Welcome to the Division of General Surgery

HEALTH CARE

Stanford's Division of General Surgery is made up of subspecialty sections in colorectal surgery, minimally invasive and bariatric surgery, trauma/critical care and acute care surgery and surgical oncology (breast, gastrointestinal, hepatopancreaticobiliary and endocrine surgery), and general surgery at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System.



RESEARCH

Faculty in the division are involved in health service, education, technology, clinical trials, translational and basic research projects. These research areas are focused on a variety topics including healthcare delivery, health policy and disease-specific gaps in knowledge. The goal of the research being conducted in the division is to ultimately impact patient care and optimize health care delivery that results in improved patient outcome based on cost-effective strategies. 

EDUCATION

We strive to provide an unparalleled opportunity for bright and highly motivated individuals to broadly acquire the skills, knowledge, clinical training and additional resources to become future leaders in surgery. Stanford has a long history of educating outstanding clinical surgeons beginning with our founding chair, Emile Holman, a Halsted-trained surgeon who served as Professor and Chair of the department from 1926 to 1955. His tradition continues to this day.

Division News

January 13, 2026

ABMS Collaborates with ABS and Stanford University on AMA Grant 

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is collaborating with the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and Stanford University, which has been selected as one of 11 teams to receive funding from the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Transforming Lifelong Learning Through Precision Education Grant Program, a $12 million investment by AMA to advance physician training through personalized learning and advanced technology. 

January 12, 2026

Spotlight: Dr. Carlie Arbaugh 

Meet Carlie Arbaugh MD, MS, Chef. Dr. Arbaugh completed a 4-week clinical rotation at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and the University of Zimbabwe in Harare in October-November 2025. 

January 7, 2026

ROC Announces Research Seed Grant Winners 

Drs. Stephanie Chao and Alma-Martina Cepika are the 2026 Research Seed Grant winners.

Upcoming Events

Payments & Donations

Make A Difference

The Division of General Surgery depends on the generous support of our donors. Support our program by making a gift.