Cornelius A. Thiels, D.O., M.B.A.

Dr. Thiels is a cancer surgeon and researcher who specializes in the surgical treatment of complex and advanced cancers, with a focus on retroperitoneal sarcomas and pancreatic cancer. He also has extensive training and experience in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), gastric cancer, and metastatic colorectal cancer. He has particular expertise in multimodality cancer care, combining surgery with chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy to offer personalized treatment plans for patients with advanced or metastatic disease.

He performs a wide range of procedures using minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery, and leads Mayo Clinic's Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump Chemotherapy program, which delivers targeted treatment for liver tumors.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Thiels serves as associate chair of innovation for the Department of Surgery, where he helps connect Mayo Clinic with industry partners, startups, and investors to accelerate surgical innovation. These efforts culminate in the annual Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit, a collaborative event that brings together Mayo surgeons and med-tech leaders to shape the future of surgical care.

Dr. Thiels also leads the department's data and analytics initiatives and directs the Surgical AI² Lab, which focuses on using artificial intelligence and health services research to improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery and those with rare or advanced cancers.