Christina Bailey, MD, MSCI, assistant professor of Surgery, has been named the new program director of the general surgery residency training program in the Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Sciences, one of the largest residency programs on the Vanderbilt University Medical Center campus.
She replaces Kyla Terhune, MD, MBA, who was appointed Vice President for Educational Affairs for VUMC and associate dean for Graduate Medical Education for Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
“Dr. Bailey is a consummate surgical educator,” said Seth Karp, MD, H. William Scott Jr. Professor and chair of the Section of Surgical Sciences. “She brings a deep commitment to education, great clinical acumen and strong leadership skills. We are very excited for her to take on this critical role within the department. The residency program is one of the finest in the country, and we are excited about her leading it into the future.”
While the transition was official on July 15, Bailey has been playing a key role in the residency program for several years, most recently serving as associate program director for two years.
“I am excited about my selection as the new program director for the general surgery residency, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence fostered by Dr. Terhune,” Bailey said. “My goal is to maintain a nationally acclaimed program that attracts the top medical students and train residents who become future leaders in surgery.”
“Dr. Bailey has had an exceptional academic career, establishing herself as a talented surgical oncologist, well-respected leader and dedicated scholar,” said Carmen Solórzano, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery. “She has demonstrated a staunch commitment to fostering an environment of learning and innovation. She’s an outstanding teacher who has become a mentor to many of our residents and students. Because of this, I know Dr. Bailey was the obvious choice for this most important position in our department.”
“No doubt, the residency program is in strong and capable hands with Dr. Bailey,” said Terhune. “She is a role model, a leader and an excellent physician and surgeon. Everything she has done to this point has been perfect preparation for the position, and it will be exciting to watch the residency as she leads.”
Bailey received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, and her medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. She then completed a general surgery residency at VUMC and a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation degree at Vanderbilt University.
Bailey completed a fellowship in Complex Surgical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2015, during which time she received the Lotzova Research Award and MD Anderson Trainee Excellence Award. Following her fellowship, Bailey returned to VUMC as an assistant professor of Surgery.
Her primary clinical interests are gastrointestinal malignancies including gastric cancer, small bowel cancer, colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), retroperitoneal sarcomas and neuroendocrine tumors.
Bailey’s research has focused on disparities in cancer diagnosis, treatment and outcomes, as well as quality of life after cancer treatment. Her research articles have recently been published in JAMA Surgery, Journal of Oncology Practice and Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.
