Aaron R. Dezube

Aaron R. Dezube is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and serves as a General and Acute Care Surgeon at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center. His academic career is deeply rooted in thoracic surgery with a focus on surgical outcomes, particularly in older adults and lung cancer patients.

Education:

• MD, Tufts University School of Medicine
• BS, Emory University

Dr. Dezube completed his general surgery residency at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, a teaching affiliate of Boston University, and further specialized through a two-year research fellowship as the Jack Mitchell Thoracic Surgical Oncology fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School. His research during this fellowship focused on thoracic surgery outcomes, thoracic surgery in older adults in coalition with the division of aging, and diversity research.

Dr. Dezube's research program centers on improving outcomes after thoracic surgery, with particular emphasis on robotic surgery utilization for lung cancer treatment. His work bridges clinical practice with academic inquiry, exploring how surgical techniques, patient characteristics, and healthcare systems impact outcomes for cancer patients, especially older adults. He has developed expertise in geriatric thoracic surgery, frailty assessment, and the impact of healthcare disparities on surgical outcomes.

With over 30 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Dezube's scholarly work demonstrates consistent contributions to the fields of thoracic surgery and surgical oncology. His recent publications (2021-2025) show a clear trajectory focusing on surgical outcomes in older adults, robotic surgery applications, and healthcare system factors affecting cancer care. His research has appeared in high-impact journals including JAMA Surgery, Annals of Surgery, and Journal of Thoracic Disease, reflecting his growing influence in surgical academia.

Scientific Awards:

• 2024 Surgical Resident Research award
• 2021 St. Elizabeth Medical Center Annual Research Day: Best original clinical science investigation
• 2019-2021 John D. Mitchell Thoracic Oncology Surgical Research Fellowship

Dr. Dezube is deeply committed to surgical education, having served as educational chief resident during his surgical training. He actively mentors residents and medical students, emphasizing the integration of evidence-based practice into clinical decision-making. His passion for teaching is reinforced by his dual role as both a practicing surgeon and academic researcher, allowing him to bridge theory and practice for his trainees. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American Medical Association, and the Massachusetts Medical Association, maintaining active engagement with the broader surgical community.