EMBA alum leads new surgical division at WashU School of Medicine

Olin executive MBA alum Dr. Mohamed A. Zayed recently was named director of the new Division of Surgical Sciences in the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine.

Zayed, EMBA 2023, assumed the new role on July 1. A vascular surgeon, he is also a professor of surgery, radiology, molecular cell biology and biomedical engineering. The new division he leads will focus on advancing team science and fostering the next generation of innovative surgeons.

His research into improving care for patients with vascular disease has received more than $25 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other organizations, including an American Surgical Association research fellowship award and the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation research investigator award.

Dr. Zayed is an outstanding academic surgeon who brings incredible passion and dedication to our shared goal of building a division that advances research and innovation in cutting-edge diagnostics, therapies and technologies.  

Dr. John A. Olson Jr., head of Department of Surgery, WashU School of Medicine

Zayed’s work also has led to multiple innovations and cross-collaborations with Olin and the McKelvey School of Engineering. One such venture is AirSeal, a life sciences startup he cofounded that created a simple blood test for an enzyme that can flag patients who might be at risk for cardiovascular disease.

AirSeal won a $250,000 investment prize last year in a major national pitch competition.

Learn more about Zayed’s appointment.