Stanford Surgery News
The Latest
Dr. Titan Awarded ACS Resident Research Scholarship
General Surgery Resident Dr. Ashley Titan was awarded a Resident Research Scholarship from the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The scholarship will support Titan during her two professional development years, which she plans to spend working with Drs. Michael Longaker and Charles Chan.
"The goal of our research is to investigate resident skeletal stem cell populations at cartilage and bone injury sites and augment their healing capabilities in the short- and long-term by chemically modulating the niche microenvironment using FDA approved compounds," said Titan.
Dr. Knowlton Receives FACS Faculty Research Fellowship
Dr. Lisa Knowlton, an assistant professor in the Division of General Surgery, was selected to receive the 17th James Carrico, MD, FACS Faculty Research Fellowship for her research project entitled "The Changing Landscape of Trauma Care: Analyzing the Impact of Policy on Quality and Performance."
“I am thrilled to have been awarded C. James Carrico Faculty Research Fellowship by the prestigious American College of Surgeons. It is a tremendous honor to have their support in researching the complex interplay between healthcare expenditures and quality of care within trauma," said Knowlton. "My goal is to demonstrate the positive effect that financial stability of trauma centers can have upon patient outcomes, in an effort to better guide policy around insurance coverage and trauma reimbursements within our public trauma hospitals.”
Dr. Gaudilliere Appointed Chief, Section of Dentistry
Dr. Dyani Gaudilliere was appointed Chief, Section of Dentistry in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
“I am so pleased that Dr. Dyani Gaudilliere has accepted this new leadership position," said Chief of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Dr. James Chang. "There was tremendous support from the Cancer Center, other departments, and the entire hospital to build new programs in hospital dentistry. Dr. Gaudilliere will lead a team of four other dentists to provide state-of-the-art dental care to inpatients, emergency room patients, and outpatients. I look forward to seeing expanded dental services throughout our medical center."
Gaudilliere earned her dental degree at Harvard School of Dental Medicine before completing her residency at the University of California at San Francisco. She also has a Masters of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. She has been with Stanford Surgery since 2012.
Dr. Wren Elected PCSA President for 2021
Members of the Pacific Coast Surgical Association (PCSA) elected Dr. Sherry Wren, a professor in the Division of General Surgery and Director of Clinical Surgery at the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital, President of the association for the year 2021.
Dr. Joseph Forrester Wins PCSA Mini-Podium Award
The Pacific Coast Surgical Association (PCSA) presented General Surgery Chief Resident Dr. Joseph Forrester with the mini-podium award for his paper "Gene Directed Surgery for Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer: Effect on Survival" on Monday, February 19, 2018 during their annual meeting.
Dr. Miquell Miller wins SSAT/SBAS Resident Research Award
General Surgery Professional Development Resident Dr. Miquell Miller is the winner of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT) and Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) Resident Research Award.
In addition to funding her research on physician cultural competency and coordination of care for rectal cancer patients, as the recipient of this award, she will attend the SSAT Annual Meeting in Washington, DC during Digestive Disease Week in June.
Dr. Chandra Launches StEPP
Dr. Venita Chandra, a clinical associate professor with the Division of Vascular Surgery, hosted the inaugural meeting of the Stanford Extremity Preservation Program (StEPP) in the Wound Care Center on February 14, 2018. The meeting included representatives from across the Stanford School of Medicine including Radiology, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Infectious Disease, Vascular Surgery, and Wound Care.
Dr. Wren Receives Seed Funding From Stanford Global Health
The Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health has awarded almost $50,000 in seed funding to Sherry Wren, MD, FACS, professor of surgery, and Paul Wise, MD, MPH, professor of pediatrics. The grant will support their project Improving the humanitarian response to civilians injured on the modern battlefront.
The program is funding a total of nine teams this year.
Division of Abdominal Transplantation Receives $3.6M For Pediatric Transplant Research
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Stanford's Division of Abdominal Transplantation two U01 grants to perform innovative studies on samples from pediatric transplant recipients. The total awarded for these grants is more than $1,200,000 each year for the next three years. The studies receiving funding are:
· Exosomes and the Immune Response in Allograft Outcomes in Pediatric Transplant Recipients (Krams, Martinez, Esquivel, Boyd, Bendall, Bernstein, Weinberg, Trickey); and
· The Impact of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection on the Immune Response in Pediatric Transplant Recipients (Martinez, Krams, Esquivel, Boyd, Bendall, Davis, Weinberg, Bernstein, Trickey).
Dr. Sinclair selected as RAS-ACS liaison to WISC
General Surgery Resident Dr. Tiffany Sinclair (PGY-3) was selected as the Resident and Associate Society (RAS) Liaison Representative to the American College of Surgeons' (ACS) Women in Surgery Committee (WISC).
"I am incredibly honored to be selected for this position and to represent Stanford Surgery in this capacity," said Sinclair.
