Katherine A. Morgan, MD

As a hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon at NYU Langone Health, I specialize in the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer and other complex diseases of the pancreas, liver, and bile ducts. Patients from New York and beyond seek my care for challenging pancreatic conditions that require experience, judgment, and advanced surgical expertise.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most complex cancers to treat, and surgery is often the most critical—and demanding—part of care. I consider it a privilege to guide patients and families through this process with clarity, honesty, and a highly personalized approach. Advances in pancreatic cancer treatment have significantly expanded what is possible, and I am committed to offering patients access to these innovations when surgery is appropriate.

I focus my practice on high-complexity pancreatic surgery, including both cancerous and benign disease. Over the course of my career, I have performed more than 1,200 pancreaticoduodenectomies (Whipple procedures), 300 total pancreatectomies with islet autotransplantation, and 500 complex robotic pancreatic operations. These volumes reflect a deep specialization in pancreatic surgery and a commitment to treating patients with advanced or previously considered inoperable disease.

My surgical expertise includes surgery for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer, including vascular reconstruction, robotic pancreatic surgery for carefully selected patients, and total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation to prevent post pancreatectomy diabetes in patients with chronic pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases.

Each surgical plan is individualized, with careful attention to safety, long-term outcomes, and quality of life. Just as important as technical skill is knowing when surgery will truly benefit a patient and when alternative approaches are more appropriate.

In addition to clinical care, I am actively involved in research and the development of new treatment strategies and clinical trials for pancreatic disease. My work is grounded in a multidisciplinary model of care, collaborating closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive care teams at the Perlmutter Cancer Center. This coordinated approach ensures that every patient receives comprehensive, expert evaluation and treatment.

My dedication to pancreatic cancer surgery is also personal. Early in my career, I had the privilege of serving as the surgeon for my own surgical mentor when she developed pancreatic cancer. Supporting her through diagnosis and treatment profoundly shaped my approach to patient care and reinforced the importance of empathy, transparency, and trust during life-altering decisions.

Outside of medicine, I am a mother of three, an animal lover, a runner, a potter, and a devoted Premier League soccer fan. These roles remind me daily that patients are more than diagnoses—and that compassionate, thoughtful care must always accompany technical excellence.