Sarah Thayer, M.D., Ph.D., has announced she will step down from the role of physician in chief at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and as the chief of UNMC’s Division of Surgical Oncology on May 1.
Dr. Thayer will continue as a member of the UNMC faculty and the Nebraska Medicine medical staff. Dr. Thayer will continue in her role as medical director of breast cancer clinical program. Her considerable research and clinical care work at the cancer center will continue.
David W. Mercer, M.D., chair of the UNMC Department of Surgery, will act as interim division chief of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Mercer said a search committee for a permanent chief will be formed.
The role of physician in chief will remain open until the recruitment of a new director of the cancer center is completed. Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., announced last year that he would step down as director later in 2019.
“Dr. Thayer will have successfully completed her five-year term that began as we worked together to bring the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center to life,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., Chancellor of UNMC. “Her commitment to high quality interdisciplinary patient-centered care and groundbreaking research has been remarkable and will continue.”
“I hope everyone will join me in thanking Dr. Thayer for her hard work and accomplishments through the last five years,” Dr. Mercer said. “Her expertise has been integral to the planning, opening and operating of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.”
Dr. Thayer, you are a true leader and inspiration to women!
Dr Thayer took great care of me during my cancer breast surgery. A great support leader and a comfort to me.
I was trying to find some more info on THE Dr. Thayer that did my wife's oncological surgery in Oct 2019. With her sudden departure in 2020, it's tough. The picture here does not look anything like her so I'm confused. Would like to contact her as she was GREAT for my wife. They both had similar personalities and got along good. Sorry she left UNMC.