School of Medicine
Showing 101-200 of 204 Results
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Amanda Kirane, MD, PhD, FACS, FSSO
Assistant Professor of Surgery (General Surgery)
BioDr. Kirane is a fellowship-trained, board-certified specialist in complex general surgical oncology. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Kirane serves as Director of Cutaneous Surgical Oncology at the Stanford Cancer Center and her clinical practice focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and other skin cancers. She partners closely with patients and families to provide the most effective treatment approach possible. For each patient, she tailors an evidence-based, personalized care plan that is innovative, comprehensive, and compassionate.
Dr. Kirane is Principal Investigator of multiple studies in melanoma and mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy, with focus on myeloid biology. Her current interests include immune response and novel therapies in melanoma, predictive modeling of patient responses using organoid technology, and translational biomarker development. She has led research into immune therapy for earlier stage melanoma using regionally directed therapy to augment immune response in melanoma and trials in surgical care in melanoma.
The National Institutes of Health, American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Melanoma Research Alliance, and others have funded her research. She has co-authored articles on her discoveries in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Nature Communications, Nature Genetics, Cancer Research, Journal of Surgical Oncology, Annals of Surgery, Annals of Surgical Oncology, and elsewhere. Topics include intratumoral therapy, biomarker development, macrophage biology in melanoma and immunotheraputic resistance, and patient-derived organoid modeling. Dr. Kirane has presented updates on the management of melanoma and other cancers to her peers at meetings of the American College of Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, and Society for Immunotherapy in Cancer.
Dr. Kirane has earned awards for her achievements in clinical care, research, and scholarship. The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer, Society of Surgical Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and other prestigious organizations have honored her work. She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and Society of Surgical Oncology (FSSO). She is a member of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer, American Association of Cancer Research, Society for Melanoma Research, Connective Tissue Oncology Society, Association of Academic Surgeons, and Association of Women Surgeons.
She volunteers her time and expertise on behalf of the Melanoma Research Foundation, members of her community in need, STEM programs for girls, and other initiatives. She also is fellowship trained in Physician Wellness and Wellbeing and teaches somatic technique, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and breathwork. -
Varvara A. Kirchner
Associate Professor of Surgery (Abdominal Transplantation) and, by courtesy, of Pediatrics
BioDr. Kirchner completed her medical school, surgical residency and multi-organ transplant fellowship in adult and pediatric liver, pancreas, kidney transplantation and total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplantation at the University of Minnesota. She underwent further training in living donor liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea. Her clinical practice involves living and deceased donor liver and kidney transplantation in adult and pediatric patients as well as total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplantation for patients with chronic and acute recurrent pancreatitis. She currently serves as Surgical Director of the Islet Cell Auto-Transplant at Stanford Children’s and Associate Director of the Living Donor Liver Transplant Program at the Division of Abdominal Transplantation. Dr. Kirchner’s research focuses on the biology of aging, cellular and solid organ transplantation. Her specific interests are in auto-islet transplantation, iPSC-derived hepatocyte therapies and liver regeneration. Dr. Kirchner's research on the impact of donor age on generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells is supported by the NIA K08 Faculty Development Award. She is an active member of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the International Liver Transplantation Society.
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Lisa Marie Knowlton, MD, MPH, FACS, FRCSC
Associate Professor of Surgery (General Surgery)
BioDr. Knowlton is an Associate Professor of Surgery and an Acute Care Surgeon whose practice encompasses trauma surgery, emergency general surgery and surgical critical care. She is an NIH and ARPA-H funded researcher whose focus is on improving access to innovative, high-quality surgical care. She obtained her medical degree at McGill University and completed her general surgery residency at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Her desire to understand varied healthcare systems and develop policy solutions led her to obtain an M.P.H. at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and complete a research fellowship at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. After training as a Surgical Critical Care fellow at Stanford University Medical Center, she joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Surgery in early 2018. She was promoted to Associate Professor in the University Medical Line in 2023. Her institutional leadership roles include serving as the Unit Based Medical Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, the Associate Vice Chair of Research for the Stanford Department of Surgery, the SHC Surgical AI Lead for Early Clinical Deterioration, and the Associate Program Director for the Surgical Critical Care fellowship.
Dr. Knowlton is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Knowlton’s areas of clinical interest include developing safe surgical solutions for anatomic visualization in the operating room, artificial intelligence prediction tools for detection early clinical deterioration of surgery patients, optimizing the management of critically ill patients and reducing venous thromboembolism events.
Her research focuses on improving access to high-quality and high-value surgical care, merging expertise in health economics, and artificial intelligence to implement surgical innovations and health policy interventions. She leads novel work with the Department of Health Care Services focused on improving healthcare access and utilization through emergency Medicaid programs.
Dr. Knowlton’s research lab (https://med.stanford.edu/knowlton-lab.html) is funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), the National Institute of Health (NIMHD) through R21 and R01 grants, and the California Violence Prevention Center. She has also held funding through PCORI, the Department of Defense, the American College of Surgeons (the 17th C. James Carrico Faculty Research Fellowship), and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST).
https://surgery.stanford.edu/news2/Knowlton-ARPA-H.html
She is active in national and international professional surgical societies, and recently served as the inaugural Chair of the Associate Member Council of the AAST. Dr. Knowlton has been recognized by the Association of Women Surgeons as both a ‘Shining Star’ and ‘Breaking the Glass Ceiling’ Leadership Scholar. She is also an American College of Surgeons Health Policy Scholar. Most recently, Dr. Knowlton was also selected as the 2023-24 U.S. ambassador for the James IV Surgical Association Traveling Fellowship program, where she will travel internationally to foster clinical and research collaborations. -
Sheri Krams
Senior Associate Dean, Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs and Professor of Surgery (Abdominal Transplantation)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsResearch Interests: 1) NK Cell Responses to EBV, 2) Exosomes in Immune Responses, 3) Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell-Mediated Graft Prolongation, 4)Transplant Immunology
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Thomas M. Krummel, MD, FACS/FAAP
Emile Holman Professor, Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsSurgical Innovation, Simulation and Virtual Reality in Surgical Education, Fetal Healing-Cellular and Biochemical Mechanisms
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Allison Kwong
Assistant Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology and Hepatology) and, by courtesy, of Surgery (Abdominal Transplantation)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsCirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver transplantation, transplant outcomes, organ allocation, population health, quality and systems improvement
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Amy Ladd, MD
Elsbach-Richards Professor of Surgery and Professor, by courtesy, of Medicine (Immunology & Rheumatology) and of Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsResearch Interests
1. The kinematics and forces associated with thumb carpometcarpal (CMC) function and pathology
2. The anatomy, microstructure, and immunofluorescent characteristics of the thumb CMC joint
3. Pathomechaniics of CMC arthritis: biomechanical wear, injury, genetic, and environmental causes
4. Biomechanics of the golf swing
5. Archiving, vitalizing, and innovating medical and surgical knowledge, most recently with innovative iBook monographs -
Byrne Lee, MD FACS
Clinical Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
BioDr. Lee is a native of New York City. He attended the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at the City College of New York and received his medical degree from New York Medical College. He completed general surgery residency training at Lenox Hill Hospital and fellowship training in surgical oncology at the City of Hope National Cancer Center. Dr. Lee led the Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program at City of Hope prior to joining Stanford in 2019.
