About
Surgeon.Scientist.Writer.
Two decades of clinical expertise, NIH-funded research, and a commitment to redefining what patient-centered care looks like in modern medicine.
120+
Publications
$2M+
NIH Funding
11+
Years in Surgery
Dr. Susan C. Pitt is an Associate Professor of Surgery, Vice Chair for Faculty Development, and Director of Endocrine Surgery Research at the University of Michigan. Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery with a focused practice designation in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, she brings over two decades of clinical expertise to her work as both a surgeon and a scientist.
Her NIH-funded research program focuses on reducing overtreatment of thyroid cancer through behavioral and communication-based interventions. She founded the CHOiCE Collaborative, a multi-institutional research network spanning more than ten institutions dedicated to transforming how low-risk cancers are managed.
Beyond the lab and operating room, Dr. Pitt is a passionate advocate for women in medicine and a compelling writer. In 2017, she created the #NYerORCoverChallenge, which reached over 400 million people across 53 countries and was covered by CNN, The New Yorker, the Washington Post, and hundreds of outlets worldwide. She is currently developing her first book examining how modern medicine sometimes does too much and what it means to reclaim patient-centered practice.
Surgical Practice
Thyroid Surgery
Dr. Pitt treats the full spectrum of thyroid disease — from benign nodules and hyperthyroidism to thyroid cancer. Her research has shaped how surgeons think about low-risk thyroid cancer, and she brings that same evidence-based philosophy to every patient conversation. When surgery is the right choice, she offers both lobectomy and total thyroidectomy, always tailored to the individual.
- Fellowship-trained in thyroid surgery at Harvard
- National leader in shared decision-making for thyroid cancer
- Board-certified with focused practice designation in thyroid surgery
Surgical Practice
Parathyroid Surgery
Hyperparathyroidism is one of the most common reasons patients are referred for endocrine surgery. Dr. Pitt uses advanced imaging and localization techniques to perform minimally invasive, targeted operations — often through a small incision with same-day recovery. For complex or recurrent cases, she has extensive experience with four-gland exploration.
- Minimally invasive approach for most patients
- Expertise in reoperative parathyroid surgery
- Published research on parathyroidectomy outcomes
Surgical Practice
Adrenal Surgery
Adrenal tumors — whether discovered incidentally or causing hormonal excess like Cushing’s syndrome or pheochromocytoma — require careful evaluation before any decision about surgery. Dr. Pitt works closely with endocrinologists to determine when an operation is truly needed, and favors minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques whenever possible.
- Collaborative approach with endocrinology
- Laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic techniques
- Thorough hormonal workup before recommending surgery