Memorial Sloan Kettering surgeon and ovarian cancer expert Dennis Chi

Dennis S. Chi, MD, FACOG, FACS

Gynecologic Surgeon

My Role at MSK

Areas of Expertise

My Specialties

  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Uterine Cancer

Request an Appointment

Our Care Advisors can answer many of your questions. They will connect you with the best healthcare provider for your needs.
English
Share

About Me

What I Do at MSK
  • Ronald O. Perelman Chair in Gynecologic Surgery
  • Deputy Chief, Gynecology Service
  • Head, Ovarian Cancer Surgery, Department of Surgery
Get To Know Me

I have been an attending surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for more than 25 years. I have devoted my career to caring for women with cancerous and noncancerous gynecologic diseases, including cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian/fallopian tube cancer.

I have served as Deputy Chief of the Gynecology Service since 2010 and Head of the Ovarian Cancer Surgery Section since 2014. In 2021, I partnered with colleagues in the Departments of Medicine and Nursing as well as the Clinical Genetics Service to start the Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment of Cancers with Hereditary predisposition (CATCH) program. As the Surgical Director of this program, it is my goal to ensure that patients and family members who are at an increased risk for developing inherited cancers can be enrolled in a cutting-edge program, staffed by expert medical professionals, who can help them navigate the maze of consultations, screening tests, and preventive measures that are needed once this type of diagnosis is made.

Read more

My mother was an OB-GYN, so I entered my residency believing that I would take over her practice. This changed during my first year of training, when I cared for patients with gynecologic cancers and learned about the procedures used to treat these diseases. I saw how quality of care and surgery were so essential to positive outcomes for these patients, and that inspired me to go into the gynecologic oncology subspecialty. I wanted to develop an expertise in advanced ovarian cancer surgery because I saw that this was the area where training, skill, dedication, and perseverance made the most difference.

In my clinical practice, I have extensive experience in the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques. Using this advanced technology helps us improve outcomes for patients with early-stage cancers of the ovaries, uterus, and cervix. When appropriate, I offer my patients newer treatment options, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy, fertility-preserving surgery, and robotic surgery, as well as panniculectomies (removal of excess fat from the lower abdomen). These techniques improve outcomes, both surgically and cosmetically, and ultimately help improve patient quality of life.

When patients with known or suspected cancers — especially those with advanced ovarian cancer — first come to see me, they are often concerned with removing the cancer as soon as possible. I reassure all my patients that, together, we will decide on the best treatment plan in the timeliest manner possible. When patients need surgery, we try to schedule their procedure as soon as possible from their initial consultation date. But we also take the time to make sure that we are pursuing the appropriate surgery, so as not to rush into a decision. I also remind my patients that we have a team of dedicated surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses who are all committed to their care. As a result, we have some of the best surgical outcomes for advanced ovarian cancer in the world. Our patients’ quality and quantity of life is our top priority.

Over the past 25 years, I have dedicated much of my research to exploring ways to expand and improve our surgical management of ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers. I have published more than 100 papers on surgery for ovarian cancer, and I have been the principal investigator of many institutional and multicenter trials aimed at improving outcomes for patients with this disease. In addition, I, along with my colleagues at the University of California, Irvine, and UCLA, are working on the fourth edition of our textbook, Ovarian Cancer: Principles and Practice. I am the editor of two other textbooks, including Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology, which is considered one of the leading textbooks in our field. I have given numerous major presentations about surgery for gynecologic cancers internationally, and I am passionate about collaborating with my colleagues around the world. 

Some of our current clinical investigations at MSK include identifying ways to decrease the need for blood transfusions during surgery, decrease infections and stress on the immune system, and administer heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen after the removal of cancerous tumors. I have also worked with international colleagues to establish clinical guidelines for determining who are appropriate candidates for second and third surgeries in cases of recurrent ovarian cancer. My goal is not only to improve the quality of life and long-term remission for patients with difficult cases of very advanced or recurrent disease, but also to offer hope where very little may have existed before.

