Mark E. Zafereo
Professor
Head and Neck Surgery
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Section Chief
Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Associate Medical Director
The Head & Neck Center
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Board Member
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Board Member
The International Thyroid Oncology Group
Biography
Professor Mark Zafereo is a Professor of Head and Neck Surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where he holds dual leadership roles as Section Chief of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery and Associate Medical Director of the Head & Neck Center. A nationally and internationally recognized expert in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, Professor Zafereo specializes in the treatment of thyroid cancer, advanced endocrine tumors, and parathyroid neoplasms.
Being an active leader in professional societies, Professor Zafereo currently serves as Treasurer of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and sits on the Board of Trustees for the American Head & Neck Society (AHNS) Research and Education Foundation. He has previously contributed to the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and the International Thyroid Oncology Group (ITOG).
Professor Zafereo is at the forefront of innovative clinical research, leading several national multi-centre trials investigating neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery for aggressive thyroid cancers, including anaplastic and medullary thyroid carcinoma. His work has significantly influenced treatment paradigms, with numerous high-impact publications in thyroid and head & neck oncology.
A sought-after speaker, Professor Zafereo regularly presents at national and international conferences, sharing his expertise in surgical oncology, endocrine malignancies, and clinical trial development. His clinical practice is dedicated to patients with thyroid cancer, parathyroid disease, and complex head & neck endocrine tumors, combining cutting-edge research with compassionate, patient-centered care.