Dr. David Spain

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. David Spain. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

David Spain is a Professor of Acute Care Surgery at Stanford University with a focus on the clinical areas of critical care medicine, trauma surgery, and elective general surgery. His research primarily investigates clinical care assessments, stress responses, and PTSD related to trauma. As the former Chief of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care at Stanford from 2001 to 2023, he has significantly influenced the field. He served as editor for the textbook Scientific American's Critical Care Surgical Patient and has held various notable positions including Director of the General Surgery Residency Program. Spain has received multiple awards for his contributions to medicine and education, including the General Surgery Chief Residents Award and the Collins Teaching Award. He is board certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care and completed his fellowship at the University of Louisville Hospital.

Research Interests

Experience

Chief of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Led the trauma critical care unit and contributed to advancements in emergency surgical practices.

General Surgery Residency Program Director

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Managed the residency program to train the next generation of surgeons.

Awards

#

General Surgery Chief Residents Award

#

Collins Teaching Award

Courses

SURG 199 SURG 299 SURG 370 SURG 399

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.