Dr. Lee is a surgical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. He has dedicated his clinical practice to the surgical management of metastatic disease, particularly to the liver and peritoneum. He has expertise in delivering regional cancer therapies such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Additionally, he performs surgery for cancers of the stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, colon, and soft tissue sarcoma. He utilizes minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques when appropriate.
Dr. Lee leads the Regional Cancer Therapies program at Stanford. The program implements and develops novel treatment strategies for patients affected with peritoneal malignancies and oligometastatic disease to the liver. His research focus is on clinical outcomes of multidisciplinary management for gastric, hepatobiliary, and peritoneal surface malignancies. He is a member of a national consensus group performing collaborative research and developing clinical trials for HIPEC surgeries. -
Jason T. Lee, MD
Professor of Surgery (Vascular Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Lee is the Principal Investigator on several clinical trials examining therapeutic strategies for management of complex aortic aneurysm disease as well as aortic dissection.
Dr. Lees clinical interests include:
Endovascular repair of abdominal/thoracic aneurysms and dissections
Fenestrated and Branch Repair of the thoracic, thoracoabdominal, and abdominal aneurysms
Carotid stenting
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Vascular disorders in high-performance athletes -
Cara A. Liebert, MD, FACS
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsCurrent research interests include Surgical Education and Minimally Invasive Surgery. Primary research focus is the development, implementation, and collection of validity evidence for ENTRUST, an online virtual patient simulation platform for assessment of clinical decision-making.
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Dana Lin, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
BioDr. Lin is a fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon who specializes in surgery of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Stanford University, Dr. Lin pursued her medical and surgical training on the east coast, where she completed her residency in general surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and fellowship in endocrine surgery at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Lin's clinical practice focuses on the surgical management of benign and malignant thyroid conditions, hyperparathyroidism, adrenal tumors, as well as melanoma and advanced skin cancers. She is skilled in mini-incision, minimally invasive (laparoscopic), and remote access (scarless endoscopic) surgery as well as lymph node dissection for cancer. She currently serves as Director of the Parathyroid Center within the Endocrine Oncology Program at Stanford.
Dr. Lin strives to deliver expert surgical care to patients with utmost humanism and compassion. She considers it a privilege and joy to be entrusted as one’s surgeon and is committed to ensuring the best clinical and cosmetic outcome for each of her patients. Dr. Lin welcomes patients at Stanford Cancer Center in Palo Alto as well as Stanford Health Care in Emeryville and Pleasanton (ValleyCare). -
Dr. Michael T. Longaker
Deane P. and Louise Mitchell Professor in the School of Medicine and Professor, by courtesy, of Materials Science and Engineering
On Partial Leave from 03/01/2025 To 02/28/2026Current Research and Scholarly InterestsWe have six main areas of current interest: 1) Cranial Suture Developmental Biology, 2) Distraction Osteogenesis, 3) Fibroblast heterogeneity and fibrosis repair, 4) Scarless Fetal Wound Healing, 5) Skeletal Stem Cells, 6) Novel Gene and Stem Cell Therapeutic Approaches.
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H. Peter Lorenz, MD
Professor of Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsWe have three areas of current investigation:
1) Scarless skin wound healing biology
2) Dot stem cell tissue regeneration biology
3) Novel stem cell therapy for tissue engineering -
Anna Luan, MD, MS
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. Luan is a fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon and hand and upper extremity surgeon with Stanford Health Care. She is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Luan specializes in diagnosing and treating hand and peripheral nerve disorders. She treats issues such as fractures, instability, soft tissue injuries, degenerative conditions, spasticity, nerve compression, and peripheral nerve injuries. She also treats many other conditions that cause pain or other problems with the hands.
In addition, Dr. Luan has expertise in treating patients with upper and lower extremity amputations. Amputations can result from trauma, tumors, vascular disease, or infection. Dr. Luan specializes in surgeries to help prevent or treat pain and to maximize function in upper and lower extremity amputations. She takes a personalized approach to patient care, considering each individual’s condition, concerns, and goals.
Dr. Luan’s research interests include innovation and translational research, which applies the results of scientific research to treating patients or preventing illness. She also researches clinical outcomes and global surgery. Additionally, Dr. Luan’s research explores how technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and deep learning can be used to improve patient care.
Dr. Luan has published in many peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Hand Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She also serves as a reviewer for multiple journals. She has authored textbook chapters and delivered presentations at symposiums and conferences nationally and worldwide.
Dr. Luan is an affiliated faculty member of the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging. The center focuses on responsible innovation and research in medical AI applications. She is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Association for Hand Surgery, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and California Society of Plastic Surgeons. -
Dennis Lund
Elizabeth Wood Dunlevie Professor, Emeritus
BioDr. Lund was born in Duluth, MN and attended Harvard College and Harvard Medical School. He received his general surgical training at the MGH in Boston, and his pediatric surgical training at Boston Children's Hospital. His initial career was spent as a trauma, transplant and general pediatric surgeon at Boston Children's. In 1999, he became Surgeon-in-Chief of the University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital in in Madison, and in 2001 became Chair of General Surgery at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2011, he became Executive Vice President of the Phoenix Children's Medical Group and Surgeon-in-Chief at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Dr. Lund joined the Stanford faculty in Pediatric Surgery and as Associate Dean of the Faculty in Pediatrics and Obstetrics (Clinical Affairs) as well as Chief Medical Officer at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in March, 2015. In March of 2018 and through January of 2019, Dr. Lund served as interim President and CEO of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
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Daphne P. Ly, MD, FACS
Affiliate
Current Research and Scholarly Interests1. Integrate machine learning with electronic health record system to improve work flow and achieve individualize cancer care based on current evidence.
