Bio
Since 2001, Dr. Cynthia Lynn DeTata has served as an exemplary physician, educator, and advocate at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Her commitment to clinical excellence, patient well-being, student learning and innovation in medical education has set her apart as a leader in her field.
As a clinical associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. DeTata has spent over two decades providing outstanding clinical care while training future physicians and enhancing the educational landscape for medical students and residents. Her efforts in creating, implementing and disseminating a flipped classroom curriculum with innovative and interactive learning experiences has reshaped the medical student clerkship program, earning her recognition both regionally and nationally. Through her guidance, student performance on standardized tests as well as clerkship satisfaction scores have significantly improved, a testament to her effectiveness as an educator and mentor.
Dr. DeTata's passion for teaching extends beyond the confines of the hospital. She has developed original and innovative courses for undergraduate students such as "Demystifying Pregnancy" and "Physiology of Pregnancy," appealing to a broader audience and addressing the critical gap in public education regarding reproductive health. Her courses are highly sought after, consistently rated above the mean for student engagement and satisfaction and underscore her dedication to fostering knowledge of the social, political and environmental impacts on maternal-child health. She works to inspire students to consider the past, present and future forces on the future of all of us.
Beyond her leadership in the classroom, Dr. DeTata has made substantial contributions to medical education through mentoring programs where she supports first-generation medical students and precepts various courses at Stanford. Her involvement in faculty development initiatives has helped elevate the teaching capabilities of her colleagues, developing a culture of excellence in education.
Dr. DeTata completed a Master’s Degree in Academic Medicine from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Leaders and Scholars program through the American Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO). She is a guest instructor in USC’s Academic Medicine program and has been an invited presenter at numerous national conferences. She has contributed to the Association of American Medical Colleges by helping develop the PreView test, a situational judgement exam used nationally in the medical school application process.
Dr. DeTata's commitment to community service is equally commendable. From participating in local health education initiatives for high school students to volunteering at COVID-19 vaccination clinics, she embodies the spirit of service in medical professionalism. In addition to her extensive contributions to the health system, she actively serves in professional societies and committees aimed at nurturing future leaders in medicine.
Dr. DeTata’s contributions have not gone unnoticed: she has received multiple accolades large and small, including the Oscar Salvatierra Award for Exceptional Service to Stanford Medical Students and the School of Medicine, and the recognition as "Favorite Faculty" by the Stanford Women's Gymnastics Team, indicating her profound impact on students from various disciplines.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. DeTata has demonstrated a continuous dedication to nurturing the next generation of physicians, advancing medical education, and providing exemplary patient care. She teaches and practices with kindness, compassion, and inspiration, continuously fostering a healing and learning environment that values innovation, inclusivity, lifelong learning, and excellence.
