Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Celebrates Women in Medicine

September 27, 2023 | 12:00 to 2:00 PM | Falk Library

Event Videos

Featured interviews by Drs. A. Claire Watkins, Maria Currie, Ngan Huang, Jennifer Kim, Kate Verdi, and Yuanjia Zhu

Event

The Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) & Wellness Staff Committee was pleased to host the Cardiothoracic Surgery Celebrates Women in Medicine Luncheon on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Falk Library.

This year, we were pleased to have Dr. Leah Backhus, Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of Faculty Development, as the event’s keynote speaker. She shared her journey, insights, and inspiring stories for aspiring women surgeons.

September marks the American Medical Association’s Women in Medicine Month—an annual celebration of women physicians, residents, and trainees. We celebrate all women in medicine and share our appreciation for those who have paved the way for future leaders in cardiothoracic surgery.

For any questions, contact Deborah Freitas or Judy Womack. 

Agenda

  • Welcome Remarks by Dr. Joseph Woo, Norman E. Shumway Professor and Chair
  • Keynote Presentation by Dr. Leah Backhus, Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Thoracic Surgery) and Director of Faculty Development
  • Special Video Presentation
  • Closing Remarks

Celebrating Extraordinary Women

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of all women in medicine. This year, we highlighted our 21 women faculty members, residents, and fellows who are leading the future of cardiothoracic surgery.

Leah Backhus, MD, MPH, FACS

Professor

Elan Burton, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Maria Currie, MD, PhD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Irmina Elliott, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Ngan Huang, PhD

Associate Professor (Research)

Patpilai Kasinpila, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

Yihan Lin, MD, MPH

Clinical Assistant Professor

Natalie Lui, MD

Assistant Professor

Elisabeth Martin, MD, MPH

Clinical Assistant Professor

Billie-Jean Martin, MD, PhD

Clinical 
Assistant Professor

Chawannuch Ruaengsri, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor

A. Claire Watkins, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor
 

Ioana Baiu, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow

Cayley Bowles, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident

Ashley Choi, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident

Kelly Higa, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident

Jennifer Kim, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident

Hannah McMullen, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident

Lillian Tsai, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow

Kate Verdi, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow

Yuanjia Zhu, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident

Special Thanks

Thank you to the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery DEI & Wellness Staff Committee members: Tiffany Flores, Deborah Freitas, Alyssa Garrison, Casey Gilles, Jason Irwin, Diane Starrett, Roxanna Van Norman, Rachelle Villanueva, Judy Womack, and all of the team for their support in putting this event together.

Past Event

2022 Cardiothoracic Surgery Celebrates Women in Medicine Luncheon