As an RAS-ACS Liaison to WISC, Sinclair will meet with the committee four times each year: twice in-person—at the Leadership Summit (May 19, 2018 in Washington, DC) and at the Clinical Congress (October 22, 2018 in Boston, MA)—and twice via conference call.
"I have also been asked to serve on the mentorship subcommittee given my commitment to supporting the next generation of women surgeons," said Sinclair. "I am excited to have the opportunity to meet many amazing women surgeons from around the country!"
Dr. Arya Appointed Co-Chair of AAS Leadership Committee
Dr. Shipra Arya of the Division of Vascular Surgery was appointed Co-Chair of the Asssociation for Academic Surgery's Leadership Committee. The announcement was made at the Academic Surgical Congress's annual meeting in Jacksonville, FL.
Dr. Pham Joins Abdominal Transplantation
Dr. Thomas Pham will join the Division of Abdominal Transplantation as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery effective February 1, 2018. Pham completed a surgery fellowship in abdominal transplantation here at Stanford in 2016 before taking an Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery position at the University of Southern California.
Pham says he has returned to Stanford "to join an ever expanding abdominal transplant program that is a national leader in transplant research and outcomes."
Pham received his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati and completed his residency in general surgery as well as a Masters of Medical Science at The Ohio State University.
More than 30 Stanford Presentations at ASC 2018
This year's Academic Surgical Congress (ASC) featured 38 presentations from Stanford trainees and faculty. ASC 2018 took place January 30 - February 1 in Jacksonville, FL.
Dr. Vivek Nanda awarded an NIH K99
Dr. Vivek Nanda, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Division of Vascular Surgery, has been awarded a K99 by the National Institute of Health (NIH).
The K99 is a career training award with the purpose of facilitating a timely transition for outstanding postdoctoral researchers from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions.
"My research is aimed at understanding the heritable component responsible for making an individual susceptible to cardiovascular disease, with the hopes of developing new therapies for the leading killer in the United States," said Nanda. "This award will provide me with the opportunity to enhance my didactic, experiential and intellectual skills and knowledge required for my future success."
Dr. Michael Longaker Serves As Honorary Captain at Men's Basketball Game v. Arizona State
Dr. Michael Longaker, a professor with the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, served as honoray captain at the Stanford Men's Basketball game versus Arizona State on January 17, 2018.
“As Honorary Captain, you are embedded in the program for a day. Most fans are probably not aware of how detailed and complex game preparation is for the team," said Longaker. “It’s an honor to mentor Stanford Student athletes and I am thrilled with the progress the men’s team is making in year two, under Coach Haase”
The Cardinal beat the Sun Devils 86-77.
Dr. Concepcion nominated for LPCH Award
Professor of Abdominal Surgery Dr. Waldo Concepcion has been nominated for Lucile Packard Children's Hospital's Medical Staff Distinguished Service Award. The award honors members of the medical staff who have made significant contributions to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital over an extended period of time.
“It has been a great honor to be part of this medical staff and dedicate my professional career to bring excellence and preeminence in transplantation at Stanford," said Concepcion. "The greatest honor is to be recognized by my peers by nominating me for the Distinguished Service Award! I am humbled and grateful!”
The awards are formally announced at the annual medical staff dinner, which is scheduled this year on May 14, at the Arrillaga Alumni Center on the main Stanford campus.
Dr. Arya Wins S. Timothy Presidential Award
The Division of Vascular Surgery's Dr. Shipra Arya was awarded the S. Timothy String Presidential Award from the Southern Association for Vascular Surgery (SAVS). The award recognizes the best overall manuscript from among those presented at the 2017 SAVS Annual Meeting. Arya's winning paper focused on glycemic control in patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization.
“I am honored to receive the S. Timothy String Presidential Award for best paper," said Arya. "I thank the SAVS and [Journal of Vascular Surgery] for highlighting this work on the importance of glycemic control in [Peripheral Arterial Disease] patients undergoing lower extremity revascularizations as part of optimal medical management of these patients.”
Drs. Fox and Momeni Appointed Ryan-Upson Scholars
Drs. Paige Fox and Arash Momeni have been appointed Ryan-Upson Scholars in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University.
"It is a great honor to be named a Ryan-Upson Scholar," said Fox. "The ability to do research is dependent on competitive funding. Having a resource that enables me to explore new research directions and continue current promising leads is invaluable. I know my time as a Ryan-Upson Scholar will significantly impact my career as a surgeon-scientist."
The award is named in honor of the late Dr. Robert Ryan, a graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine who rose to be Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Tulane Hospital in New Orleans.
