School of Medicine
Showing 1-20 of 91 Results
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Fabiana Aellos
Postdoctoral Scholar, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy background in implantology and periodontology, combined with my microsurgical skills, has allowed me to tackle complex oral surgeries and intricate procedures. These skills have been instrumental in advancing the field and, more importantly, in improving the outcomes and well-being of my patients.
I've always believed in bridging the gap between fundamental research and its practical application in clinical settings. By amalgamating my clinical experiences with laboratory investigations, I've contributed to the development of surgical models that closely mimic human diseases and conditions. This approach enhances our understanding of how tissues respond to surgical interventions, paving the way for more effective treatments.
My research into mucosal integration of percutaneous implants and the role of Wnt signaling in implant osseointegration seeks to optimize the interaction between implants and surrounding tissues. This improved integration not only bolsters the stability of dental implants but also ensures their long-term success, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for our patients. My involvement in regenerative medicine research is driven by a passion for developing innovative strategies for tissue repair and regeneration. This work has the potential to revolutionize how dental professionals address challenges such as bone defects and periodontal tissue loss, leading to better patient outcomes.
One of my greatest joys is nurturing the next generation of dental professionals. Through my dedication to training and mentoring undergraduate and pre-dental students, I aim to equip them with advanced research and clinical skills. Fostering curiosity and empowering young minds to contribute to scientific advancements in dentistry is a responsibility I hold close to my heart.
I'm grateful for the international grants and collaborations that support my work. These resources not only enable my research but also contribute to the broader progress of our research laboratory. Together, we pursue innovative projects that have the potential to impact dental care on a global scale.
Recognizing the importance of effective communication, I've committed myself to enhancing my communication skills and engaging in professional development activities. Effective communication is key to translating research findings into clinical practice, influencing dental policies, and sharing knowledge within our professional community.
As I gaze into the future, I envision a dentistry landscape where my work may lead to more advanced and efficacious dental treatments, refined surgical techniques, and enhanced patient care. In the challenging realm of bone-anchored percutaneous implants, plagued by the persistent issue of implant failure due to infections at the soft tissue-implant interface, I confront this concern head-on. My mission is to meticulously investigate the biological and biophysical intricacies of this interface, with the aim of enhancing its barrier function through innovative strategies.
My journey from the confines of clinical practice to the expansive realms of research has been underpinned by a humble desire—a desire to forge a lasting impact on the field of dentistry, to ignite the flames of curiosity in future generations of dentists, and to contribute to the enhancement of dental care for all. -
Somayeh H. Ahmad, DDS, Dr. Med. Dent.
Instructor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDentistry
Dental Oncology
Dental Surgery
Special Needs Dentistry -
Crystal Chang, D.D.S.
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. Crystal Chang is a Hospital Dentist and Clinical Assistant Professor in Dental Medicine & Surgery. She focuses on maintaining oral health through the management of infection, trauma and secondary comorbidities to the dentition and its supporting structures. She performs medically necessary dental surgery in the context of cardiac disease, orthopedic surgery, cancer therapy and organ transplants. Dr. Chang is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and provides oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.
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James Chang, MD
Johnson and Johnson Professor of Surgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy role in research is to apply novel advances in tissue engineering and microsurgery to the clinical problems of hand trauma, peripheral nerve injuries, and congenital hand problems. I am interested in developing new tissues and techniques that will allow optimal reconstruction of form and function to those patients requiring reconstructive surgery.
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William Choi, D.M.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioClinical focus in Hospital Dentistry serving as needed for hospital inpatients, dental oncology, special needs and emergency room patients who need dental consultation or treatment.
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HyeRan Choo
Clinical Associate Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. HyeRan Choo is a Clinical Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. She is Director of Neonatal and Pediatric Craniofacial Airway Orthodontics and Dental Sleep Medicine at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. She also directs the Neonatal and Pediatric Craniofacial Airway Orthodontic Fellowship in the Department of Surgery / Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She is a Faculty Fellow of the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign.
After graduating from Seoul National University with a combined degree in Natural Sciences and Dental Surgery in 2002, Dr. Choo received her Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her orthodontic residency and Masters in Science degree program at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Following her Craniofacial Fellowship at the Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), Dr. Choo was recruited as a full-time faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Choo joined the faculty of Stanford University School of Medicine in 2016. Dr. Choo is a board-certified craniofacial orthodontist by American Board of Orthodontics since 2008 and became a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in 2021.
Dr. Choo’s areas of expertise are non-surgical airway management and facial reconstruction for newborns with cleft and/or Robin Sequence in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Her treatments utilize simple custom-fabricated orthodontic devices to establish a healthy environment to correct neonatal orofacial abnormalities with great respect for natural growth potential of each neonate. She also practices the full scope of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea management as well as orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics for patients with cleft and craniofacial abnormalities in a multi-disciplinary clinical setting.
Dr. Choo’s treatment philosophy is based on a fundamental understanding of facial growth and oral functions (Biocreative Orthodontic Strategy). Her research focuses on translation of health innovation technology for the advancement of infant orthodontics. She also pioneers the development of skeletal anchorage-based orthodontic and orthopedic treatment strategies for pediatric sleep apnea patients. -
Kirk Churukian
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioKirk A. Churukian MD, FACS is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Churukian completed training in general surgery, plastic surgery, and hand surgery. He was board certified in general surgery and is currently board certified in plastic surgery.
Dr. Churukian is a member of several local, state, and national professional societies and has practiced in the Los Gatos/San Jose areas for more than 20 years. He tries to bring a friendly, creative, and patient focused approach to his cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice.
In addition to his private cosmetic practice, Dr. Churukian serves the community as a trauma specialist at San Jose Regional Medical Center. At this level II Trauma Center, he specializes in facial and orbital fracture repair and complex reconstructive surgery of the trunk and extremities. He also maintains an ongoing commitment to enhancing self-image with breast reconstruction for cancer survivors.
Dr. Churukian grew up as a first generation eldest son of Armenian parents in Southern California and attended the University of Southern California, graduating with a degree in Psychobiology. Always interested in athletics, He participated in swimming and water polo throughout high school and played club water polo in college. This interest in aquatics was transferred to his children, all of whom are swimmers, and two of whom are avid water polo players. He currently resides in Menlo Park, California and is currently still married to his first wife ;-). He enjoys supporting Stanford athletics, except when the USC Trojans come to town! -
Cristin Louise Coquillard
Affiliate, Department Funds
Fellow in Surgery - Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryBioDr. Cristin Coquillard is a current Hand Surgery Fellow. She grew up in Mountain View, CA and attended the University of Washington, where she received a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She then spent several years as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and later as a supervisor in the Stanford Histocompatibility, Immunogenetics, and Disease Profiling Laboratory before pursuing a career in medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of Kentucky, where she was elected to AOA and graduated with high distinction, before completing her Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency at Northwestern University in Chicago. She is excited to be at Stanford as a hand fellow for the completion of her training, and to return to the Bay Area.
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Catherine Curtin MD
Professor of Surgery (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) and, by courtesy, of Orthopaedic Surgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMaintaining and optimizing upper limb function in people with spinal cord injury and other nerve disorders.
Improving pain and general well being after severe hand injuries.
Improving treatment and recognition of pain.
