Dr. Leighton has a unique bedside manner, treating every patient like family and giving positive change to patients' lives. Dr. Leighton is known internationally as an educator, frequently accompanied by an entourage of students and residents who are given the opportunity to learn from his expertise and precision. Dr. Leighton earned his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Colorado Boulder before obtaining his MD degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. After completing his medical degree, Dr. Leighton was selected to be in the Phoenix Integrated Surgical Residency program for 5 years for intensive training in general, trauma, and vascular surgery. He then completed a two-year plastic surgery residency in the Phoenix Plastic Surgery Residency program.