Michael David Kluger, MD
Dr. Michael David Kluger is a general surgeon at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center of Columbia University in New York City. He is nationally recognized for his proficiency in performing complex surgeries for patients diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, as well as for his work in managing diseases of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.[]
As medical director of the surgical unit of Columbia’s Milstein Hospital, Dr. Kluger performs the groundbreaking surgery known as cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic (heated) intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This procedure has proven effective at prolonging patients’ lives and improving their quality of life.
Dr. Kluger values the multidisciplinary collaboration between specialists at Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and the improved patient outcomes that arise from designing individualized plans of care that balance quality of life and survival.
Education and Career
Dr. Kluger began his educational journey at Union College, where he earned a bachelor of science in Biology and Psychology. He earned a Master of Public Health degree from Yale University and then moved on to medical school at New York University School of Medicine. After receiving his medical degree, he pursued an internship and residency in Surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he was named Administrative Chief Resident of Surgery. He also received advanced training in liver transplantation and laparoscopic liver and pancreas surgery at Hospital Henri Mondor in Paris.[1]
Dr. Kluger has been providing treatment for patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma for twenty years. In addition to his role as a surgeon and Associate Professor at Columbia, he is a member of the Cancer Surgery Standards Development Committee, which determines best surgical practices for Commission on Cancer-accredited hospitals throughout North America. He is also a member of the Pancreas and Hepatobiliary Sub-committees of the Society of Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.
Research
Dr. Kruger has published over 175 articles and book chapters and has presented at numerous national and international meetings, including on the topic of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. His current research is focused on identifying safe and effective innovations in surgical practices that will reduce morbidity in patients undergoing pancreas and liver surgery.[1]
Committees, Societies, Councils
- American College of Surgeons, Fellow
- Alliance/ACS CRP Cancer Care Standards Development Committee
- Association for Academic Surgery
- Society of Surgical Oncology
- Society of Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
- Pancreas Sub-Committee
- Hepatobiliary Sub-Committee
- New York Surgical Society
- International Hepatopancreaticobiliary Association
- Membership Committee
Honors & Awards
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors, 2019
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors, 2018
- New York Presbyterian Hospital Physician of the Year, 2016
- Society of Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Hepatobiliary Sub-Committee, 2015
- Super Doctors Rising Stars, 2015 & 2016
- Teaching & Mentor Award, Department of Surgery, Columbia University, 2015
- The Kenneth A. Forde Research Award, 2014
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Weill Cornell Medical College, 2013
- Presidential Poster of Distinction, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, 2011
- European Society of Organ Transplantation Short Stay and Travel Grant, 2009
- Philippe Foundation Award for Franco-American Scientific Collaboration, 2009
- Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, Arnold P. Gold Foundation, 2007
- Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, 2004
- Arthur Zitrin Award in Bioethics, 2004
- New York Medical Society Community Service Award, 2004
- Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society, 1998
