A distinguished physician-scientist in San Diego, California, Amy Lightner, MD, serves as Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Professor of Immunology and Microbiology at the Scripps Research Institute. Concurrently, Dr. Amy Lightner practices with the Scripps Clinic Medical Group, where she has been part of the colorectal surgery division since May 2023.
Dr. Lightner's academic journey began at Stanford University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in human biology with a focus on sports medicine. She completed her medical degree at the Boston University School of Medicine and recently earned an executive MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Lightner's clinical training included a general surgery residency at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, followed by a specialized colorectal surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. At the latter, she served as Assistant Professor of Surgery and Medical Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine. She then founded and directed the Cleveland Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgery in 2020 where she was an Associate Professor of Surgery.
With her research focusing on inflammatory bowel disease and regenerative medicine applications, Dr. Amy Lightner has received numerous prestigious awards. These include the Sherman Prize for Emerging Leader in Inflammatory Bowel Disease in 2018 and multiple grants from organizations, such as the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, the Helmsley Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.