Dr. Mark T. Savarise, 58

On the evening of July 2, 2024, Mark Savarise, MD, MBA, FACS, 58, passed after a year-long valiant battle with non-smokers lung cancer in Salt Lake City.

Mark was born Oct. 5, 1965, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Thomas John and Carole Helen (Niklas) Savarise. He married his best friend and love of his life, Yvonne Schmidt, in September of 1989. 

Mark completed his undergraduate education (1987) and Medical School (1991) at the University of Colorado. After his surgical residency at the University of Utah, Mark served four years in Biloxi, Miss., as a U.S. Air Force Medical Corps staff surgeon attaining the rank of major.

After his military service, Mark chose to pursue the life of a rural surgeon in Sandpoint, Idaho. He loved the challenges and independence of working and living in a small community. In 2013, he was recruited to the University of Utah to develop a community-based surgical practice in South Jordan. There, Mark filled the roles of medical director of Outreach and Network Development as well as Section Chief. He also worked at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake caring for veterans.

Mark was a Clinical Professor for the Department of General Surgery training and mentoring numerous residents and medical students. He was most in his element in his role as educator, twice receiving the Outstanding Educator Award from the surgical residents.

During the past few years, as a member of the Center for Global Surgery, Mark introduced laparoscopic techniques to surgeons in Cambodia and Ethiopia. 

Throughout his career, Mark was very involved and committed to his work with the American College of Surgeons. He served on many committees including Chair of the Young Fellows Association, Health Policy, and the Advisory Council for Rural Surgeons. One of his career highlights was being selected to the Board of Regents in 2021. 

Aside from his surgical practice, his life was filled with many passions including traveling, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and raising German Shepherds. He shared these activities with his wife, Yvonne.

Mark is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his four-legged companion, Shiloh; sister Jill (Joe) Gimbel; brother David (Meredith); sister Jennifer; father Tom (SanDee); and nephews and nieces Jacob, Zack, Holly, and Bella. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Mark has requested in lieu of flowers to contribute to Greenhouse Scholars, the International Mountain Biking Association or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.