Meet the Dean

Michael J. Stamos, MD, is an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease using minimally invasive surgery and sphincter-preserving techniques. His research background is centered on outcomes research and innovative clinical trials that have helped define approaches to patient care in his field.

Dr. Stamos was appointed dean for the UCI School of Medicine in 2016. Under his leadership, the School has steadily climbed in national research rankings and has received the highest accreditation possible from the Association of American Medical Colleges/AMA Liaison Committee on Medical Education. 

Born in Miami, Florida, Dr. Stamos received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his surgery internship and residency at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Medical Center in Miami, Florida, and received additional fellowship training at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Dr. Stamos then moved west where he joined the UCLA faculty and worked primarily at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California as a clinician and division chief for 11 years. During that time, he also served as chief of colon and rectal surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center and as chair of the Board of Directors of the faculty practice plan at Harbor-UCLA.

In 2002, he moved to UCI to establish the Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery. In 2010, he assumed the leadership role as chair of the Department of Surgery, a role he enjoyed until February 2016, when he assumed the role of interim dean. 

Dr. Stamos is a past president of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS), as well as past president of the Research Foundation of ASCRS. He has published more than 260 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 38 chapters, and has served as editor on nine textbooks, including the ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

As a busy clinician, Dr. Stamos developed his leadership skills while maintaining his clinical interests. Since 2005, he has been recognized as a "Physicians of Excellence" by the Orange County Medical Association and since 1998, he has been continuously recognized in Best Doctors in America®.

A full summary of the Dean's specific duties and responsibilities is available.

Dean's Role