Dr. Valerie W. Rusch

Dr. Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS, is a pioneering thoracic surgical oncologist with extensive expertise in the treatment of lung, esophageal, mediastinal, and pleural cancers. She serves as Vice Chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and holds the endowed Miner Family Chair in Intrathoracic Cancers. Dr. Rusch earned her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed her general and cardiothoracic surgery training at the University of Washington, followed by a thoracic oncology fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is board-certified in Thoracic Surgery and is internationally recognized for her leadership in thoracic oncology and cancer staging.

A leader in clinical research and surgical innovation, Dr. Rusch has been instrumental in shaping national and international standards for lung cancer and mesothelioma treatment. She played a central role in developing the staging systems used by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), serving as Chair of the AJCC Thoracic Committee. Her research has contributed to advances in surgical techniques, tumor classification, and evidence-based guidelines for thoracic malignancies. Dr. Rusch has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and continues to lead clinical trials focused on improving outcomes for patients with thoracic cancers.

In addition to her scientific and surgical accomplishments, Dr. Rusch is a dedicated educator and mentor. She has trained generations of surgical residents and fellows and is actively involved in multidisciplinary cancer care initiatives at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She has held leadership positions in several professional organizations, including serving as President of the American College of Surgeons and Chair of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Rusch has been recognized with numerous honors throughout her career, including the Adi F. Gazdar Merit Award from the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and the Earl Bakken Scientific Achievement Award from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Through her commitment to surgical excellence, academic leadership, and collaborative cancer care, Dr. Valerie Rusch continues to shape the future of thoracic oncology.