2. Apply Cancer Genetics in cancer treatment and cancer risk reduction. -
Paul M. Maggio, MD, MBA, FACS
Clinical Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
BioDr. Paul Maggio is a Professor of Surgery, Chief Quality Officer for Stanford Health Care, and Associate Dean for Quality and Clinical Affairs in the Stanford School of Medicine. He trained in General Surgery at Brown University and obtained advanced training in Adult Surgical Critical Care and Trauma at the University of Michigan. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and is triple board certified in General Surgery, Critical Care, and Medical Informatics. His clinical focus is on Acute Care Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, and his academic career has been centered on quality improvement, patient safety, and the application of systems engineering to enhance the delivery of healthcare.
Dr. Maggio participates in the National Committee on Healthcare Engineering for the American College of Surgeons and has served on the Baldrige Board of Examiners to recognize organizations with the highest presidential honor for performance excellence. Dr. Maggio received the SHC Board of Hospital Director’s Denise O’Leary Award for Clinical Excellence in 2013 -
Olivia Martinez
Johnson and Johnson Professor of Surgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsHost-Pathogen interactions; EBV B cell lymphomas; pathways of immune evasion in the growth and survival of EBV B cell lymphomas; mechanisms of graft rejection and tolerance induction; stem cell and solid organ transplantation.
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Marc L. Melcher
Stanford Department of Surgery Professor
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy goal is to extend the benefits of organ transplantation to greater numbers of patients while maintaining excellent outcomes. We developed the "paired-organ exchange" program at Stanford to increase the chances that patients with willing but incompatible living donors can still receive a living donor kidney. In addition, I am applying artificial intelligence algorithms to facilitate complex decision making in liver transplant.
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Everett Meyer
Associate Professor of Medicine (Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy), of Pediatrics (Stem Cell Transplantation) and, by courtesy, of Surgery (Abdominal Transplantation)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsResearch focus in T cell immunotherapy and T cell immune monitoring using high-throughput sequencing and genomic approaches, with an emphasis on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the treatment of graft-versus-host disease and immune tolerance induction.
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Travis Miller, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. Travis Miller is a fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Stanford Health Care. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Miller specializes in plastic surgery from head to toe with additional training in hand and microsurgery. He treats a multitude of conditions of the hand and upper extremity, including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, hand and wrist fractures, wrist pain and instability, arthritis, cubital tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s, and brachial plexus injury. He specializes in complex reconstruction all over the body using both local tissues and free tissue transfer. He has a special interest in peripheral nerve surgery, including treating nerve compression syndromes, tumors, traumatic injuries, amputation pain, neuromas, and migraines. He also performs aesthetic surgery, and for all his patients he strives to achieve their functional and cosmetic goals.
Dr. Miller received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School where he graduated first in his class. He completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery through Stanford University School of Medicine. Before pursuing a fellowship in Hand and Microsurgery at the University of Washington, he also completed an in-residency fellowship at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco, widely considered the birthplace of microsurgery.
Dr. Miller has an extensive research background. He collaborated with a team that invented and patented a medical device used for coiled surgical tools and catheters. In addition to book chapters and monographs, he has written numerous peer-reviewed journal manuscripts that have been published in journals such as The Journal of Hand Surgery, The Journal of Surgical Oncology, Microsurgery, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Miller has presented his research at regional, national, and international meetings. -
Anita Tanniru Mohan, MBBS, PhD, MBA
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. Anita Mohan is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who provides care at the Stanford Health Care Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic. She is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Mohan completed core surgical training and several years of plastic surgery training in university teaching hospitals in London and Cambridge, UK. Dr. Mohan also completed a one-year clinical fellowship at University of Cape Town, South Africa, in pediatric burns, plastic surgery, and hand surgery. She subsequently completed a second residency at the Mayo Clinic in plastic surgery, followed by advanced fellowship training in microsurgery at Stanford.
Dr. Mohan performs a wide range of surgeries, including complex reconstructive surgery for breast, trunk, and lower extremities; cosmetic (aesthetic) procedures; and surgery using microscopes and precise tools (microsurgery and supermicrosurgery). She has a particular interest in complex reconstruction for lymphedema, using the latest techniques in microsurgery, perforator flaps, and transfer of a healthy nerve to a damaged nerve (neurotization) to restore sensation. She also has an interest in expanding the role of robotic and minimally invasive techniques in reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Mohan has experience in the management of lipedema, gender-affirming top surgeries with neurotization for sensation preservation, and body contouring surgery following massive weight loss. She also performs breast surgery, including augmentation, revision, reconstruction, and reduction; skin cancer reconstruction; esophageal reconstruction; and other reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries. Dr. Mohan believes in tailoring care to the patient’s specific needs and goals and works toward restoring form, function, and the physical and mental well-being of her patients.
Dr. Mohan’s research interests include lymphedema, lipedema, gender-affirming top surgeries, and massive weight loss body contouring. She also has a strong interest in microcirculation (blood flow through the smallest blood vessels) and has worked on surgical simulation training for microsurgery and 3D modeling projects.
Dr. Mohan has published her research in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic and Aesthetic Research, Annals of Translational Medicine, ePlasty, Annals of Surgery, and Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. Dr. Mohan serves on several American Society of Plastic Surgeons committees and as a journal reviewer. She has also served as an associate editor for the Plastic Surgery Education Network and Frontiers in Surgery.
Dr. Mohan has presented to her peers at international, national, and regional meetings, including the World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery.
Dr. Mohan is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. -
Arash Momeni, MD, FACS
Associate Professor of Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Momeni's research focuses on clinical outcomes after microsurgical reconstruction, with a particular emphasis on VTE prevention.
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Arden Morris, MD, MPH, FACS
Robert L. and Mary Ellenburg Professor of Surgery, and Professor, by courtesy, of Health Policy
BioArden M. Morris, MD, MPH is Vice-Chair for Clinical Research, the Robert L. and Mary Ellenburg Professor of Surgery, and by courtesy Professor of Health Policy at the Stanford School of Medicine. She is Director of the S-SPIRE Center, a health services research collaborative to study patient-centered care, clinical optimization, and health care economics. In her own work, Dr. Morris uses quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods to focus on quality of and equity in cancer care. To that end, she currently is funded by American Cancer Society and NIH to study access to care, clinical outcomes, and policy related to insurance design. Dr. Morris currently serves on the American Joint Commission on Cancer, the NIH Special Emphasis Panel “Topics in Health Services Research: Big Data, Health Information Technology, and Clinical Informatics,” and as Associate Editor for Surgery at JAMA Network Open.