In addition to my clinical and research activities, I have served on many national and international professional committees, including the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Society of Memorial Gynecologic Oncologists, the Metropolitan Gynecologic Cancer Society, and the Gynecologic Cancer Task Force of the American Joint Committee on Cancer. For many years, I have been Director of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s annual postgraduate surgical courses, developed to keep gynecologic oncologists throughout the world up to date on the latest surgical treatments for patients with gynecologic cancers. I am also on the faculty of the University of California, Irvine, international course on cytoreductive surgery, as well as in the European School of Abdomino-Pelvic Surgery in Gynecologic Oncology, based in Italy. Our passionate mission is to improve the care and outcomes of patients with gynecologic cancers — not just in our own countries, but everywhere.

My Role at MSK

A gynecologic (GY-neh-kuh-LAH-jik) surgeon is a doctor with special training in surgery on the female reproductive system. This includes the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina.

Areas of Expertise

My Specialties

  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Uterine Cancer
  • Ovarian Cancer
Education & Honors

Education

  • MD, New York University

Residencies

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology - New York University School of Medicine

Awards and Honors

  • Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctor (2024)
  • Top Doctors New York Metro Area, Castle Connolly (2023)
  • Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctors (2012-2023)
  • Castle Connolly: New York Magazine Top Doctors (2012-2020)
  • New York Times Super Doctors (2008-2016)
  • New York Metro Area Top Doctors (2011-2016)
  • Newsweek’s America’s Top Doctors for Cancer (2015)
  • Korean American Medical Association Physician Leader Award (2015)
  • Cycle for Survival Award for Ovarian Cancer Research (2016)

Fellowships

  • Gynecologic Oncology - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Board Certifications

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Gynecologic Oncology

Insurance Information

Understanding your insurance options is an important part of managing your cancer care. We have relationships with many common healthcare providers and plans.

Aetna

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS, Transplant

Aetna Medicare Advantage (MTA retirees only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield New York

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS

Blue Cross Health Plus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Carrum Health

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

Cigna

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

MSK has a tentative agreement with Cigna to continue coverage in 2024.

Connecticare

In Network Coverage Type
POS, EPO, HMO

Emblem

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.

Emblem Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Emblem Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Empire Blue Cross Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO, DSN

Empire Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Empire Plan / NYSHIP (Blue Cross/UnitedHealthcare split plan)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Fidelis

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.

Fidelis Managed Medicaid & HARP

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Fidelis Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

First Health

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Healthfirst

In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.

Healthfirst Managed Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Healthsmart

In Network Coverage Type
PPO EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (HMO)

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (PPO)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier I (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier II (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

Horizon Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Husky CT Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Magnacare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO

Straight NJ Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Straight NY Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare)

In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

MVP

In Network Coverage Type
PPO/OAP

Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

NYC Medicare Advantage Plus for City Employees

In Network Coverage Type
TBD

Oscar

In Network Coverage Type
HMO/EPO

Oxford

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, EPO

World Trade Center Health Program (WTC)

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Qualcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Tricare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

UMR

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS

United Healthcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Don't see your carrier or plan? We can help you understand your coverage.

If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.

If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.

Make an Appointment

Current Patients

Request an appointment by logging on to MyMSK or calling your doctor’s office. If you aren’t registered for MyMSK, call 646-227-2593 for your Enrollment ID.

Contact and Location

Dr. Chi sees patients at two locations.

Office Phone
Location
New York, NY
Montvale, NJ
160 East 53rd Street New York NY 10022
225 Summit Avenue Montvale NJ 07645

Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.

Colleagues

Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.

See all Gynecology Service doctors

Clinical Trials

Smiling doctors in the lab
Find a Clinical Trial for You

Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.

You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.

Search clinical trials

Research and Publications

Books
Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: Principles and Practice. 3rd ed. Bristow RE, Karlan BY, Chi DS, eds. New York: Informa Healthcare; 2015.

