Four Surgery Faculty Graduate Stanford Leadership Development Program

June 12, 2025

Updated June 18, 2025

Four members of the Department of Surgery Faculty graduated from Stanford’s Leadership Development Program (SLDP):

Faraz Khan, Pediatric Surgery;
Cara Liebert, General Surgery;
Arash Momeni, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; and
Tom Pham, Abdominal Transplantation.

Dr. Faraz Khan

Dr. Cara Liebert

Dr. Arash Momeni

Dr. Tom Pham

“Through the [SLDP], I gained practical tools for leading teams more effectively, managing change, and making strategic decisions. I’ll be applying these skills to improve operational efficiency, strengthen team cohesion, and support institutional goals,” said Momeni. “Just as importantly, I value the remarkable individuals I had the privilege to connect with—a community built on trust, shared purpose, and mutual respect that I believe will last well beyond the program.”

Pham said he learned be a more effective and compassionate leader and educator.

"I really enjoyed the course thoroughly. It helped me develop introspection into my career path," said Pham. "I now have the confidence to move forward with the next stage of my career in regards to leadership, team/project management and mentorship."

SLDP is sponsored by both Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Healthcare. According to their website, the program “provides leaders at Stanford Medicine an educational foundation based on identifying, applying, and fostering the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary for physicians to enhance efficiency and collaboration within their professional spheres.”

Participants are nominated by the deans, department chairs, and senior leadership of SHC.

“I’m especially grateful to Dr. Mary Hawn for her support and steadfast commitment to faculty development,” said Momeni.

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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