13 Faculty Members Featured in SF Magazine's Top Doctors of 2018
13 members of the Stanford Department of Surgery were featured in San Francisco Magazine's annual list of the Bay Area's top doctors:
•Colon & Rectal Surgery: Andrew Shelton, MD
•Hand Surgery: James Chang, MD & Amy Ladd, MD
•Pediatric Surgery: Gary Hartman, MD & Karl Sylvester, MD
•Plastic Surgery: Geoffrey Gurtner, MD & Heather Furnas, MD
•Surgery: Carlos Esquivel, MD, PhD, Mary Hawn, MD, John Morton, MD, George Poultsides, MD
•Vascular Surgery: Ronald Dalman, MD, E. John Harris Jr., MD
"It is an honor to be on this list – and I know there are many additional deserving faculty in our department," said Stanford Department of Surgery Chair Dr. Mary Hawn. "The high quality of care provided by Stanford surgeons gives me great pride as a leader of our Department."
Dr. Shipra Arya Named Chief of Vascular Surgery at Palo Alto VA
Dr. Shipra Arya will join the Division of Vascular Surgery as Chief of Vascular Surgery at the Palo Alto VA effective Jan 1, 2018.
"I am thrilled to be joining Stanford Vascular Surgery, one of the top most programs in the country under Dr. Dalman's leadership. As a health services researcher, I am really looking forward to working with Dr. Hawn and a highly talented group of researchers she has recruited at the S-Spire Center and Palo Alto VA," said Arya. "I hope to learn from the best and contribute to the research portfolio of the department in the coming years. My main goal is to improve quality and delivery of surgical care for older and vulnerable patients, especially those with vascular disease."
Dr. Arya's research is funded by the NIH-NIA and American Heart Association. Dr. Arya has a masters of science degree in Epidemiology from Harvard University. She completed her categorical general surgery residency at Creighton University Medical Center followed by a Vascular Surgery Fellowship at University of Michigan. Most recently, Dr. Arya has worked as an Assistant Professor of Surgery and of Epidemiology at Emory University and Director of Vascular Lab and Endovascular Therapy at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
Dr. Bill Chiu Joins Pediatric Surgery
Bill Chiu, MD, FACS, FAAP, will join the Division of Pediatric Surgery effective January 1, 2018.
"I have decided to join the Stanford Pediatric Surgery Team because of the unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and delivering world-class patient care," said Chiu. "I look forward to continuing my oncology research and collaborating with other top researchers in the field."
Chiu earned his Bachelors of Science degree at Stanford before going on to Northwestern University to complete his medical degree and residency. He completed a fellowship in pediatric surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Geoffrey Gurtner Named Co-Director of Hagey Laboratory
Dr. Geoffrey Gurtner will become the co-director of the Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine effective January 1, 2018.
"Dr. Gurtner is an outstanding surgeon scientist who is an internationally recognized leader in vascular biology, diabetes, and wound repair," said Department of Surgery Vice Chair Dr. Michael Longaker. "I look forward to working with Dr. Gurtner to drive Hagey Laboratory programs forward in fundamental and translational research."
Dr. Elsie Ross Invited to SBAS Leadership & Faculty Development Institute
Vascular Surgery Resident Dr. Elsie Ross has been invited to participate in the upcoming Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) Leadership and Faculty Development Institute. The Institute is dedicated to increasing "the number of underrepresented minorities in academic surgery through career development, mentorship, and fostering research excellence among junior and mid-career faculty."
"The SBAS opportunity allows me to widen my network of colleagues and mentors and opens the door to exciting collaborations across the country," said Ross.
Plastics PD Program Facilitates Career Exploration and Self-Reflection
Division of Plastic Surgery Resident Dr. Danielle Rochlin is using her professional development (PD) year to explore a variety of career options from a doing a fellowship with the Clinical Excellence Research Center (CERC) to consulting on the hit television medical drama Grey's Anatomy.
“The requirements [of the PD program] are intentionally broad," said Plastic Surgery Residency Program Director Dr. Gordon K. Lee. "What the program entails is up to the imagination of the resident as long as it qualifies as a scholarly activity.”
Christopher Cheng, PhD, Accepts Visiting Fellowship at Oxford
Prof. Chris Cheng has accepted a six-month Visiting Fellowship at Exeter College at the University of Oxford starting in January 2018. He will be collaborating with the Departments of Vascular Surgery and Cardiovascular Medicine and is "excited to write his biomechanics book where J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings!"
Dr. Weiser elected a fellow of COSECSA
Dr. Thomas G. Weiser has been elected a fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA).
"I work with an organization called Lifebox that focuses on saving lives through safer surgery, which we do by focusing on safe anesthesia, surgical infection prevention and reduction, and improving team work and communication in the operating room through the use of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist," said Weiser. "COSECSA is a tremendous partner in this work. I am proud to have been elected a fellow of COSECSA!"
Dr. Carla Pugh to Join Stanford Division of General Surgery
Carla Pugh, MD PhD, FACS will join Stanford University’s Department of Surgery as a Professor of General Surgery (UTL) effective March 1, 2018.
