Endocrine Surgeon · Researcher · Writer
Advancing Patient-Centered Care at the Intersection of Surgery, Science, and Story
Dr. Susan Pitt is an endocrine surgeon, health services researcher, and writer at the University of Michigan. Her work bridges the operating room, the research lab, and the written page — always with the patient at the center.
About
Surgeon. Scientist. Writer.
Dr. Susan Pitt is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Director of Endocrine Surgery Research at the University of Michigan. She specializes in thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal surgery, bringing together meticulous surgical technique with a deep commitment to understanding each patient’s values and priorities.
Her research program focuses on shared decision-making, overtreatment in endocrine disease, and behavior change. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and has been recognized nationally for her contributions to evidence-based, patient-centered surgical care.
Beyond the clinic and the lab, Dr. Pitt is a passionate writer whose essays explore the human side of surgery — the stories, the uncertainties, and the profound privilege of caring for people at their most vulnerable.
At a Glance
- Position
- Associate Professor of Surgery, Director of Endocrine Surgery Research
- Institution
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Specialty
- Endocrine Surgery (Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenal)
- Education
- BA (Boston College), MD (Medical College of Wisconsin), MPHS (Washington University)
- Research Focus
- Shared Decision-Making, Overtreatment, Behavior Change
By the Numbers
Impact at a Glance
Publications
NIH/NCI Funding
Trainees Mentored
Years in Surgery
Awards
Countries Reached
Press & Media
Featured In
7
Continents
53+
Countries
400M+
Impressions
On the Horizon
The Stories Behind the Scalpel
Dr. Pitt writes at the intersection of medicine, narrative, and human experience — exploring what it means to care for people during some of the most uncertain moments of their lives.
Whether unpacking the complexities of thyroid cancer overdiagnosis for a general audience, reflecting on the quiet lessons of the operating room, or advocating for women in surgery, Dr. Pitt’s writing is characterized by clarity, empathy, and intellectual honesty.
Her essays and commentaries have appeared in leading journals including JAMA Surgery, The Lancet Oncology, JAMA Network Open, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Academic Medicine — reaching both clinical and general audiences.
Dr. Pitt is currently developing her first book, weaving personal narrative, patient stories, and rigorous evidence into an examination of how modern medicine sometimes does too much and what it means to reclaim patient-centered practice.
Manuscript in progress. Publication details forthcoming.
Read essays & commentaryThe Stories Behind the Scalpel
Susan C. Pitt, MD, MPHS
Writing