Cardiothoracic surgeon and transplant specialist, Dr. Marzia Leacche, is set to lead Spectrum’s heart transplant and VAD program. Dr. Leacchie joins an exclusive group of female surgical directors, perhaps five in the entire country, according to officials who say it is fairly uncommon in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
MLive of Grand Rapids, Michigan reports, “Leacche, who received her medical degree from the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” has authored more than 112 peer-reviewed research articles. She is also leading a national group of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgeons to advance minimally invasive LVAD implementation.”
Dr. Leacche says her advancement to this position has been guided by her belief that leadership is a journey, not a destination. Her background includes working in diverse environments at Harvard Medical School and the Cleveland Clinic. According to MLive, from 2010 to 2016, Leacche also worked as a staff cardiac and associate transplant surgeon at Vanderbuilt University Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic.
Her last six years has been dedicated to specializing in transplantations. She has helped implement structural changes to Spectrum Health’s program which according to her, “Given me good insight into how to step into a leadership role for the program.”
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