Dr. Laura J. Esserman

Dr. Laura Esserman, MD, MBA, is a visionary breast surgeon and transformational leader in cancer care, known for her pioneering work in personalized medicine, patient-centered care, and clinical trial innovation. She serves as Director of the UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center and is a Professor of Surgery and Radiology at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Esserman earned her medical degree and MBA from Stanford University, completed her surgical residency at UCSF, and is board-certified in Surgery. Her multifaceted expertise spans clinical care, scientific research, and healthcare policy, making her one of the most influential voices in modern breast oncology.

Dr. Esserman is widely recognized for spearheading the WISDOM Study (Women Informed to Screen Depending On Measures of risk), a groundbreaking trial designed to tailor breast cancer screening to individual risk profiles. She is also a principal investigator of the I-SPY Trials, which use adaptive design methods to accelerate the development of more effective, less toxic breast cancer therapies. Her research challenges conventional paradigms, promoting a more nuanced and risk-based approach to screening and treatment that avoids overtreatment and emphasizes quality of life. Her work has been published in top-tier journals and has directly impacted both clinical practice and public policy.

A dynamic advocate for innovation, Dr. Esserman is deeply committed to reshaping the healthcare system to better serve patients. She is a sought-after speaker and has testified before Congress on improving the efficacy of cancer research. In addition to her academic and clinical roles, she mentors the next generation of surgical leaders and clinical researchers. Through her tireless pursuit of a smarter, more compassionate approach to cancer care, Dr. Esserman continues to lead a bold reimagining of how we detect, treat, and live with breast cancer.