Dr. James Lee stands as a distinguished figure in the field of endocrine surgery, renowned for his exceptional expertise in treating patients with a range of thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal gland disorders. Serving as the Chief of Endocrine Surgery and the Edwin K. and Anne C. Weisskopf Professor of Surgical Oncology at Columbia University, his leadership is evident in both academic and clinical settings. Furthermore, as the Physician Director of the Endocrine Service Line at the prestigious NY Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Lee plays a pivotal role in shaping patient care. His commitment extends to collaborative practice as Co-Director of the Columbia Thyroid Center, Parathyroid Center, and Adrenal Center, multidisciplinary hubs for specialized care. Recognized consistently as one of the Best Doctors in America, Doctor James Lee is also acclaimed as one of the nation’s highest volume endocrine surgeons, reflecting his extensive experience and the trust patients place in his abilities. His medical journey began at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he earned his medical degree, followed by a General Surgery residency at Columbia and a specialized fellowship in Endocrine Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, solidifying his foundation in surgical excellence.
Beyond his clinical practice, Doctor James Lee actively shapes the direction of endocrine surgery on both national and international platforms. He holds a position on the Executive Council of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, contributing to the strategic guidance of this leading professional organization. His dedication to education is further demonstrated by his role as Standing Faculty at the international Endocrine Surgery University, where he shares his knowledge with surgeons worldwide. Dr. Lee’s commitment to advancing surgical education is also exemplified by his co-creation of the inaugural Postgraduate Course in Endocrine Surgery at the American College of Surgeons and his consistent presence as a featured lecturer in the Masters of Endocrine Surgery Course, held biannually. His scholarly contributions are substantial, with over 100 articles and book chapters to his name, including the highly influential AAES Parathyroidectomy Guidelines, recognized as the international benchmark for patient care in parathyroid disease. Moreover, he serves as Co-Editor of Surgical Endocrinopathies and the Founding Figures, resources that detail cutting-edge treatments for endocrine disorders and explore the rich history of advancements in the field.
Doctor James Lee’s impact extends globally through over 100 invited lectures and visiting professorships at institutions across the world. He has dedicated significant time to traveling and instructing fellow endocrine surgeons in advanced surgical techniques. These include minimally invasive thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and laparoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy, demonstrating his commitment to disseminating best practices. Furthermore, Dr. Lee has played a crucial mentoring role, guiding dozens of clinical and research fellows throughout his career. Many of these mentees have gone on to become leaders in their respective institutions and across the global medical community, highlighting his lasting influence on the field.
In addition to his surgical and academic achievements, Doctor James Lee is also at the forefront of digital communication in medicine. Serving as the Vice Chair of New Media in the Columbia University Department of Surgery and Chair of the ColumbiaDoctors Communications Committee, he spearheads the digital strategy for numerous entities within the medical center. His mission in these roles is to deliver high-quality, reliable education on health and wellness topics to a global audience, leveraging digital platforms to expand access to crucial medical information and promote patient empowerment.
