Dr. Poultsides to succeed Dr. Norton as SurgOnc Chief

May 28, 2019

After almost 16 years, Dr. Jeff Norton will be stepping down as Chief of the Surgical Oncology Section. Dr. George Poultsides will be stepping into the position effective June 1, 2019.

“Dr. Jeff Norton put Stanford surgical oncology on the international map and is a legend in the field,” said Department of Surgery Chair Dr. Mary Hawn. “I know Dr. Poultsides will build upon that foundation and develop a preeminent program including innovative programs in clinical care research and education for complex surgical oncology patients.”

Under Norton’s leadership, Stanford developed preeminent programs in HPB, upper GI, sarcoma and endocrine surgery. While Poultsides plans to remain focused on the continued growth of those programs, he also hopes to build similarly strong programs in peritoneal surface malignancy and melanoma and performing more prospective clinical trials.

“Our impressive case volume can act as a terrific substrate for these efforts, which can stem from interdisciplinary collaborations within campus, participation in national cooperative groups trials, or interactions with industry,” said Poultsides.

A forthcoming clinical fellowship in complex general surgical oncology is also expected to increase the clinical and academic productivity of all faculty and grow volume.

“Dr. Poultsides is an excellent candidate to replace me with his broad training and experience in surgical oncology,” said Norton. “He will be a collegial leader developing the program at the individual surgeon and overall programmatic level bringing a team concept—much like an athletic coach—that is needed for national and international recognition as a premier surgical oncology program.”

Dr. Norton says he will enjoy using his newly-freed up time doing research in the lab.

“I am working in Dr. Michael Longaker’s laboratory on the mechanism of intra-abdominal adhesions following surgery and the role of cancer associated fibroblasts in pancreas cancer stroma,” said Norton. “This research may provide opportunities for intervention and improved outcomes of our patients.”