David Flum, MD, MPH, is a board-certified general surgeon and is the Associate Chair of the UW Department of Surgery. He is a Professor of Surgery and an Adjunct Professor of Health Services and Pharmacy. Dr. Flum leads UW Medicine's Surgical Outcomes Research Center, and directs the Comparative Effectiveness Research Translation Network, a national network that tests the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. 

Dr. Flum’s clinical expertise is in acute care surgery, with a focus on the role of surgery and alternative treatments for gallbladder and biliary disease, diverticulitis, appendicitis, and bowel obstruction, as well as supporting patients with immunocompromise, complex medical issues and advanced age to make better decisions about surgery has been a career-long area of interest. His patient care philosophy is to empower patients and families in times of crisis and to lead teams that deliver the highest level of quality. He enjoys establishing a trusting relationship with patients and loved ones, and works to understand the goals and values of each patient so that care decisions align with those goals and values.

His research, educational activities and system leadership roles aim to improve the quality of healthcare delivery at the local, regional and national level. He is an internationally recognized expert in outcomes research, leading large randomized trials in the treatment of common conditions such as appendectomy vs. antibiotics for appendicitis, colon surgery vs. medical management for diverticulitis, and gastric bypass surgery vs. best medical care for diabetes.