UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson Welcomes New Division Chief of Pediatric Surgery

Ken Liechty, MD, has been named division chief of pediatric surgery in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Surgery, as well as director of fetal medicine at Banner – University Medicine and surgeon-in-chief of Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center.

“I am thrilled to be joining a team with a vision to advance surgical and medical care for unborn babies, children and adults and an institution with core values to support these missions,” Dr. Liechty said.

Dr. Liechty is internationally recognized for his clinical care in fetal medicine and his research in wound healing and regeneration. He begins Sept. 1.

“Dr. Liechty’s recruitment is a wonderful addition to the specialized team of pediatric specialists at Diamond Children’s Medical Center,” said Joshua Lee, MD, physician executive with Banner – University Medicine. “His expertise in pediatric clinical care, research and academia ensures our tiniest patients have access to the best care for their needs.”

Dr. Liechty received undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Utah. He went on to receive certifications in general surgery from the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) and fetal and pediatric surgery from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He stayed on as faculty at CHOP and UPENN for five years as a fetal and pediatric surgeon and basic science researcher.

For the last eight years, Dr. Liechty was co-director of the Children’s Hospital Colorado Fetal Care Center and director of Pediatric Surgery Basic and Translational Research.

“We greatly look forward to welcoming Dr. Liechty to our team,” said Geoffrey Gurtner, MD, FACS, chair of the College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Surgery. “His clinical experience with excellent outcomes and research into wound healing and tissue regeneration will ensure we are able to bring high quality fetal and pediatric surgery to patients throughout Arizona.”

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Liechty as Pediatric Surgeon-in-Chief at Diamond Children’s Medical Center,” said Fayez Ghishan, MD, chair of the College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief at Diamond Children’s Medical Center. “He is an outstanding physician and scientist, and he will contribute significantly to serving our community at the clinical level and advancing scientific knowledge with his expertise in regenerative medicine.”

Dr. Liechty’s laboratory, which has been continuously funded for the last 18 years, is the source of many patents and two companies. He has trained numerous medical students, residents and fellows who have gone on to academic surgical positions.

“Dr. Liechty is a renowned physician-scientist, and his expertise in and commitment to advancing pediatric surgery through innovation is consistent with our mission statement,” said Michael M.I. Abecassis, MD, MBA, dean of the College of Medicine – Tucson. “We are excited to welcome him to our faculty, and we look forward to the successful impact of his recruitment on our students, residents, local community and pediatric patients from across the state.”