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Claudia Mueller
Associate Professor of Surgery (Pediatric Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsInvestigations of how children's beliefs of health affect their responses to illness.
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Aussama Nassar, MD, MSc,FACS, FRCSC
Clinical Associate Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
BioDr. Nassar is board-certified in both General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care in the United States and Canada, underscoring his exceptional expertise in these fields. He holds a Master of Science in Health Science Education from McMaster University, Canada, further solidifying his strong academic foundation.
Currently, Dr. Nassar serves as the inaugural Director of the Emergency General Surgery Service and the Director of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program at Stanford University. He is also the founder and director of the Surgery Resident Coaching Program. With over 12 years of clinical and academic experience at premier tertiary care referral centers across North America, Dr. Nassar brings unparalleled knowledge and leadership to his roles.
Dr. Nassar's clinical interests include trauma, acute care surgery, critical care, and a particular focus on abdominal wall reconstruction. As a dedicated clinician-educator, he is a certified simulation educator and serves as a course director for ATLS and ASSET programs. His research is centered on advancing surgical education, with an emphasis on fostering the development of non-technical skills in surgical training.
In addition to his educational initiatives, Dr. Nassar is actively engaged in developing innovative assessment tools for surgical trainees and addressing burnout among physicians and healthcare professionals. With a strong national and international presence, Dr. Nassar continues to shape the future of surgical education and healthcare delivery through his leadership, research, and advocacy. -
Rahim Nazerali, MD, MHS, FACS
Clinical Associate Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. Nazerali specializes in complex reconstruction, microsurgery, and aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. He excels at breast reconstruction using free autologous tissue and performs advanced techniques such as the minimally invasive superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap, as well as the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap procedure. In addition to autologous reconstruction, Dr. Nazerali utilizes the latest techniques in implant-based breast reconstruction. His techniques and results have made him a leading instructor and lecturer at national and international institutions, societies and conferences.
In addition to breast reconstruction, Dr. Nazerali performs both aesthetic as well as whole body reconstructive procedures. He has a busy aesthetic practice focusing on breast augmentation, face and body rejuvenation as well as body contouring. In his reconstructive practice, he specializes in abdominal wall reconstruction as well as post-trauma tissue transfers. For every patient in his care, his goal is to optimize restoration of both form and function.
To help advance the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Nazerali conducts research into outcomes of breast reconstruction, augmentation, and reduction. Dr. Nazerali has published widely: well over 100 journal articles and conference proceedings. Topics include breast reconstruction after radiation; advances in surgical technique; and, the use of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality systems in plastic surgery practice and education. His work has appeared in Annals of Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Surgery, the European Journal of Plastic Surgery, the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, and elsewhere.
Dr. Nazerali focuses not only on improving his patient’s lives but also our ability to deliver care as an institution. He is on the Medical Executive Council at Stanford Healthcare, serves as a committee member in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the California Society of Plastic Surgeons. In his spare time, he volunteers his time to provide reconstructive surgical services to adults and children in need worldwide. -
Dung Nguyen
Clinical Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. Dung H Nguyen is currently the Director of Breast Reconstruction at the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center, Director of Microsurgery and Microsurgery Fellowship, and the Director of Adult Plastics Clinic at Stanford Healthcare. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and highest academic honor and distinction from U.C. Davis. She earned a Pharm.D degree from U.C.S.F. School of Pharmacy and a MD degree from U.C.S.D. She then did a residency in general surgery and a residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Southern California (USC) Medical Center. She further completed a fellowship in microsurgery from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, one of the largest reconstructive surgery centers in the world. She was recruited to Stanford from Cedar Sinai Medical Center in 2012, and is currently a Clinical Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University.
Dr. Nguyen specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, surgical treatment of lymphedema including vascularized lymph node transfer and lymphaticovenous anastomosis, and complex tissue reconstruction utilizing microsurgery and supermicrosurgery. She also has interest in cosmetic surgery, including facial rejuvenation and body contouring procedures.
In addition to her clinical commitment, Dr. Nguyen has basic science and clinical research interests in lymphedema and breast reconstruction. She has published articles in peer review journals, presented at national and international professional meetings and has authored book chapters in various plastic surgery textbooks. She also enjoys volunteering on overseas medical missions and participating in medical charity activities. -
Jeffrey Norton, MD
Robert L. and Mary Ellenburg Professor of Surgery, Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsInterleukin-12 is a Th1 cytokine. It is important in the cell mediated immune response. We are investigating its role as an anti-tumor cytokine to augment the immune response against cancer. We are planning a human trial.
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Eric Brian Pillado
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Vascular Surgery
BioDr. Pillado earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan before completing his medical degree at the University of California, Los Angeles. He then completed his vascular surgery residency at Northwestern University, where he also obtained a Master of Science in Health Services and Outcomes Research as well as a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management during his professional development time.
His clinical research interests include improving vascular surgery healthcare delivery systems in underserved patient populations, multidisciplinary limb salvage, and advancing wellness initiatives within vascular surgery training. -
George A. Poultsides, MD, MS
Stanford Department of Surgery Professor
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsClinical trials of experimental diagnostics and therapeutics; outcomes analysis following combined modality treatment of hepatic, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal malignancies.
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Janey S.A. Pratt, MD
Clinical Professor, Surgery - Pediatric Surgery
BioDr. Janey S.A. Pratt, MD, FACS, FASMBS is a general surgeon who specializes in Laparoscopic and Robotic General and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS). She began her career in general surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she was a founding member of the MGH Weight Center. As surgical director she introduced minimally invasive MBS and adolescent MBS to MGH in 2001 and 2007 respectively. In 2011 Dr. Pratt took over as Director at the MGH Weight Center and continued to work on several national committees towards improving access and care for adolescents with severe obesity. Dr. Pratt continued to practice general surgery throughout her tenure at MGH seeing patients with breast cancer, hernias, and obesity. She performed advance minimally invasive surgery (MIS) as well as advanced endoscopy.
