Biographical summary
Jennifer L. Leiting, M.D., is a hepatobiliary and pancreas surgeon who combines advanced surgical expertise with a deep commitment to patient-centered care. She specializes in minimally invasive techniques for complex pancreatic and hepatobiliary conditions, helping patients navigate some of the most challenging diagnoses with precision and compassion. Her work reflects a dedication to improving outcomes through innovative approaches.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Leiting focuses on delivering comprehensive, individualized care for patients with complex conditions. Her clinical focus includes:
- Hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer management: Expert surgical care for liver, bile duct, and pancreatic malignancies, tailored to each person's needs.
- Minimally invasive surgery: Advanced robotic approaches for Hepatobiliary and pancreatic conditions.
- Gastrointestinal oncologic surgery: Specialized treatment for cancers affecting the digestive tract.
- Molecular staging of pancreas cancer: Utilization of circulating tumor DNA to refine staging and guide personalized treatment strategies.
Research and Training
Dr. Leiting is committed to advancing surgical care through research and education. She has explored molecular staging techniques to better understand pancreatic cancer and improve patient outcomes. Her training includes:
- Medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN
- General Surgery Residency at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, MN, combined with an additional two years as a Clinical Investigator
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic
- Additional training as a Mayo Clinic Scholar at leading minimally invasive surgery centers worldwide
Through these experiences, Dr. Leiting has gained unparalleled expertise in complex hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, ensuring patients receive care informed by the latest evidence and techniques.
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
- Bile duct obstruction surgery
- Bile duct resection
- Cancer treatment
- Cholecystectomy
- Hepatobiliary disease evaluation
- Hepatobiliary disease postoperative care
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Liver resection
- Microwave ablation for cancer
- Minimally invasive liver surgery
- Minimally invasive pancreas surgery
- Pancreatectomy
- Robotic surgery
- Whipple procedure
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 2024
FellowRST Hepatopancreatobiliary Sur, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2022
Chief ResidentSurgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2022
ResidentSurgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2019
Postdoctoral Certificate - Postdoctoral Certificate in Clinical and Translational ScienceClinical and Translational Science, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2019
Clinical InvestigatorClinical Investigator Program, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2015
MDUniversity of Minnesota Medical School
- 2009
Masters - Master of Arts in BioethicsTrinity International University
- 2009
BA - Biology / Pre-MedicineTrinity International University
Activities and honors
Certifications
- 2023
General SurgeryAmerican Board of Surgery
Awards and honors
- 2021
van Heerden AwardMayo Clinic
- 2019
Commission on Cancer Research Paper Competition WinnerAmerican College of Surgeons
- 2019
Commission on Cancer Oral Presentation WinderMinnesota Surgical Society
- 2018
Balfour Research Symposium Oral Presentation WinnerMayo Clinic
- 2014
Alpha Omega AlphaUniversity of Minnesota
- 2013
The Excellence in Biomedical Sciences Award University of Minnesota
- 2012
Dr. Nellie N. Barsness Scholarship University of Minnesota
- 2012
John George Ross ScholarshipUniversity of Minnesota
Professional memberships
- 2017 - present
Active MemberAmerican College of Surgeons
- 2017 - present
Active MemberAmericas Hepatobiliary Association (AHPBA)
- 2017 - present
Active MemberInternational Hepato-Pancreato Biliary Association
- 2017 - present
MemberInternational Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association
- 2014 - present
Active MemberAlpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
- 2011 - present
MemberAmerican Medical Association
Publications