Division Initiatives

Surgery Innovation Program

For decades, MD Anderson has been the world's leader in surgical oncology innovation. We perform more procedures than any other National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, and repeatedly rank among the highest for safety and outcomes. We're home to more than 250 surgical innovators dedicated to shaping the future of cancer surgery through three programs: Innovation Safety Program, Med Tech Evaluation Program and our IDEAS Lab.  

• Innovation Safety: Safety is one of MD Anderson's core values and it's part of everything we do in Surgery. We have a process in place to help test all our surgical innovations to make sure they're safe for patients before we bring them into the operating room.
• Med Tech Evaluation Program:  The Med Tech Evaluation program aims to foster relationships with external startups and medical device companies. By engaging with these companies to co-develop and validate noval medical technologies, we're able to tailor technology to MD Anderson's need and processes, as well as build our faculty's expertise in novel medical technologies through exposure and early involvement. 
• IDEAS Lab: The IDEAS Lab is where Innovation, product Development and Entrepreneurship Education are Accelerated for the purpose of transforming Surgical care. When a member of the MD Anderson Surgery team has an idea for a new medical device or a digital health innovation they come to the IDEAS Lab. The IDEAS Lab brings our Surgery innovators together with the resources they need to make their ideas a reality, whether it's formally vetting a new idea, pairing them with 3D tools and engineering support, or providing the physical space to build and test ideas. Our IDEAS Lab is dedicated to collaboration and education and works with local, national and international like-minded companies and institutions.

How you can help:

The Surgery Innovation Program strives to serve as the most impactful force in cancer surgery, safely improving the lives of patients around the world through innovation and the development of novel medical technologies. But we can't build the operating room of the future on our own. We need your help, whether it's donating your talents, your time or capital. Your contribution could help patients live longer, healthier lives. In short, you can help us make cancer history. Whether you're a student looking for an internship, a donor looking for a way to make an impact, a business leader looking for a partner or a patient with an idea and some feedback, we want to hear from you. 

Contact: ideaslab@mdanderson.org