Dr. Alexandra S. Heerdt

Dr. Alexandra S. Heerdt, MD, MPH, FACS, is a nationally recognized leader in breast surgical oncology and a board-certified surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), where she specializes in the surgical management of breast cancer. She earned her medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, completed her residency in general surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and pursued fellowship training at MSKCC. She also holds a Master of Public Health and serves as a professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Heerdt has developed particular expertise in breast-conserving surgery, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and risk-reducing procedures for high-risk patients. She provides care at MSK’s main campus in Manhattan and participates in both in-person and virtual consultations.

Dr. Heerdt is actively involved in research focused on improving outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Her work has examined surgical techniques that reduce complications such as flap necrosis and lymphedema, as well as patient-reported outcomes following different forms of mastectomy and reconstruction. She has also studied the effects of exercise and weight management during breast cancer treatment, contributing to survivorship and recovery strategies. Her research is published in leading surgical and oncology journals, and she collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that surgical planning is fully integrated with systemic therapies. Her contributions support ongoing innovation in breast surgical oncology with an emphasis on individualized, evidence-based care.

In addition to her clinical and research activities, Dr. Heerdt has played a central role in education and institutional leadership. She holds the Founder’s Chair in Breast Surgical Oncology at MSKCC and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She has been consistently recognized among the region’s top doctors in surgical oncology and is known for her mentorship of surgical trainees and early-career physicians. Dr. Heerdt has also helped advance patient communication standards in oncology, ensuring that surgical care remains patient-focused and collaborative. Through her long-standing commitment to surgical excellence, research advancement, and education, she is recognized as a leading expert in breast cancer surgery.