Two Trailblazing Black Women Surgeons at Stanford Break Barriers and Save Lives | Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Burton: A heart surgeon with expertise and vision

Dr. Élan Burton is an outstanding cardiothoracic surgeon who practices at Stanford Health Care, the Palo Alto VA Health Care System, and Santa Clara Valley Health System. She has been recognized for her exceptional surgical skills and research advancements. Dr. Burton attended Duke University for her undergraduate degree and completed her general surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh-Mercy in Pennsylvania. She completed two fellowships, one in cardiothoracic surgery from the University of Minnesota, and another in structural heart and endovascular surgery at the University of Maryland – Baltimore.

Dr. Burton performs all cardiac surgeries, specializing in coronary bypass grafting, valve surgery, aortic surgery, and complex reconstructions. To better serve her patients, she completed specialized training in robotic technique for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB). This procedure enables surgical access to the heart with a smaller incision versus traditional sternotomy. For her surgical acumen during training, Dr. Burton earned honors including the Coleman Connolly Award in Thoracic Surgery, which recognizes the exemplary efforts of thoracic surgery residents.

“Dr. Burton is a remarkable surgeon who combines dedication, determination,
and skill with a passionate commitment to her patients. Her attention to detail,
innovative spirit, and drive have greatly enhanced our department, bringing
new surgical techniques to Stanford.” –  Dr. Joseph Woo

While improving the lives of her patients is her first priority, Dr. Burton is also devoted to improving the overall way we provide cardiothoracic surgical care, including increasing access and equity. For the last several years, Dr. Burton has focused her research interests on efficiency in healthcare, health disparities in cardiovascular disease, health equity, and social determinants of health, along with advanced surgical techniques. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Cardiac Surgery, JTCVS Techniques, JAMA Network Open, and additional peer-reviewed journals.

To this end, Dr. Burton served on the Stanford School of Medicine taskforce for the Mitigation of the Impact of COVID-19 on Women in Medicine and served as co-chair, representing the School of Medicine, for the Black Employee Advancement Mentoring Through Empowerment committee. She currently serves on the Women Faculty Network steering committee and the Stanford Health Care Health Equity Alignment steering committee. 

To further integrate her two passions of providing exceptional surgical care and improving the way we provide cardiovascular surgical care, Dr. Burton earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration at the University of Minnesota as an attending surgeon. She was driven by her desire to enhance healthcare delivery systems and operational management within medical institutions. Most recently, Dr. Burton was promoted to Clinical Associate Professor in November 2022 and Section Chief for Stanford Medicine Affiliates in September 2023.