Stanford Surgery Strengthens Academic and Research Collaboration in Montréal

December 1, 2025

(Clockwise from top left) Amin Etemad, Dr. Fred Saad, and Dr. Lisa Knowlton

A Stanford Surgery delegation traveled to Montréal last week to advance a growing collaboration with the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and the Université de Montréal’s surgical and medical research programs. The visit focused on expanding joint clinical innovation, research exchange, and future opportunities for trainee engagement between the two institutions.

The team met with leadership at CHUM—one of Canada’s leading academic medical centers—where discussions centered on shared priorities in surgical excellence, research, quality improvement, and long-term program development.

As part of the visit, Stanford also engaged with HEC Montréal, which recently became the only Canadian university to have signed a partnership with Stanford University through the International Honors Program. The collaboration will welcome HEC students to Stanford for an 8-week experience beginning in June 2026, further strengthening cross-border academic exchange and leadership development in health management and innovation.

The collaboration was initiated by Amin Etemad, MBA, quality programs manager for the Department of Surgery. Etemad is an HEC Montréal alumnus and current expat ambassador.

"I'm committed to strengthening HEC’s medical management hub—with Stanford’s expertise and partnership—to foster leadership in health systems innovation," said Etemad.

Joining Etemad in this effort are Dr. Lisa Knowlton, an associate professor of surgery, acute care surgeon, and associate chair of research for Stanford's Department of Surgery, whose clinical practice spans trauma, emergency surgery and Directorship of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. The Stanford team was hosted by Dr. Fred Saad, CHUM’s Professor and Chair, who is an internationally recognized leader in urologic oncology and translational research.

"Dr. Saad's vision and support have been instrumental in shaping this initiative," said Etemad. "We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Saad for his partnership and commitment to advancing this collaboration."

This trip marks an important step in building a sustainable ecosystem of collaboration between Stanford Surgery, CHUM, and Université de Montréal—uniting clinical expertise, research excellence, and educational opportunity across two world-class institutions. Stanford Surgery looks forward to continued partnership and the promising joint initiatives now underway.

Media Contact

Director of Communications

(650) 723-2301

rebaker@stanford.edu

Bio

As the Director of Communications for Stanford Surgery, Rachel Baker tells the stories of her department's faculty, staff, and trainees. With the help of an amazing team of content creators, she produces and curates original articles, photos, videos, graphics, and even podcasts.She works personally with each division, center, program, and lab within her purview to define their audience and reach their goals while maintaining a consistent brand voice. She hosts quarterly professional development workshops open to all AEM web authors--please email her if you'd like to join! She also offers both 1:1 and group education to faculty and residents on a variety of topics including media training, using social media to advantage, and presentation refinement. Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in journalism with a focus on photography from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. A transplant from the DC-area, she still misses foliage and argyle but has happily adopted the official NorCal hobbies of visiting wineries, hiking local trails, and eating avocado.

About Stanford Surgery

The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:

• 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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