was also Sylvester's Associate Director of Translational Research and founding Director of the Sylvester Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute, roles that brought together cancer care, translational science and program development.

As surgeon-in-chief, Dr. Merchant will serve as the senior physician executive for AHN's surgical enterprise, providing strategic oversight for surgical services across the network's hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. As chair of the Department of Surgery, he will lead the department's clinical, academic and strategic growth, with a focus on recruiting and developing outstanding faculty, expanding advanced surgical programs, strengthening education, and building its research enterprise. Working closely with physicians, nurses and operational leaders, he will help drive improvements in quality, safety, and patient experience.

"Bringing a leader of Dr. Merchant's caliber to AHN represents a significant milestone for our organization," said Bethany Casagranda, DO, MBA, chief medical officer at AHN and president of Allegheny Clinic. "His exceptional record as a surgeon, researcher, educator and leader will help us build on the strength of our surgical programs, expand our research mission and bring highly specialized care to more patients across the region."

A leading expert in gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers, Dr. Merchant has dedicated his career to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of some of the most challenging forms of cancer. His research has focused on the biology of pancreatic cancer, including studies of its tumor microenvironment, cell signaling pathways and novel therapeutic approaches designed to personalize treatment and improve outcomes for patients.

During his tenure at the University of Miami, Dr. Merchant helped develop one of the nation's premier multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer programs. He has a long-standing record of continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), authored more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications, and translated laboratory discoveries into innovative clinical trials for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. He also leads a National Cancer Institute-funded training grant that prepares the next generation of surgeon-scientists.

Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles with the American College of Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, Society of Asian Academic Surgeons, National Comprehensive Cancer Network and National Cancer Institute.

"I am honored to join AHN at such a pivotal time in its growth," said Dr. Merchant. "What drew me to AHN is the opportunity to build on an outstanding clinical foundation and create something truly distinctive across an integrated health system. I look forward to working with colleagues throughout the network to shape a Department of Surgery where exceptional patient care, education and discovery reinforce one another, and to develop the people and programs that will define the next chapter of surgery at AHN."

Dr. Merchant succeeds David Bartlett, MD, Director of the AHN Cancer Center and President of the Allegheny-Singer Research Institute (ASRI), who has served as Interim Chair of the Department of Surgery during the national search process.

"AHN is deeply grateful to Dr. Bartlett for his leadership, stewardship, and unwavering commitment to the department throughout this important period of transition. His guidance helped maintain the department's strong momentum while continuing to advance AHN's clinical, research, and academic missions," Dr. Casagranda said.

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About Allegheny Health Network

Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org) is an integrated health care delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The network is composed of 16 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home- and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. AHN provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women's health, diabetes and more. AHN employs approximately 27,000 people, has 3,000 physicians on its medical staff, and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and Duquesne University Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine.