Department of Surgery announces new vice chair of research, Kenneth Liechty, MD

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Department of Surgery is proud to announce Kenneth Liechty, MD, as the vice chair of research in the Department of Surgery. 

Liechty serves as the Division Chief of Pediatric Surgery in the Department of Surgery, including the director of fetal medicine at Banner University Medicine and surgeon-in-chief of Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center. 

Liechty is internationally recognized for his clinical care in fetal medicine and his research in wound healing and regeneration. Liechty’s Laboratory for Fetal and Regenerative Biology has been continuously funded for the last 18 years and is the source of many patents and two companies. His research into wound healing and tissue regeneration ensures high quality fetal and pediatric surgery to patients. His impressive research portfolio will enhance and equip the highly impactful basic, clinical and translational research teams in the department, promote future collaborations and strengthen research training for residents, fellows and post docs.

In his new role, Liechty will serve as a key member of the Department’s leadership team and serve as the facilitator for the development of basic, clinical and translational research and represent the Department to the institution as a whole in the area of knowledge expansion. “Dr. Liechty’s extensive experience and tremendous contributions to the department since he joined us in August 2022, make him an excellent candidate for this position,” says department chair, Geoffrey Gurtner, MD, FACS.