In 2016 Dr. Pratt moved to California where she began her work at Stanford University, splitting her time between the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital and the Palo Alto VA. She performs Minimally Invasive MBS as well as endoscopy. Dr. Pratt has trained in robotic surgery as well. As a Clinical Professor of Surgery, Dr. Pratt is involved in training Stanford medical students and residents both in the OR, in clinic, in simulation labs and in the classroom. Since 2023 Dr. Pratt is dedicated only to the Children's Hospital running the Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery program at LPCH. This is an MBSAQIP accredited program in a free-standing children's hospital dedicated to the multidisciplinary care of children with obesity. This program is one of the top 5 programs in the country. Dr. Pratt has been involved in creating and updated guidelines for Adolescent MBS since 2005. In 2018 she was first author on the ASMBS Pediatric Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Guidelines. Her research interests include MIS MBS, pediatric obesity treatment and the use of medications to improve outcomes of MBS. Dr. Pratt frequently lectures on the subject of Adolescent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. -
Carla Pugh, MD, PhD
Thomas Krummel Professor
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsThe Technology Enabled Clinical Improvement (T.E.C.I.) Center is a multidisciplinary team of researchers dedicated to the design and implementation of advanced engineering technologies that facilitate data acquisition relating to clinical performance.
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Gary K. Roberts, D.D.S.
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. Roberts has performed hospital dentistry and surgery at Stanford University Medical Center and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital since 1995. He is also on the faculty at University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. He treats a variety of oral and maxillofacial conditions, including dental trauma and infection, dental implant and restorative reconstruction, surgical tooth extraction, bone and tissue grafting, conventional and surgical endodontic procedures, dental oncology care of cancer patients, as well as orofacial pain treatment.
He has presented CME lectures and Grand Rounds to numerous Departments at Stanford, as well as teaching Residents and Fellows at Stanford Medical School and the Palo Alto VA. He also lectures in the Physician Assistant Program at Stanford.
During his nearly a quarter of a century of military service, he was one of the leading researchers on combat trauma and the pathophysiology of projectile wounds. He currently serves as a member of the Council on Peer with the California Dental Association and is an Anesthesia Evaluator for the California State Dental Board. Dr. Roberts is frequently asked to speak on a variety of topics to organizations both in the US and internationally. -
Brian Ruhle, MD, MS
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
BioDr. Ruhle is a board-certified surgeon with dual fellowship training in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery from Stanford Health Care and endocrine surgery from UCLA Health. He also serves as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Ruhle specializes in bariatric (weight loss) surgery, foregut (upper digestive tract) surgery, and abdominal wall reconstruction. He uses leading-edge laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improve obesity related health conditions. His expertise in advanced minimally invasive procedures offers patients significant benefits, including faster recoveries, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays.
Dr. Ruhle’s research interests span a wide range of topics in metabolic and bariatric surgery. His studies have explored combination therapy for obesity management, improved screening and treatment of endocrine disorders, and optimizing outcomes in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. He has published his findings in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Surgery, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Blood, and Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
During his surgical training, Dr. Ruhle presented at prominent national and regional meetings, including the annual meetings of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons and American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. His presentations have addressed innovative topics such as using GLP-1 agonists (medications that help regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite) before bariatric surgery. His presentations have also addressed improving screening protocols for hyperaldosteronism (high blood pressure caused by the excess production of the hormone aldosterone).
Dr. Ruhle is a member of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Clinical Association of California Endocrinologists, and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. -
Nazish Sayed MD, PhD
Associate Professor (Research) of Surgery (Vascular Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsThe Sayed Laboratory is focused on the development of novel technologies that drive innovation in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug testing in vascular biology. The lab conducts translational research in vascular biology and aims to understand the role of the vasculature in the development of cardiac diseases, including those due to inherited genetic variants or environmental insults such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension. The lab employs the human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to generate patient-specific vascular cells (endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells) as an alternative to animal models providing a human tissue surrogate for research that is scalable and sustainable. By employing this unique platform, the lab also investigates the role of chemotherapeutic agents (anti-cancer drugs) on the vasculature. Dr. Sayed’s lab has also established an endothelial regeneration program, where they leverage the innate immune system to regenerate endothelial cells from human fibroblasts.
Work from the lab has led to seminal discoveries in the areas of 1) Nitric oxide (NO) biology, (2) vascular biology, (3) stem cell biology, (4) cardiovascular disease modeling (5) cardio-oncology. -
Stephen Schendel
Professor of Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) at the Stanford University Medical Center, Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsSurgical correction and the study of growth and development of craniomaxillofacial anomalies and deformities.
1. Histochemical Analysis of Facial Muscles.
2. Cranial Sutural Manipulation.
3. Stability of Mandibular and Maxillary Surgery.
4. Growth Factors in Infant Cranial Sutures.
5. Virtual Surgery.
6. 3-D Biocomputation4. Osteodistraction -
Carolyn Dacey Seib, MD, MAS
Associate Professor of Surgery (General Surgery)
BioDr. Carolyn Dacey Seib is a fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon and board-certified general surgeon who specializes in surgery of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. In 2025, she was among the first surgeons in the United States to earn a Focused Practice Designation in Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery from the American Board of Surgery, reflecting her expertise in these procedures and related patient management.
Dr. Seib provides comprehensive and personalized care for patients with thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal disorders, including thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, primary hyperparathyroidism, primary aldosteronism, autonomous cortisol secretion, and pheochromocytomas. Her approach combines advanced surgical techniques with a focus on patient-centered outcomes, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Seib is an NIH-funded researcher whose work focuses on optimizing surgical decision-making and outcomes for patients with endocrine disorders. She has received research support from the National Institute on Aging and the American Thyroid Association, and her studies have been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and featured in national media, including The New York Times.
Dr. Seib completed her undergraduate education at Princeton University (summa cum laude), earned her medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine, and completed her general surgery residency and endocrine surgery fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). -
Subhro K. Sen, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioSubhro K. Sen, MD, Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in biomedical engineering. He went on to receive his medical degree from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. After medical school, he completed a yearlong peripheral nerve research fellowship under Dr. Susan Mackinnon at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He completed his postgraduate training in general surgery at Indiana University, followed by plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins University. He finished his training with a hand and upper extremity surgery fellowship at Stanford University.
Dr. Sen’s general clinical interests are in reconstructive surgery, microvascular surgery, and hand and upper extremity surgery. His practice includes: post-traumatic extremity reconstruction; post-oncologic reconstruction of the head and neck, trunk and extremities; perforator flap surgery; and melanoma surgery. He is medical director of the Advanced Wound Care Center at Stanford Health Care. As a hand surgeon in the Robert A. Chase Hand and Upper Limb Center, he has interests in hand trauma, degenerative conditions, peripheral nerve injuries, and complex upper extremity flap reconstruction.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Sen is involved in research, publication, and teaching. His peer-reviewed research includes studies on extremity reconstruction, peripheral nerve regeneration, and he has authored a number of book chapters on a variety of plastic and hand surgery topics. He has a strong interest in medical device innovation and is currently a faculty fellow in the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign.
