Biography

Dr. Leitch graduated from Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas in 1978. She completed a residency in general surgery at UCLA. Her fellowship training in Surgical Oncology was completed at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Leitch joined the faculty at UT Southwestern Medical Center as assistant professor of surgery in 1986 and was promoted to professor in 1998. Her primary clinical interest relates to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. She is considered to be a local, regional and national authority on this subject. Dr. Leitch holds an endowed chair, the S.T. Harris Family Distinguished Chair in Breast Surgery. Other areas of clinical interest and activity include the treatment of melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma. 

Education

Other Post Graduate Training
University of California San Diego
Medical School
UT Southwestern Medical School (1978)
Internship
University of California at San Diego (1979), Surgery
Residency
University of CA Los Angeles Med Ctr (1984), Surgery
Fellowship
MD Anderson Cancer Center (1985), Surgical Oncology

Research Interest

  • Breast Cancer
  • Lymphatic Mapping
  • Melanoma

Publications

Featured Publications LegendFeatured Publications

Honors & Awards

  • Castle Connolly Top Cancer Doctors in America
    (2012)
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America
    (2012)
  • D Magazine, The Best Doctors in Dallas
    (2012)
  • Castle Connolly Top Cancer Doctors in America
    (2011)
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America
    (2011)
  • D Magazine, The Best Doctors in Dallas
    (2011)
  • Castle Connolly Top Cancer Doctors in America
    (2010)
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America
    (2010)
  • D Magazine, The Best Doctors in Dallas
    (2010)
  • Castle Connolly Top Cancer Doctors in America
    (2009)
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America
    (2009)
  • D Magazine, The Best Doctors in Dallas
    (2009)
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America
    (2008)
  • D Magazine, The Best Doctors in Dallas
    (2008)
  • Castle Connolly Top Cancer Doctors in America
    (2007)
  • D Magazine, The Best Doctors in Dallas
    (2007)
  • Castle Connolly Top Cancer Doctors in America
    (2006)
  • D Magazine, The Best Doctors in Dallas
    (2006)
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee Service Award in Recognition of Distinguished Service on the General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel, 2003 - 2006
    (2006)
  • Top MD's in Dallas, Castle Connolly America's Top Doctors for Cancer
    (2005)
  • 2004 Macy’s Heart and Soul Award, Dallas Metro Chapter of the American Cancer Society
    Volunteer service award (2004)
  • American Cancer Society’s National Volunteer Leadership Award
    Awarded for service on National Board of Directors (2003)
  • St. George Medal
    American Cancer Society National Divisional Award (2001)
  • S.T. Harris Family Distinguished Chair in Breast Surgery
    (2000)
  • S.T. Harris Family Chair in Breast Surgery
    (1999)
  • The George & Carol Poston Professorship in Breast Cancer Research
    (1997)
  • State of Texas Governor’s Certificate of Volunteer Service
    (1993)

Professional Associations/Affiliations

  • American Society of Breast Surgeons
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology
  • Association of Women Surgeons
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
  • Society of Surgical Oncology