J. Ted Gerstle, MD

I have been a pediatric surgeon for nearly two decades. In those years, I have refined new surgical methods for various cancers. I prefer a team approach in the operating room. Working with a group of highly skilled surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other experts enables us to achieve the best possible outcomes. The pediatric surgery team at MSK is developing new surgical approaches to patient care and patient safety. These include procedures that involve smaller incisions, less pain, higher precision, and less risk of potential complications. Our goal and focus is to make these changes in surgical procedures without compromising outcomes and overall survival.

I am very excited to continue my research on a treatment called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This noninvasive procedure uses finely focused sound waves to pinpoint a tumor and destroy it. My lab is currently exploring ways to combine HIFU with other therapies to enhance its ability to kill tumor cells. HIFU has the potential to be a treatment option for children with tumors that cannot be removed through surgery. My hope is that in time, fewer children will need surgery. HIFU could reduce the incidence of surgical complications and improve overall survival, especially for children with cancer that has returned.

When I meet a child with cancer, I explain the situation as clearly as possible and talk about how we are going to handle it. Families deserve a considerable amount of time to digest all the new information coming their way. I am happy to speak with them as much as needed so everyone understands the plan and feels confident about it. When a child is old enough to understand what is going on, it is important to involve them in the decision-making as much as possible.

I recognize the tremendous level of trust that families place in us. It is very important to me that everyone feels comfortable and that they know they are in the best of hands.