Greg Sacks, MD, MPH, PhD

I have always been drawn to pursuing a career that would allow me to have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. With time, this desire brought me to a career in medicine, as a cancer surgeon specializing in the treatment of cancers of the liver, bile duct, and pancreas. At NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, I am deeply committed to providing surgical expertise, infused with compassion and guidance for my patients and their families during the most challenging times.

My journey into medicine was fueled by a desire to make a tangible, positive difference in people’s lives. Surgical oncology, especially those areas dealing with complex cancers, requires precision and empathy. Each patient presents a unique set of challenges and decisions, often under conditions of great uncertainty. My training and experiences have reinforced my passion for this field, teaching me the importance of tailored and patient-centric care.

I am proficient in advanced surgical techniques, including robotic liver and pancreas surgery, bloodless surgery, and traditional procedures like the Whipple procedure, liver resection, distal pancreatectomy, and splenectomy. These technical skills allow me to offer cutting-edge treatment options to my patients, maximizing their recovery and outcomes.

The philosophy that guides my treatment approach is centered on decision-making in the face of uncertainty. In medicine, especially oncology, rarely is there a clear-cut right or wrong treatment path. Instead, there are shades of gray, and my role as a clinician is to navigate these complexities with my patients. By understanding their life stories and goals, I strive to develop treatment plans that align with patients’ values and preferences.

What I enjoy most about patient care is the opportunity to interact with patients and their families during pivotal moments. There is no greater fulfillment than informing someone’s family that a surgery has been successful and that we have removed all visible cancer. Celebrating these victories with my patients after surgery is profoundly rewarding and a constant reminder of why I chose this career path.

My team and I follow a patient-focused approach, prioritizing their health and wellbeing and tailoring care to meet each one’s unique needs and circumstances.