General Surgery Residency Program Appoints New Director

Dr. Marc Melcher has decided to step down from his role as Program Director of the General Surgery Residency Program.

"We cannot thank Dr. Melcher enough for his service," said Department Chair Dr. Mary Hawn. "During his tenure, he has recruited amazing residents and ensured that they are competitive for the premier fellowships around the country. Each one of our graduates is an incredibly well-trained surgeon and he and we have much to be proud of."

Dr. Melcher will continue to serve through the end of June with Dr. David Spain assuming the reins formally on July 1st along with the new class of interns.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to have someone of Dr. Spain's stature and leadership both nationally and locally to step into this position," said Dr. Hawn. "I know our program will continue to grow and thrive under Dr. Spain’s leadership."

Dr. Spain is not only chief of Stanford's trauma and critical care surgery section but also President-elect of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and a Director of the American Board of Surgery.

"Training future surgeons and leaders is one of the most important things we do at Stanford.  I've spent most of my career devoted to these principles," said Dr. Spain. "Also, the incredible job done by Dr. Melcher and associate program directors Drs. Kirilcuk, Lin and Dua, along with the experience and dedication of Anita Hagan and her team,  made the opportunity to have a "formal role" too good pass up. I'm looking forward to continuing the great success of our general surgery training program."