Dr. Sen is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery. -
Clifford Sheckter, MD, MS, FACS
Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
BioDr. Cliff Sheckter is a California native, growing up in the rural Eastern Sierra. He graduated from UCLA with a BS in Anthropology and earned summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors. He attended USC (Keck) for medical school on an academic scholarship and graduated valedictorian with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. He fell in love with burn care while at USC/LA General Medical Center and completed surgical training at Stanford. While in residency, he pursued a fellowship/postdoc in Health Systems Design at Stanford’s Clinical Excellence Research Center (CERC). He earned an MS in Health Policy from Stanford, focusing on health economics. He received additional training in Surgical Critical Care and Burn Surgery at the University of Washington.
Dr. Sheckter is a health services and health policy researcher. His work focuses on burn prevention and health economics in surgical care. He has authored over 150 articles and numerous book chapters. His research has been published in JAMA, JAMA Network Open, JAMA Surgery, Annals of Surgery, Journal of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Burns, and Journal of Burn Care & Research. His work has been featured in USA Today and the New York Times. He was the recipient of a career development award from the NIH and has funding from the Plastic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sheckter was awarded the American Burn Association (ABA) Traveling Fellow for 2023 and has won top abstract at the ABA Annual Meeting multiple times. He is an active member of the ABA and Chairs the Burn Prevention Committee.
Dr. Sheckter is one of a few surgeons double-board certified in Surgical Critical Care and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He practices critical care medicine as an intensivist in the Stanford Surgical ICU. He is the Director of the Regional Burn Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center which is the only burn/trauma center for the San Francisco Bay Area. He performs scar reconstruction using surgical and laser techniques. -
Andrew A. Shelton, MD, FACS, FACRS
Clinical Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMultimodality treatment of rectal cancer
Sphincter preserving procedures for rectal cancer
Laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery
Surgical education -
Dennis Shem
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. Shem is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Section of Dental Medicine and Surgery at Stanford University. He trained in Dental Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, focusing on oral complications of cancer therapy and non-surgical management of patients with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). He also trained in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at Columbia University and has expertise in diagnosing and managing oral mucosal diseases.
As a dental oncologist and oral pathologist, he evaluates patients before and after organ and stem-cell transplant, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and bisphosphonate therapy. He has particular interest in oral manifestations of systemic disease, oral complications of systemic therapy, and oral dysplasia. -
Prof Christopher Shen MD
Adjunct Professor, Medicine - Surgery
Academic Staff - Hourly - CSL, SurgeryBioDr. Christopher Shen is an Adjunct Professor in the Stanford School of Medicine, the Director of Global Programs at the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign, and a member of the Stanford Biodesign Leadership Council. Dr. Shen is also the Founding Executive Director of the Singapore Stanford Biodesign Program.
Dr. Shen has been a longstanding member of the Stanford community since 1991, completing degrees in Biological Sciences, Biomechanical Engineering, Business, and Medicine. He has been teaching graduate and undergraduate students since 2001.
A strong proponent of interdisciplinary and experiential education, Dr. Shen has dedicated his career to teaching medical, engineering, and business students at Stanford and abroad in foundational concepts underpinning design-thinking, clinical immersion, ideation, rapid prototyping, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In addition, Dr. Shen is responsible for establishing and/or managing collaborations between Stanford and Biodesign-like programs on every continent except Antarctica! He continues to annually mentor diverse groups of students to develop and implement innovative medical solutions to serve patients around the world.
Dr. Shen is the founding and current U.S. Executive Director of Singapore Stanford Biodesign since its inception in 2010. As the first Biodesign program in East Asia, its mission is to train the next generation of medical technology innovators throughout the Pacific Rim, focusing on the unique medical needs in the region. Supported by Singapore's national level research institute, the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (ASTAR), and the National Research Foundation (NRF), the program has uniquely built bridges across Asia, spanning Singapore, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, and Malaysia. In total, the program has trained 60 Fellows and hundreds of students throughout the region.
Dr. Shen is also a Partner at Novo Holdings, the asset manager of the Novo Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Holdings is committed to investing in innovative companies that improve the health of people and planet. Dr. Shen started his career in medical innovation as a Senior Design Engineer at Guidant Neurovascular, where he was the principal inventor of one of the original stentriever devices for ischemic stroke. He has been issued twelve patents in the fields of interventional neuroradiology and interventional cardiology.
Dr. Shen was a Stanford Asia/Pacific Scholar and a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow. -
Samuel So, MD
Lui Hac Minh Professor in the School of Medicine
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsThrough a 4 pronged comprehensive program: translational and clinical research, early detection and treatment, promoting education, awareness and immunization and building partnership, we are working towards the development of new strategies that will lead to the elimination of hepatitis B worldwide and reduce the threat and incidence of liver cancer. Current research efforts focus on evaluating potential new diagnostic and treatment markers and novel targeted therapy for primary liver cancer.
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Sarah Sorice, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
BioDr. Sorice-Virk is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon with the Stanford Health Care Cancer Center and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. She is medical director of the Stanford Health Care Breast Reconstruction Program in the East Bay. Dr. Sorice-Virk completed her medical degree at New York University School of Medicine. She then went on to do her residency in Plastic Surgery and fellowship in Advanced Wound Care at Stanford University School of Medicine. Finally, this was followed by a fellowship in Advanced Reconstructive Microsurgery at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Sorice-Virk’s clinical interests include complex reconstruction after cancer and trauma while keeping optimal aesthetic outcomes as a top priority. She performs a wide range of procedures, including breast reconstruction and other cancer reconstruction such as gynecologic, colorectal and orthopedic among others, breast-conserving surgery, cosmetic plastic surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, and body contouring. Patients of Dr. Sorice-Virk benefit from a personalized and compassionate care approach. In addition to offering the entire gamut of standard reconstructive modalities, she uses cutting edge surgical techniques, such as perforator flaps (i.e. DIEP flap), hybrid breast reconstruction (i.e. the combination of free flap transfer and implant placement), and breast neurotization to restore breast sensation and in conjunction with the breast surgeons, expanding indications for nipple sparing mastectomies to improve aesthetic outcomes for more patients.
