Dr. Jennifer Hong Kuo

Dr. Jennifer H. Kuo, MD, is a nationally recognized endocrine surgeon and academic leader specializing in the treatment of thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal diseases. She serves as Director of the Interventional Endocrinology Program and the Endocrine Surgery Fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she is also Director of the Endocrine Surgery Research Program. Dr. Kuo earned her medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed her surgical training at the University of California, Davis, followed by fellowship training in endocrine surgery at Columbia. Board-certified in general surgery, she is widely known for her expertise in minimally invasive endocrine procedures and advanced non-surgical therapies.

Dr. Kuo has been at the forefront of innovation in the management of thyroid nodules, having established one of the first and most comprehensive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) programs in the United States. Her work has helped introduce thermal ablation as a safe, effective, and scarless alternative to traditional thyroid surgery, preserving thyroid function and reducing the need for lifelong hormone therapy. She has also been instrumental in expanding the use of microwave and ethanol ablation techniques, leading multiple clinical trials to evaluate their safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes. A prolific academic, she serves on the editorial boards of Journal of Surgical Research, World Journal of Surgery, and VideoEndocrinology, and her work continues to shape national treatment guidelines and multidisciplinary approaches to endocrine care.

In addition to her clinical and research achievements, Dr. Kuo is a dedicated educator and mentor, training residents and fellows in endocrine surgery and interventional techniques. She is a frequent lecturer at national and international conferences and has played a key role in advancing endocrine surgery through her involvement in academic societies and professional collaborations. Through her commitment to surgical innovation, non-invasive treatment, and patient-centered care, Dr. Kuo has become a leading voice in the evolution of endocrine surgery and a transformative figure in modern thyroid and parathyroid disease management.