“Dr. Pugh is a pioneer in the use of sensor technology to objectively assess trainee performance in skill acquisition and we’re thrilled to bring her back to Stanford. Her groundbreaking work has shed light on the shortfalls of our current training systems and how we can solve this challenge,” said Department of Surgery Chair Dr. Mary Hawn. “We look forward to watching her take her program to the next level here at Stanford.”
Drs. Gosling, Whitmore Receive First Prize at BMA Medical Book Awards
John Gosling, MB, ChB, MD, and Ian Whitmore, MBBS, MD, of the Division of Clinical Anatomy received first prize in the the Basic and Clinical Sciences category at the British Medical Association Medical Book Awards 2017. Drs. Gosling and Whitmore produced the book, "Human Anatomy, Color Atlas and Textbook, 6th Edition," with fellow authors Philip F. Harris, John R. Humpherson, and Peter T. Willan.
"The first edition of the book was originally produced by the same five authors, in 1985. At the time it was ground breaking in displaying custom dissections with color guide diagrams very closely linked to the narrative text," said Whitmore. "The sixth edition (published this year) represents some improvements added over the years. I was very pleased to receive the first prize with my co-authors."
Dr. Morris Named Associate Editor of JAMA Network Open
Dr. Arden Morris, professor of surgery, vice chair of clinical research, and director of the S-SPIRE Center, has been named associate editor for surgery of JAMA Network Open (JNO), "a new, online, open-access resource from the JAMA Network family of journals."
"I had to say yes to the opportunity to be Associate Editor of Surgery for JNO," said Morris. "Open access is the future of academic publication and JAMA Network is going to do it right."
JNO will launch in early 2018.
LPCH 2.0 Equals New Opportunities for Pediatric Surgeons and Patients
The new Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford (LPCH) is slated to open its doors to patients on Saturday, December 9, 2017. The $1.2 billion project, which broke ground in 2012, adds 521,000 square feet of building and 3.5 acres of open space and gardens.
“The architects understood that wellness is important to the healing process,” said Dr. James Dunn, Chief of Pediatric General Surgery. “It’s going to be a bright and cheerful place for employees to work and patients to heal.”
Dr. John M. Morton named Clinical Editor of Bariatric Times
John M. Morton, MD, MPH, FACS, FASMBS, chief of bariatric and minimally invasive surgery, has been named clinical editor of Bariatric Times beginning January 2018.
“It is a great honor to join Bariatric Times and build upon the wonderful legacy that Dr. Rosenthal has bestowed. I look forward to continuing the good work he has performed and hope to expand Bariatric Times’ reach to as many healthcare providers as possible given our clear and present need to treat our number one public health concern," said Morton in a news release by the publication.
Division of General Surgery Welcomes New Chief, Dr. Electron Kebebew
The Stanford University Department of Surgery has announced that Dr. Electron Kebebew will be the next chief of general surgery effective March 1, 2018.
“This is a great opportunity to be part of a dynamic surgical department,” said Kebebew. “I am excited to make Stanford’s division a world leader in general surgery subspecialty care and research that impacts patient care.”
Kebebew succeeds Dr. Jeffrey Norton, who has led the Division of General Surgery since 2006. Today the division boasts more than 35 faculty members and four formal clinical sections.
“I’m thrilled to have Dr. Kebebew join Stanford Surgery in this important leadership role as chief of general surgery,” said Department of Surgery Chair Dr. Mary Hawn.
Dr. Dalman Elected to ACS Board of Governors
Dr. Ronald Dalman, chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery, has been elected to the American College of Surgeons' Board of Governors as the Surgical Specialty Society Governor from the Society for Vascular Surgery. This is a three-year term.
"I am honored to represent the Society for Vascular Surgery as a Governor of the American College of Surgeons and will use this platform to advance the cause of vascular care, education, and Vascular Surgery as a mature, independent specialty in the larger House of Surgery," said Dr. Dalman. "Thank you to the leadership of the SVS for providing me with this opportunity to serve and advocate on behalf of our membership."
As a Specialty Society Governor, he will serve as a direct communications link between the Fellows of the College and the members of the Board of Governors. Dr. Dalman joins Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery Chief Dr. John Morton, who was reappointed to the ACS board as the Surgical Specialty Society Governor.
Dr. Korndorffer Named Vice Chair of Education
The Stanford University Department of Surgery has named James R. Korndorffer Jr., MD, MPHE, FACS, vice chair of education effective December 1, 2017. Vice chair of education is a new position in the Department of Surgery.
“With the creation of the new position, it was clear to me that Dr. Hawn and the department leadership understand the changes occurring in surgical education. The education of a surgeon is a continuum from undergraduate medical education, through residency and fellowship, to lifelong learning as a practicing surgeon,” said Korndorffer. “I was drawn to this position for the opportunity to work with dedicated surgical educators in all of these areas.”
