Greenwich Hospital appoints first woman as new chair for surgery
GREENWICH — Dr. Barbara A. Ward has been appointed chair of surgery by Greenwich Hospital, becoming the first woman to lead the hospital’s cadre of surgeons.
“Dr. Ward’s decades of leadership, advocacy and experience as a renowned breast surgeon will enhance our ability to offer surgical patients the best possible outcomes in a safe and supportive setting,” Diane Kelly, Greenwich Hospital president, said in a statement released Tuesday. “She is known for her technical expertise as well as her compassionate nature when providing patient care.”
A physician for 38 years, Ward is the medical director of the Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center in Greenwich, is a Northeast Medical Group physician and is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine. Her experience spans both research and clinical.
As chief of surgery, Ward will lead the surgical team of physicians who perform a wide variety of procedures in the fields of bariatrics, cancer, ear/nose/throat, neurological, orthopedic, plastic and vascular surgery.
“Dr. Ward’s extensive experience at Greenwich Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital is a tremendous asset,” said Dr. Felice Zwas, Greenwich Hospital’s chief of staff.
Before joining Greenwich Hospital, Ward served as director of Yale Comprehensive Breast Care Center. After attending medical school at Temple University School of Medicine, Ward completed surgical training at Yale New Haven Hospital and a two-year fellowship in surgical oncology at the National Cancer Institute. She is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions and is first or co-author on more than 45 peer-reviewed papers.
Ward is an adviser for the Breast Cancer Alliance, which partners with Greenwich Hospital to provide mammography and other services to women who have no or little health insurance. She also is a member of various professional societies, including American College of Surgeons, American Society of
Breast Surgeons, Eastern Surgical Society, New England Surgical Society and Yale Surgical Society.