Catherine G. Velopulos

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About

Catherine G. Velopulos is a leading surgical outcomes researcher whose work bridges the critical intersection of social determinants of health and surgical care. Her primary research areas include health equity, surgical disparities, and the impact of social vulnerability on postoperative outcomes. Dr. Velopulos has made significant contributions by demonstrating how neighborhood-level social vulnerability—measured through the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)—directly influences surgical morbidity, particularly in patients undergoing robotic-assisted lung resection. Her 2023 study on this topic, which has garnered 15 citations, provides compelling evidence that patients from high-SVI neighborhoods face greater risks of postoperative complications, highlighting systemic inequities in surgical care. This work has profound implications for risk stratification and resource allocation in surgical practice. Beyond this landmark paper, Dr. Velopulos’s research portfolio consistently addresses how socioeconomic hardship, race, and access to care shape surgical outcomes, making her a vital voice in the movement toward equitable healthcare. Her findings challenge clinicians and policymakers to consider community-level factors when planning surgical interventions, ensuring that vulnerability does not dictate recovery.