Dr. Cheng Signs Book Deal
Christopher Cheng, PhD, of the Division of Vascular Surgery, has signed a book deal with Elsevier to write a book tentatively titled "Determining Dynamic Boundary Conditions For Cardiovascular Device Durability."
"For medical device companies to properly design and evaluate cardiovascular implants, they must not only know the primary function of the implant, but also the dynamic environment in which the implant needs to survive," said Dr. Cheng. "This is a relatively new field that is not well studied, and much of the sparse knowledge resides as tribal know-how within individual companies."
With his combined experience in academia and the medical device industry, Dr. Cheng has been commissioned to write the first book to cover this topic.
Dr. Wapnir appointed to NCI BOLD Task Force
Dr. Irene Wapnir has been appointed to the Breast Oncology Local Disease (BOLD) Task Force of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Breast Cancer Steering Committee (BCSC) as a Representative of NRG.
Med Students Design Course to Encourage Service Through Surgery
According to an article in The American Journal of Surgery, surgeons play an essential role in improving health outcomes for low‐income populations, but they comprise only a small fraction of their community. Stanford Medical Students Paloma Marin Nevarez and Jecca Steinberg wish to change that.
“Surgery is a service to all who require help, including the underserved. This calling is not solely answered by those in primary care,” said Dr. James Lau, Director of the Goodman Surgical Education Center. “These two students realized this, were moved by this, and wanted to get the word out. I therefore supported them in their efforts for my beloved specialty and facilitated their passion for caring for those less fortunate.”
Under Lau’s guidance, Marin Nevarez and Steinberg created the framework for SURG 234: Service Through Surgery, a 10-week, 1-credit seminar that will be offered for the first time this winter.
Stanford Vascular Medicine Fellowship to Resume July 2018
The Division of Vascular Surgery at the Stanford School of Medicine will officially resume the Stanford Vascular Medicine Fellowship beginning in July 2018.
Between 2006 and 2013, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) funded seven K12 centers in the United States—including Stanford—to offer comprehensive clinical research training in vascular medicine to prepare clinicians for academic leadership roles as mentors and clinical researchers.
“We are resuming the fellowship as there is a continuing need to educate the next generation of vascular medicine specialists,” said Dr. Eri Fukaya, a clinical assistant professor of surgery (vascular surgery) at Stanford, a graduate of the NHLBI K12 fellowship program, and director of the new Vascular Medicine Fellowship Program.
SURGERY RESIDENTS SEND CARE PACKAGE TO PEERS AT UMC IN LAS VEGAS
On October 1, 2017, a gunman opened fire on a crowd of fans at a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada leaving 58 people dead and more than 500 injured. A majority of those in need of medical attention, were taken to University Medical Center Southern Nevada (UMCSN) which is staffed in part by medical residents from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
“After the shooting happened in Las Vegas, we were reading the news reports, and I think a lot of us had the same thought” ‘what can I do to help?’” said Dr. Clement Marshall, a general surgery resident at Stanford University.
Marshall and his fellow Stanford Surgery residents donated more than $1200 worth of energy drinks, Cliff Bars, bottles of water, snacks, and other items to the UMCSN residents in the hopes of making their lives a little bit easier.
Dept. of Surgery Doctors Inducted as ACS Fellows
Five Stanford Department of Surgery doctors were inducted as fellows of the American College of Surgery (ACS) during the ACS's 2017 Clinical Congress. They were:
• Dr. Venita Chandra of Vascular Surgery,
• Dr. Monica Dua of General Surgery,
• Dr. Neelima Katragunta of Vascular Surgery,
• Dr. Rahim Nazerali of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and
• Dr. James Wall of Pediatric Surgery.
Dr. Harris elected President of Western Vascular Society
Dr. E. John Harris Jr. has been elected the 32nd president of the Western Vascular Society. The society encompasses the Western continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii, as well as the Canadian Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, and the Pacific Rim.
"The Western Vascular Society is the most prestigious group for vascular surgeons in this region," said Dr. Harris. "My father was one of the founding members, so it's an honor to continue his legacy."
Dr. Harris term concludes at the society's annual meeting, which will be held September 21-25, 2018 in Santa Fe, NM.
Charles Chan, PhD appointed Assistant Professor (UTL)
Charles Chan, PhD will be appointed as an Assistant Professor (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) in the University Tenure Line effective November 1, 2017.
"Dr. Chan was unanimously selected in an international search for a stem cell biologist," said Dr. Michael Longaker. "He discovered the Mouse Skeletal Stem Cell (Cell, 2015) and has a manuscript in revision describing the Human Skeletal Stem Cell. He is an outstanding scientist who will greatly add to our research programs."
Dr. Chan received his PhD from Stanford University in developmental biology in 2011, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford with Dr. Longaker. He was most recently an instructor in Stanford's Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.
