Jennifer Mueller, MD, FACOG

I started on my path in medicine after getting my undergraduate degree in women’s studies. During college, I learned how important it is to empower women to access healthcare. I also developed a greater appreciation for how critical a role a healthy, productive woman plays in her family and in society. I realized I wanted to spend my career providing care and impacting my community in a positive way, so I went to medical school.

I was also inspired to pursue a career in oncology by my grandmother, who I lost to cancer. She taught me many of the truths I live by today: Be civic and community-minded, be loving and generous with your time and talent, and dedicate your life to a purpose greater than yourself. This personal experience has often served as a reminder for me to treat the whole person, and to remember how much trust and hope people place in you during a health crisis.

In my clinical practice, I specialize in surgery for endometrial cancer, specifically sentinel lymph node mapping using minimally invasive techniques. This allows me to remove fewer lymph nodes and reduce the risk of complications from surgery, such as lymphedema and infection. I received an award from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology for my demonstration of this technique.I also have expertise in debulking surgery for ovarian cancer. 

My research interests include studying rare ovarian cancers and inherited endometrial cancers. I am also interested in molecular imaging techniques to find cancer in lymph nodes for women with endometrial cancer and cervical cancer.

At MSK, I studied small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type, and helped discover the critical gene that is mutated in this cancer. I collaborate internationally with academic groups to study mucinous ovarian cancers and with several US academic centers to study clear cell tumors of the ovary. I believe this cooperative research will result in knowledge that will help us better diagnose and care for women with these rare but aggressive tumors.

Women facing a cancer diagnosis are at an important crossroads in life. Aspects of health, quality of life, family, and community all converge. I gain so much professional and personal perspective, satisfaction, and value­ by partnering with my patients to help them make informed decisions about what to do when they are diagnosed with cancer.