Department Announces Second Vice Chair Cohort

July 15, 2026

Stanford Surgery announced its second class of Associate Vice Chairs (AVC), effective September 1st:

  • Opportunity and Engagement – Dr. Lizzie George 

  • Clinical Affairs – Dr. Stephanie Chao 

  • Research – Dr. Amanda Kirane

  • Innovation – Dr. Travis Miller 

  • Professional Development – Dr. Amanda Filiberto

  • Education – Dr. Cara Leibert is staying for another year to transition our new Vice Chair

  • Academic Affairs – Dr. Deshka Foster 

  • Wellness – Dr. Crystal Chang will stay on as Associate Director

The Associate Chair pathway in the Department of Surgery complements and enhances the current School of Medicine leadership training programs by providing hands-on, practical leadership training for mid-level faculty across the Department.

“I am so grateful for our inaugural Associate Chairs for their wonderful contributions,” said Department Chair Dr. Mary Hawn in her announcement to the faculty. “It has been so impactful to bring our junior faculty voices into our leadership and governance.” 

The outgoing AVCs are: Drs. Varia Kirchner, Lisa Knowlton, David Hindin, and Dan Delitto. Additionally, outgoing AVC of Clinical Affairs Dr. Joe Forrester will stay on as the Performance Improvement leader for Stanford Health Care. 

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• pioneering cutting-edge research, 
• developing the next generation of leaders, and 
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion. 

To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu

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