Research interests of Dr. Sorice-Virk include plastic surgery/breast reconstruction outcomes and integrative medicine in plastic surgery. She serves as the principal investigator for multiple research projects and has received grant funding from several organizations.
Her published work includes numerous papers, book chapters, and abstracts, and she has presented her findings at national and international conferences. Additionally, Dr. Sorice-Virk is an ad hoc peer reviewer for Annals of Plastic Surgery and Microsurgery.
Dr. Sorice-Virk is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery. -
Alex Sox-Harris, PhD, MS
Professor (Research) of Surgery (Surgery Policy Improvement Research and Education Center)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsQuality Measurement, Predictive Modeling, Implementation Science,
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David A. Spain, MD
Professor of Surgery (General Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsOur main areas of interest are
1. clinical research in trauma and critical illness
2. economics of this care
3. PTSD and stress response after critical injury or illness -
Kristan Staudenmayer, MD, MS, FACS
Associate Professor of Surgery (General Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDefining the Impact of Injuries in the Elderly
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Kimberly Stone, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
BioKimberly Stone, MD is a board certified General Surgeon who specializes in breast surgical oncology and melanoma surgery. She treats all conditions related to breast health including: breast cancer, high risk prevention and screening, benign breast disease, and conditions related to lactation.
Dr. Stone completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at UCSF, where she trained in all aspects of breast surgical oncology, and melanoma surgery. Dr Stone performs all types of breast surgery including total skin and nipple sparing mastectomy, wireless lumpectomy, benign breast disease excisions and axillary surgery. She works closely with plastic and reconstructive surgeons to offer women the best possible cosmetic options and results following treatment. Dr Stone performs melanoma surgery including wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and lymph node dissections for melanoma.
Dr. Stone strives to deliver compassionate, patient-centered surgical care that is expert and evidence-based while at the same time customized to the unique needs of each patient. She believes that patient empowerment and education are at the heart of an excellent care team. -
Karl G. Sylvester
Professor of Surgery (Pediatric Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsScholarly interests include investigation of molecular markers of human disease that provide diagnostic function, serve as targets for possible therapeutic manipulation, or provide insight into mechanisms of human disease. Specific diseases of interest include common conditions of pregnancy, gut microbial ecology and Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).
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Jane C. Tan
Professor of Medicine (Nephrology) and, by courtesy, of Surgery (Abdominal Transplantation)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy research relates to issues pertaining to clinical kidney transplantation. We have ongoing studies on the following topics.
1. Renal senescence and kidney transplant, and chronic allograft nephropathy.
2. Living donor safety and response to uninephrectomy.
3. Biomarkers for post-transplant monitoring. -
Candice N. Thompson, MD, MSc, FACS
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
BioDr. Thompson is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained breast surgical oncology. She is a clinical assistant professor of surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and the Medical Director for the Office of Cancer Health Equity. She is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Thompson clinical interests include treatment of women and men who have breast cancer, benign breast disease, genetic mutations, family history of breast cancer, or other breast cancer risk factors. Procedures performed by Dr. Thompson include lumpectomies (partial mastectomies) using oncoplastic techniques and hidden scar methods, skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies, simple mastectomies with aesthetically flat closure, oncoplastic procedures, benign breast lesion excisions, axillary node dissections, and sentinel lymph node biopsies.
She completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Stanford University under the mentorship of one of the world’s foremost experts in the field. She completed her general surgery training at Georgetown University, where she was the co-administrative chief resident. She is passionate about equitable care and addressing healthcare disparities, especially in breast cancer.
Dr. Thompson works closely with medical oncology, radiation oncology, plastic surgery, genetics, and other breast cancer specialists in a multidisciplinary setting to provide high quality, evidence-based, and individualized care. Dr. Thompson is a strong advocate for patient education and empowerment and strives to deliver compassionate care to patients and their families.
Her research has focused on Nipple Sparing Mastectomies, Community Engagement for Breast Cancer in the Black Community, Immune responses during breast cancer treatment, and prognostic role of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the management of breast cancer. She also has strong research interests in community engagement, health disparities, oncoplastic surgical options, and cancer biomarkers. She has delivered presentations on a wide range of topics related to breast cancer at national and regional meetings including NRG Oncology, ASBrS, ASC.
For her scholarship and research achievements, Dr. Thompson has won numerous honors and awards. She has earned the resident teaching award during her chief year at Georgetown. She was awarded the Stanford Cancer Institute Clinical Innovation Fund Grant for her work in educating the Black Community about Breast Health and Breast Cancer (2022). She was also awarded the prestigious NCI Early-Surgeon Scientist Program (ESSP) Award to support her early career as a surgeon scientist(2024). She also serves on the AAS Academic Advancement Committee, NRG Oncology Surgical Oncology Committee, NCCN Breast Screening and Diagnosis Panel, and TOUCH Black Breast Advisor for Pink Table Talk.
Dr. Thompson is a member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS), Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO), Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS), Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), and American Medical Association (AMA).
Outside of work, Dr. Thompson enjoys pilates, tennis, baking, sewing, wine tasting, and traveling. -
Kenneth Tran, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Vascular Surgery
BioDr. Tran is a vascular surgeon in the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Division at Stanford Health Care. He is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Tran’s clinical expertise includes the entire spectrum of vascular surgery, including minimally invasive strategies for aortic aneurysm repair and multiple methods of managing peripheral vascular disease. He also specializes in treating cerebrovascular disease (problems with blood flow in the brain) using carotid angioplasty and stenting, transcarotid artery revascularization, and conventional carotid surgery. In addition, Dr. Tran offers comprehensive dialysis access management and treats venous reflux (when leg veins fail to return blood to the heart).
Dr. Tran has a special interest in minimally invasive techniques for repairing complex aortic conditions using custom stents placed inside blood vessels (endografts). He has expertise in designing, fabricating, and implanting physician-modified endografts tailor-made to each patient’s unique aortic anatomy. This technique expands the ability to offer minimally invasive repair to more patients.
Dr. Tran’s research efforts focus on utilizing novel computational approaches to better understand and optimize blood flow patterns after complex aortic repair. This work has helped improve the understanding of how different types of aneurysm repair perform long term. Dr. Tran hopes to use these research findings to improve clinical outcomes for patients with aortic aneurysmal disease.
Dr. Tran has published his work in numerous prestigious peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Vascular Surgery, JAMA Surgery, and the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. He has presented at the podium at numerous national and international conferences.