Selected Book Chapters
“Cancer of the ovary, peritoneum, and fallopian  tube.” Chi DS, Kauff ND. In: PRECIS: Oncology.  3rd ed. Danvers  MA: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2007: 88-100.

“Cervical cancer.” Chi DS, Perez CA, Kavanagh J. In: Cancer  Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach. 11th ed. Pazdur R, Wagman LD, Camphausen KA, Hoskins WJ, eds. Norwalk, CT: UBM Medica; 2008: 465-496.

“Pelvic exenteration.” Levine DA, Bochner BH, Chi DS. In: Atlas of Procedures in Gynecologic Oncology. 2nd ed. Levine DA, Barakat RR, Abu-Rustum NR, eds. London: Informa Healthcare; 2008: 93-116.

“Extended pelvic resection.” Diaz JP, Boland PJ, Chi DS, Abu-Rustum NR.  In: Atlas of Procedures in Gynecologic Oncology. 2nd ed. Levine DA, Barakat RR, Abu-Rusturn NR, eds. London: Informa Healthcare; 2008: 137-144.

Read more

“Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy.” Diaz JP, Chi DS. In: Atlas of Procedures in Gynecologic Oncology. 2nd ed. Levine DA, Barakat RR, Abu-Rustum NR, eds. London: Informa Healthcare; 2008: 267-270.

“Surgical principles in gynecologic oncology.” Chi DS, Gallup DG, Bristow RE. In: Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology. 5th ed.  Barakat RR, Markman M, Randall ME, eds. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2009: 269-287.

“Secondary cytoreductive surgery.” Bristow RE, Chi DS. In: Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: Principles and Practice. 2nd ed. Bristow RE, Karlan BY, Chi DS, eds. New York: Informa Healthcare; 2010: 218-234.

“Advanced cytoreductive surgery program development: building a cytoreductive team.” Zivanovic 0, Chi DS, Karlan BY. In: Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: Principles and Practice. 2nd ed. Bristow RE, Karlan BY, Chi DS, eds. New York: Informa Healthcare; 2010: 291-300.

“Video-assisted thoracic surgery.” Eitan R, Chi DS. In: Textbook of Gynaecological Oncology. 2nd ed. Ayhan A, Reed N, Gultekin M, eds. Ankara, Turkey: Gunes Publishing; 2011.

“Secondary cytoreduction in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.” In: Textbook of Gynaecological Oncology. 2nd ed. Ayhan A, Reed N, Gultekin M, eds. Ankara, Turkey: Gunes Publishing; 2011.

 

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Chi’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

See all on PubMed

Disclosures

Doctors and faculty members often work with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology, and life sciences companies, and other organizations outside of MSK, to find safe and effective cancer treatments, to improve patient care, and to educate the health care community.

MSK requires doctors and faculty members to report (“disclose”) the relationships and financial interests they have with external entities. As a commitment to transparency with our community, we make that information available to the public.

Dennis S. Chi discloses the following relationships and financial interests:

  • Apyx Medical Corporation
    Equity
  • AstraZeneca
    Professional Services and Activities
  • BioNTech
    Equity
  • Biom'Up SA
    Professional Services and Activities
  • McGraw-Hill Education
    Intellectual Property Rights
  • Moderna, Inc.
    Equity
  • Oncoinvent AS
    Professional Services and Activities
  • Taylor & Francis Group
    Intellectual Property Rights
  • Verthermia
    Equity
  • Wolters Kluwer
    Intellectual Property Rights

If you’re a patient at MSK and would like more information about your doctor’s external relationships, please talk with your doctor.

The information published here is for a specific annual disclosure period. There may be differences between information on this and other public sites as a result of different reporting periods and/or the various ways relationships and financial interests are categorized by organizations that publish such data.


This page and data include information for a specific MSK annual disclosure period (January 1, 2022 through disclosure submission in spring 2023). This data reflects interests that may or may not still exist. This data is updated annually.

Learn more about MSK’s COI policies here. For questions regarding MSK’s COI-related policies and procedures, email MSK’s Compliance Office at [email protected].


View all disclosures