Dr. Venita Chandra Promoted to Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. Venita Chandra has been promoted to Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery.
Dr. Chandra co-directs the Advanced Wound Care Center in Redwood City and is the Associate Director of the Division of Vascular Surgery's nationally-ranked residency and fellowship training programs.
"Under her capable direction, the volume, capabilities, and outcomes achieved in our limb salvage program have improved dramatically," said Vascular Division Chief Dr. Ronald Dalman. "She also happens to be a wonderful colleague, friend and mentor to many of our junior faculty. In addition to being a highly-skilled surgeon, she is a good person, first and foremost."
Stanford Surgeons Use VR to Enhance Education
Doctors in the Department of Surgery's Divisions of Pediatric Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are exploring new technology to augment the instruction of residents, fellows, and medical students.
“The gold standard in surgical education is to observe a procedure in-person, a video gives you one angle which is usually on the focal point of the surgery, but VR brings you closer to that immersive feeling,” said Dr. James Wall, an assistant professor of pediatric surgery and assistant fellowship director at the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign at Stanford University.
Surgeons Use Multidisciplinary Approach to Remove Tumor
Dr. George A. Poultsides from the Division of General Surgery's Section of Surgical Oncology and Dr. Matthew Mell from the Division of Vascular Surgery work together on a complex abdominal tumor case requiring vascular resection and reconstruction in the Stanford Hospital OR.
Stanford Surgery is internationally known for its interdisciplinary program treating patients with tumors involving major blood vessels, which are felt to be inoperable at other medical centers.
Dr. John Morton receives ASMBS Foundation LEAD award
John M. Morton, MD, MPH, FACS, FASMBS, chief of bariatric and minimally invasive surgery, received the 2017 Outstanding Acheivement Award from the American Society of Metaboloic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation. The ASMBS Foundation's LEAD awards honor individuals who have show outstanding leadership and dedication to the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Dr. Neelima Katragunta joins Division of Vascular Surgery
Dr. Neelima Katragunta has joined the Stanford University Division of Vascular Surgery as a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery. Dr. Katragunta earned her medical degree at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India in 2001. She completed a master’s in public health at the State University of New York (2004) and a master’s in epidemiology at Missouri State University (2005).
Following her internship in general surgery at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital (2007), she completed her general surgery residency at East Tennessee State University (2011) and her fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Tennessee (2013).
Dr. Katragunta previously served on the faculty at University of Iowa as a clinical assistant professor of vascular surgery and staff vascular surgeon at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City. She is board certified in both general surgery and vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. Karthik Mikkineni joins Division of Vascular Surgery
Dr. Karthik Mikkineni has joined the Division of Vascular Surgery as a Clinical Assistant Professor. A native of Southern India, joining Stanford's Department of Surgery fulfills Dr. Mikkineni's dream of working for a top academic medical center.
"It is exciting to be working with a renowned team of surgeons and training the future leaders of vascular surgery," said Dr. Mikkineni. "There are endless opportunities to clinically excel here and extensive resources for research to make advances our field."
Dr. Mikkineni completed his internship at New York-Presbyterian followed by residency at Allegheny General, Temple University.
Dr. David A Spain and Palo Alto VA Clinical Professor Eve Carlson, PhD, officially awarded an R01
Stanford Surgeon Dr. David A Spain and Palo Alto VA Clinical Professor Eve Carlson, PhD, were officially awarded an R01. The NIH Research Project Grant will fund their project "Development of a Risk Factor Screen for Mental Health Problems after Sudden Illness or Injury."
Dr. Chang inducted as 72nd President of American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Dr. James Chang, the Johnson & Johnson Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Stanford, was inducted as the 72nd President of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). The ASSH is the oldest and largest national organization for hand surgery, with more than 4,000 members.
In this role, Dr. Chang will be in charge of directing the education, research, and outreach efforts for hand surgery in the entire United States, as well as internationally. Dr. Chang is the third Stanford plastic surgery chief to achieve this honor, following the footsteps of Dr. Robert Chase and Dr. Vincent Hentz. In the induction ceremony in San Francisco, both past-Presidents escorted Dr. Chang onto center stage. The theme of Dr. Chang’s ASSH Presidential year will be “Inform, Innovate, and Inspire."
Dr. David Spain Elected to ACS Executive Committee of the Board of Governors
Chief of Acute Care Surgery Dr. David A. Spain has been elected to the American College of Surgeons' Executive Commitee of the Board of Governors as the Education Pillar Lead for 2017-18.
"I am honored to be selected as the Education Pillar Lead for the Board of Governors," said Dr. Spain. "The Education Pillar works closely with the American College of Surgeon's Division of Education to develop new educational offerings to Fellows and Trainee members. I am excited to help coordinate these efforts."