Dr. Tran has received multiple research awards, including the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society’s Medtronic Resident Research Award and Best Resident Presentation at the Swiss Society for Vascular Diseases. In addition, he received the Young Researcher Prize at the European Symposium on Vascular Biomaterials for his research related to complex aortic repair hemodynamics (blood flow). Dr. Tran also coauthored a chapter in the book Complications in Endovascular Surgery. -
Jacqueline Tsai, MD, FACS
Clinical Associate Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy research interests are focused on improving breast cancer surgeries. I am interested in novel techniques in surgery to improve cosmetic outcomes, minimize surgical re-excisions and possible augmented reality technologies to enhance surgery.
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Brendan C. Visser, MD
Professor of Surgery (General Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Visser's research interests span the breath of his clinical practice. Areas of active research include the multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine cancers, technical aspects of minimally invasive pancreatic and liver surgery, and trends in the management of hepatobiliary cancers in California, focusing on socioeconomic and instituional barriers to appropriate care.
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Todd Wagner, PhD
Professor (Research) of Surgery (Surgery Policy Improvement Research and Education Center) and, by courtesy, of Health Policy
BioTodd Wagner, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at Stanford University. He studies health information, efficiency and value, and health care access. He is particularly interested in developing learning health care systems that provide high value care. In addition to his role at Stanford, he Directs the Health Economics Resource Center at the Palo Alto VA and co-directs the VA Center for Policy Evaluation. At VA, he is funded as a Research Career Scientist and he co-directs the VA/NCI Big Data Fellowship.
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James Wall
Clinical Professor, Surgery - Pediatric Surgery
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsHealth Technology Innovation
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Irene Wapnir, MD
Professor of Surgery (General Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsClinical trials in operative procedures such as Nipple-sparing mastectomy, arm lymphatic mapping, skin perfusion and Treatments for Breast Cancer, especially local recurrence. Dr. Wapnir is institutional Principal Investigator and Chair for National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) clinical trials. Laboratory and translational research includes exploring the activity of breast iodide transporter in breast cancer brain metastasis.
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Thomas G Weiser, MD, MPH
Clinical Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
BioDr. Thomas Weiser is a general, emergency, and trauma surgeon, and surgical intensivist. He treats and cares for injured patients and those with acute surgical emergencies as well as manages critically ill surgical patients in the Intensive Care Unit.
His research is focused on evaluating the role surgical care plays in the delivery of health services in resource poor settings, in particular low and middle income countries. He is interested in barriers to access and provision of surgical care, the quality of surgical services, and outcomes research as well as the science of implementation, how improvements can be made, and how to strengthen compliance with best practices and change behaviors for the better. He also has an interest in domestic policy as it relates to trauma outcomes, trauma systems, insurance coverage and costs of care, and firearm violence.
Dr. Weiser's projects have focused on the quality of surgical care, strategies for improving the safety and reliability of surgical delivery, and team communications. He works closely with Lifebox, a nonprofit focused on improving surgical and anesthetic safety worldwide, where he was previously the Consulting Medical Officer. Lifebox delivers programs throughout the world in combination with local partners including individual professionals, professional societies, hospitals, other NGOs, and ministries of health. Lifebox works with hospitals in Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, India, Honduras, and Nicaragua, amongst others, to improve care and evaluate the impact of our work. A few programs of particular impact are the distribution of low cost devices to improve the safety of care (including pulse oximeters for the routine monitoring of patients undergoing anesthesia and a new surgical headlight program) and Clean Cut, a surgical infection prevention and control program now being introduced in several countries.
From 2006-2009, he was part of the World Health Organization’s Safe Surgery Saves Lives program where he quantified the global volume of surgery and created, implemented, evaluated, and promoted the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. He has worked with the WHO and the World Bank, and is completing a Gates Grand Challenge Grant-funded study to improve the safety of cesarean section in Ethiopia.
He is a Program Director at Wellcome Leap where he leads Surgery:Assess/Validate/Expand (SAVE). -
Ian Whitmore
Professor (Teaching) of Surgery (Anatomy)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsThe development of better regimes for teaching Anatomy using Cadavers.
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Clay P. Wiske, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - Vascular Surgery
BioDr. Wiske is a vascular surgeon in the Vascular and Endovascular Care program at Stanford Health Care. He is also a clinical assistant professor of surgery in the Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery. Dr. Wiske manages and treats the full spectrum of vascular disease, performing both open and endovascular surgery.
His clinical interests include peripheral arterial disease, venous disease, dialysis access, and aortic and peripheral aneurysms. Additionally, he has helped develop and evaluate medical devices designed to maximize the ease of treatment and limit the invasiveness of specific interventions.
Dr. Wiske has published research on a variety of topics within vascular surgery. These include the best approaches to reduce the risk of stroke associated with carotid surgery and the impact of using multidisciplinary teams to identify and treat pulmonary embolisms. Dr. Wiske has also participated in studies assessing the pace of innovation in vascular surgery, as well as policy approaches to reducing the financial burden of health care on patients.
Dr. Wiske has published his work in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Journal of Vascular Surgery, and Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. He has also been an invited guest speaker at national and international meetings, including those for the Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society. -
Sherry M. Wren, MD, FACS, FCS(ECSA), FISS
Professor of Surgery (General Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsOur research interests are primarily in global surgery,robotics,surgical oncology, especially gastrointestinal cancers.
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Jeffrey Yao, MD
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and, by courtesy, of Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Current Research and Scholarly Interests1. Minimally invasive and arthroscopic treatment alternatives for common hand and wrist disorders
2. Biologic augmentation of tendon repair strategies utilizing stem cells -
Kirbi Yelorda, MD, MS
Clinical Assistant Professor, Surgery - General Surgery
BioDr. Kirbi Yelorda is a fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeon and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery – Colon and Rectal Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. She completed her colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Mount Sinai Health System and her general surgery residency at Stanford Health Care, where she also earned a Master of Science degree in health research and policy.
Dr. Yelorda specializes in the surgical management of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and benign anorectal conditions such as hemorrhoids, fistulas, and fissures. She has advanced training in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques that support enhanced recovery and optimal patient outcomes.
Dr. Yelorda’s research focuses on the impact of social determinants of health on colorectal cancer outcomes and disparities in surgical care. She is particularly interested in surgical education and quality improvement.
Dr. Yelorda has authored articles published in peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA Surgery, Journal of Surgical Education, and Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. She has presented her work at national conferences including those of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Pacific Coast Surgical Association. She is a recipient of Stanford University's Samuel L. Kountz, MD Humanitarian Award.
Dr. Yelorda is an active member of the American College of Surgeons, the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
