Nora M Hansen

Nora M Hansen, MD is Professor of Surgery and Chief of Breast Surgery at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, where she also directs the Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center. She leads clinical care and research initiatives focused on advancing breast cancer treatment through surgical innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Hansen's educational background includes:

• MD from New York Medical College (1988)
• General Surgery Residency at University of Chicago Hospitals (1995)
• Surgical Oncology Fellowship at University of Chicago Hospitals (1996)

Her research centers on breast surgical oncology with emphasis on cancer prevention, early detection methodologies, and nanotechnology-enhanced treatments. She pioneers approaches to minimize surgical trauma while maximizing therapeutic efficacy, particularly in lymph node management and margin assessment.

Recent publications reveal her focus on genetic influences in treatment decisions, fertility preservation during cancer therapy, and novel drug delivery systems. Her work consistently bridges clinical practice with laboratory innovation to address complex challenges in breast cancer care.

Dr. Hansen's scientific recognition includes:

• Chicago Surgical Society President (2024)
• First Vice President of Western Surgical Association (2023)
• Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2023)
• Chicago Magazine Top Doctors (2021)
• Castle Connolly America's Top Doctors (2021)
• Alpha Omega Alpha (2006)
• Bradley Aust Award (2003)

She mentors surgical trainees and medical students while leading the Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center's research portfolio. Her leadership extends to national surgical societies where she shapes clinical guidelines and educational standards.

The Division of Breast Surgery operates within Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Prentice Women's Hospital, housing research labs directed by Dr. Jacqueline Jeruss (focusing on cancer prevention) and Dr. Seema Khan (specializing in nanotechnology applications), with outcomes research led by Dr. Karl Bilimoria.