Laura Torbeck, PhD, is a Professor of Surgery, PhD Educator and Vice Chair of Professional Development for the Department of Surgery, and an Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development for Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Torbeck received her doctorate in Science Education from University of Pittsburgh and her masters in Anatomy from Wright State University. She champions professional development initiatives for surgery as well as for state-wide faculty. Dr. Torbeck has developed a robust professional development program for residents, surgical advance practice providers, administrative staff and faculty in the department of surgery and serves as a consultant for institutions looking to enhance their professional development initiatives. Dr. Torbeck served as Vice Chair of Education for 10 years and assisted clerkship directors, program directors and coordinators with elevating the training paradigm in surgery. She has been integral in the surgery Residents as Teachers courses and has presented at various GME venues across campus. Her research interests include intraoperative guidance and autonomy, program evaluation, remediation practices and faculty development. In 2019, Dr. Torbeck became a Board-Certified Coach and partners with faculty, staff and learners to help them move forward and gain momentum with their work-life challenges.
Selected publications from PubMed
Measuring the impact of a leadership in academic medicine program on faculty advancement and leadership attainment.
Ribera AK, Mulat B, Wenger K, Bosslet GT, Torbeck L, Bogdewic SP, Walvoord EC, Dankoski M, Palmer MM
Acad Med. 2026 Jan 1;101(1):93-100 doi: 10.1093/acamed/wvaf017.
Practical Guide to Common Flaws With Surgical Education Research.
Stefanidis D, Torbeck L, Kaji AH
JAMA Surg. 2024 Mar 1;159(3):339-340 doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.6675.
Surgical Resident Perspectives on the Preferred Qualities of Effective Intraoperative Teachers: A Qualitative Analysis.
Collings AT, Doster DL, Longtin K, Choi J, Torbeck L, Stefanidis D
Acad Med. 2023 May 1;98(5):629-635 doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000005131.
Cutting the fat: Utilizing LEAN methodology to improve rounding efficiency of surgical residents.
Feinman M, Hsu ATW, Taylor S, Torbeck L
Am J Surg. 2022 Jun;223(6):1100-1104 doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.12.005.
Design of a Novel Online, Modular, Flipped-classroom Surgical Curriculum for East, Central, and Southern Africa.
Parker AS, Hill KA, Steffes BC, Mangaoang D, O'Flynn E, Bachheta N, Bates MF, Bitta C, Carter NH, Davis RE, Dressler JA, Eisenhut DA, Fadipe AE, Kanyi JK, Kauffmann RM, Kazal F, Kyamanywa P, Lando JO, Many HR, Mbithi VC, McCoy AJ, Meade PC, Ndegwa WYB, Nkusi EA, Ooko PB, Osilli DJS, Parker MED, Rankeeti S, Shafer K, Smith JD, Snyder D, Sylvester KR, Wakeley ME, Wekesa MK, Torbeck L, White RE, Bekele A, Parker RK
Ann Surg Open. 2022 Mar;3(1):e141 doi: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000141.
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