Treatment for Short Bowel Syndrome Applies for Human Trial Approval
Stanford University Chief of Pediatric Surgery James Dunn, MD, is applying to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to start human trials on his distraction enterogenesis-inducing endoluminal coils.
“The idea of applying force to the intestine is based on many other things that we do in surgery: tissue expanders that are applied for breast reconstruction and distraction osteogenesis for making bone,” said Dr. Dunn. “When I heard that one time in a lecture hall I said to myself ‘we must be able to do that for an intestine.’”
Prof. Sherry Wren, MD, receives Surgical Volunteerism Award from ACS
Stanford University Professor of General Surgery Dr. Sherry Wren will receive the International Surgical Volunteerism Award from the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Dr. Wren has worked extensively with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders) in several African countries.
"I am thrilled to be recognized by the American College of Surgeons; it is an incredible honor to receive from your peers," said Dr. Wren. "I am passionate about providing surgical care to the under-served and patients with access challenges. Working overseas has been one of the most meaningful additions to my career; being able to participate in a true bidirectional exchange between the U.S. and other nations to improve access and care leads to intellectual stimulation, personal satisfaction, and growth."
Dr. Wren will be formally recognized at the ACS Clinical Congress 2017 in San Diego, CA, during the annual B/G reception and dinner on October 24.
Division of Pediatric Surgery Approved to Perform Fetoscopic Neural Tube Defect Repairs
The Division of Pediatric Surgery has been approved to perform fetoscopic neural tube defect repairs. Lucille Packard Children's Hospital is only the second site approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to execute the procedure under an investigational device exemption (IDE). The operation is designed to enable surgeons the ability to repair spina bifida while the fetus is in utero.
"Our pediatric surgery and minimally-invasive surgery skill set is critical to the effective conduct of the procedure," said Dr. Karl Sylvester, Executive Director of the Fetal and Pregnancy Health Program at LPCH.
Dr. Michael Belfort of Baylor University and Texas Children's Hospital applied for the amendment to expand the study to a second site.
Associate Professor Named to AcademyHealth's Surgical and Perioperative Interest Group Advisory Committee
Stanford Department of Surgery Associate Professor Dr. Alex Sox-Harris has been named to AcademyHealth’s Surgical and Perioperative Interest Group Advisory Committee.
The interest group is a community of MDs, RNs, policymakers and researchers that collaborate on work that informs policy.
Dr. Sox-Harris looks forward to working within the advisory committee to encourage the interest group’s growth and impact.
Abdominal Transplantation Division Experiences Almost 100% Increase in Pediatric Kidney Transplants
Pediatric kidney transplants in Stanford's Division of Abdominal Transplantation are up almost 100% from the previous fiscal year. The division has performed 51 pediatric kidney transplants to date as compared with 26 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2016. The division performed 34 pediatric kidney transplants in FY 15 and 33 in FY 14. The fiscal year begins in September.
According to 2015 data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is No. 1 in pediatric kidney transplant volume in the western United States. Also, the kidney transplant program’s outcomes exceed the national average with one- and three-year patient survival rates at 100 percent for the last five data-reporting periods.
Jordan Stern, MD, joins Division of Vascular Surgery
Dr. Jordan Stern has joined the Department of Surgery's Division of Vascular Surgery as a Clinical Assistant Professor. A Toronto native, Dr. Stern completed his residency at the University of Chicago before performing his fellowship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
"I came to Stanford for the opportunity to work alongside world-class vascular surgeons and help train top-tier fellows and residents," said Dr. Stern. "Additionally, I was impressed with the research capability and resources available here at Stanford."
Stanford G.I. Surgery Ranked Among Top in the U.S.
In the latest U.S. News & World Report, Stanford Hospital ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the country, and nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties including G.I. Surgery.
Dr. Sherry Wren to Preside over Sept. Meeting of The Halsted Society
Stanford University Professor of General Surgery Dr. Sherry Wren will preside over The Halsted Society upcoming meeting, September 13 through 16 in Connecticut. The Halsted Society is an elite surgical society composed of 80 active members from academic surgical programs across the US. The society was started in 1924, and the name was slected to pay homage to the "father of American surgery," Dr. William Stewart Holman. Dr. Wren was elected president of the society in September 2016.
"It is an incredible honor to have been selected," said Dr. Wren. Dr. Wren is the third Stanford faculty member to serve in this position; Dr. James B.D. Mark and Dr. Thomas Krummel were also presidents in 1984 and 2010 respectively.
Li Ka Shing Surgeons Scholars Fund Awards Grant to PGY4
General Surgery Resident Dr. Miquell Miller is the first recipient of funds from the Li Ka Shing Surgeons Scholars Fund. The grant will cover her tuition for her two years of professional development. Miller intends to pursue a Master's degree in health services research at Stanford University with the funds.
