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Mary Hawn
Surgery Department Chair at Stanford University
Mary T. Hawn is a prominent American surgeon and the Chair of the Department of Surgery at Stanford University, where she also holds the title of Emile Holman Professor of Surgery. She has garnered recognition for her expertise in minimally invasive foregut surgery and her contributions to health services research, particularly in the areas of surgical quality measurement and policy.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Hawn was born and raised in Manistique, Michigan. She pursued her higher education at the University of Michigan, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree, medical degree, and a Master of Public Health (MPH). During her time there, she engaged in scientific research, which laid the foundation for her future career in medicine.14
Career Path
Before joining Stanford in 2015, Dr. Hawn spent 15 years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she advanced from assistant professor to chief of the Section of Gastrointestinal Surgery. At UAB, she also served as vice chair for quality and clinical effectiveness and directed several research initiatives.36
Her leadership at Stanford encompasses overseeing research, education, and clinical care within the surgery department. She has been involved in various national committees and boards, including serving as a director for the American Board of Surgery and on editorial boards for several prestigious medical journals.12
Research Focus
Dr. Hawn's research primarily targets improving surgical quality and patient outcomes. She has conducted significant studies on surgical care improvement initiatives and has developed metrics for assessing surgical quality that can lead to actionable improvements in practice.56 Her work has been influential in shaping national policies regarding surgical care standards.
Recognition
In 2021, Dr. Hawn was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, acknowledging her impact as a leading surgeon and educator.4 She has also received multiple awards throughout her career, including the upcoming Wangensteen Scientific Forum Award for her contributions to academic surgery.56
Personal Life
Dr. Hawn is married to Eben Rosenthal, and they have two children together.4 Her commitment to balancing a demanding career with family life reflects her advocacy for work-life balance within the medical profession.
Mary Hawn's career exemplifies a blend of clinical excellence, research innovation, and dedication to education in surgery, making her a respected leader in her field.
