Wayne L. Hofstetter

Wayne L. Hofstetter, M.D., serves as Professor and Deputy Chair in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he also directs the Esophageal Surgery Program. Board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery, he leads multidisciplinary clinical teams integrating Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Gastroenterology.

His educational background includes an M.D. from University of Southern California Medical School, followed by specialized fellowships in esophageal/foregut surgery at USC and thoracic oncology at MD Anderson, with foundational training at Texas Heart Institute. This comprehensive surgical education underpins his clinical expertise.

Dr. Hofstetter pioneers minimally invasive approaches to lung cancer and multidisciplinary management of esophageal cancer, establishing collaborative networks that redefine thoracic oncology care. His research focuses on surgical innovation in esophageal diseases, thoracic oncology outcomes, and minimally invasive techniques, driving advancements in complex cancer surgery.

He maintains active leadership in key professional societies including the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, General Thoracic Surgical Club, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, shaping national standards in thoracic surgery.