10-year-old Girl Celebrates Liverversary
On August 6, 2017, 10-year-old Lily Richard of Eugene, CA and her family celebrated what they called Lily's 'liverversary,' the one year anniversary of her successful liver transplant at Stanford's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
Mary Hawn Elected to ABS Executive Council
The American Board of Surgeons' Board of Directors recently elected Stanford University Department of Surgery Chair Mary Hawn, MD, MPH as an at-large member of their executive council. Dr. Hawn was elected to the board in 2015 and will serve on the council for the remainder of her tenure—another four years.
Willed Body Program Director Interviewed on Podcast
Christopher Dolph, director of the Division of Clinical Anatomy's Willed Body Program, was interviewed on the Funeral Fact Podcast about donating your body to science.
Stanford Surgery Welcomes Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Brooke Gurland
Dr. Brooke Gurland is the Medical Director of the Stanford Pelvic Health Center which is scheduled to open in Redwood City, CA, July 2018. Dr. Gurland performed her undergraduate and general surgery training in NYC, New York (Barnard College, Mount Sinai Medical Center), and her medical school training in Pennsylvania (Drexel University). She completed a colorectal surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Weston, Fla) and she was a Staff surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic for over a decade.
Abdominal Transplantion Surgeon receives Arthur L. Bloomfield Award
Stephan Busque, MD, professor of surgery and director of the adult kidney and pancreas transplant program, received the Arthur L. Bloomfield Award in Recognition of Excellence in the Teaching of Clinical Medicine. Jeffrey Dunn, MD, clinical professor of neurology and neurological sciences and chief of clinical neuroimmunology, and Peter Pompei, MD, clinical professor of medicine, also received the recognition.
General Surgery Associate Professor Receives Award for Excellence in Patient Care
James Lau, MD, clinical associate professor of surgery, received the Alwin C. Rambar-James BD Mark Award for Excellence in Patient Care,. The award recognizes a member of the medical faculty for compassion in working with patients and their families, excellence in providing medical treatment, and effectiveness and pleasantness in interactions with patient-care staff.
Clinical Anatomy Asst. Professor wins Lawrences H. Mathers Award
Darren Salmi, MD, clinical assistant professor of surgery and of pathology, received the Lawrence H. Mathers Award for Exceptional Commitment to Teaching and Active Involvement in Medical School Education.
General Surgery Associate Professor Receives Award for Teaching
Martin Bronk, MD, consulting associate professor of surgery, received the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Award for Excellence in Preclinical Teaching. Manuel Amieva, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and of microbiology and immunology; Sharon Chen, MD, clinical associate professor of pediatrics; and Andrew Nevins, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine, also received the recognition.
Clinical Anatomy Chief Wins Award
Sakti Srivastava, MD, associate professor of surgery, director of Digital MEdIC and chief of clinical anatomy, received the Award for Excellence in Promotion of the Learning Environment and Student Wellness.
General Surgery Resident Honored at Annual School of Medicine Awards
General Surgery resident Lindsay Sceats, MD, received the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Award for Humanism and Excellence in Teaching. The award is given to residents based on their commitment to teaching and the compassionate treatment of students, colleagues and patients and their families. Medical residents Collin Culberston, MD, neurology; Jessica Gold, MD, psychiatry; Kyle Graham, MD, obstetrics and gynecology; Andre Kumar, MD, medicine; , surgery; and Charlie Wickremasinghe, MD, pediatrics, were also recognized.
Dr. Gordon Lee Receives 2017 Program Director Award
Plastic Surgery Residency Program Director Dr. Gordon Lee is the recipient of the Stanford University School of Medicine 2017 Program Director Award.
"He has done an outstanding job, and was the overwhelming favorite by the award committee amongst a number of other terrific program directors," said committee member Dr. Laurence Katznelson.
Postdoctoral Fellow Wins 2017 ATC Award
Yarl Balachandran, MD, a postdoctoral fellow in transplant immunology, was selected as a winner of the 2017 American Transplant Congress (ATC) Award out of approximately 100 applicants. The travel award will enable Yarl to offset the cost of travel to the 2017 ATC Congress in Chicago.
Conjoined twins successfully separated at Packard Children’s Hospital
Two-year-old twin sisters Erika and Eva Sandoval are recovering in the pediatric intensive care unit following their Dec. 6 separation surgery.
“They did very well,” said lead surgeon Gary Hartman, MD, clinical professor of pediatric surgery at Stanford's Department of Surgery.
Dr. Thomas Krummel Named APSA Foundation Chair
Department of Surgery Chair Emeritus and Co-Director of the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign Dr. Thomas M. Krummel was chosen to serve the American Pediatric Surgical Association Foundation (APSAF) as their new chair. According to a release from APSAF Interim Chair Dr. Dan von Allmen, "The Foundation Board is confident in Dr. Krummel’s talents and skills to lead the foundation to the next level."