Erin P. Ward

Dr. Erin P. Ward is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine, specializing in Surgical Oncology at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. She is a board-certified surgical oncologist with expertise in the treatment of abdominal cancers, particularly appendiceal cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, gastric cancer, and metastatic colorectal cancer. Dr. Ward is recognized as an expert in peritoneal surface malignancies and advanced therapies including cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Dr. Ward's educational background includes:

• Medical Degree: College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University
• Undergraduate: Physiology and Psychology with Specialization in Bioethics, Humanities and Society from Michigan State University
• Residency: General Surgery at University of California San Diego
• Fellowships: Complex General Surgical Oncology and Hepato-Pancreatic Biliary Surgery at Medical College of Wisconsin, plus a two-year research fellowship at University of California San Diego

Dr. Ward's primary research focus centers on defining the impact of psychosocial health on both short-term and long-term outcomes for cancer patients. She serves as one of two Commission on Cancer Liaison Physicians at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and is actively involved in developing consensus guidelines for the management of various peritoneal surface malignancies. Her clinical expertise spans minimally invasive surgery, peritoneal-based malignancies, and HIPEC procedures, with special attention to patient-reported outcomes and decision-making processes.

Her recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on consensus guidelines for managing appendiceal tumors, peritoneal metastases, and other gastrointestinal malignancies. These works reflect her leadership in establishing standardized treatment approaches for complex surgical oncology cases, particularly those involving peritoneal surface disease. Her research spans both technical surgical aspects and patient-centered outcomes, including decision regret and psychosocial impacts of cancer treatment, showing a comprehensive approach to improving cancer care.

Dr. Ward is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology. She is actively involved in multiple national consensus guideline development efforts through the Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Consortium Group, contributing to evidence-based standards of care for rare and complex cancers.

As an educator and clinician, Dr. Ward is committed to advancing the field of surgical oncology through both clinical practice and research. Her work bridges technical surgical expertise with attention to patient experience and psychosocial outcomes, reflecting a comprehensive approach to cancer care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the disease.