K Robert Shen, M.D.

K. Robert Shen, M.D., is a Professor of Surgery and thoracic surgeon in the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His work centers on caring for people with conditions of the esophagus and chest, blending deep clinical experience with a thoughtful, steady approach to complex disease.

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Shen approaches thoracic surgery with individualized decision‑making, clear communication, and genuine empathy, ensuring every person feels heard, valued, and supported throughout their care. His clinical focus includes:

• Benign and malignant esophageal disease: Comprehensive evaluation and surgical care for both noncancerous and cancerous esophageal conditions, including the use of minimally invasive techniques when appropriate.
• General thoracic surgery: Broad expertise in the full spectrum of thoracic conditions, supported by high-volume surgical experience and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to create coordinated, patient-centered treatment plans.

Research and Education

Dr. Shen received his undergraduate degree cum laude from Dartmouth College and his M.D. with High Honors from Yale University School of Medicine. He completed his General Surgery residency at Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School including a two‑year gastrointestinal physiology research fellowship, followed by a Thoracic Surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

After serving on the faculty at the University of Virginia, he joined Mayo Clinic in 2007. From 2013–2023, he served as the Program Director of the Mayo Clinic Thoracic Surgery Residency Program and continues to lead the Advanced Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Program as Program Director, helping train the next generation of surgical leaders. Nationally, he serves on the ACGME Thoracic Surgery Review Committee and has contributed extensively to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), including serving as Chair of the STS Workforce on Annual Meeting.

Dr. Shen has authored more than 155 peer‑reviewed publications and 15 book chapters. He has an h-index of 41.He served as a Section Editor for SESATS XI, XII, and XIII and reviews manuscripts for leading journals including Annals of Thoracic Surgery, The Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, and Diseases of the Esophagus.