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
February 2, 2026
Exploring the Intersection of Surgery and Cancer Research with Dr. Dan Delitto
Dr. Dan Delitto is an assistant professor of surgery at Stanford University specializes in surgical oncology and holds a PhD in immunology. On this episode, Dr. Delitto reflects on his decision to pursue an MD-PhD pathway during residency and discusses the recent advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing technology that his lab has acquired. He explains the complex role of fibroblasts in cancer development, particularly in pancreatic ductal carcinoma, highlighting how these cells can both promote and hinder tumor growth.
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.
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The Division of General Surgery depends on the generous support of our donors. Support our program by making a gift.