#MeetTheExpert: Jon Wee, MD, Director of Robotics in Thoracic Surgery and co-Director of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (pictured left).
Dr. Wee always dreamed of becoming a surgeon. Unlike many childhood dreams, his goal remained sharp-focused, leading him to Boston for college and eventually to the renowned surgical oncology program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Since 1997, Dr. Wee has been part of the Brigham team, both as a trainee and on staff.
Dr. Wee specializes in esophageal and lung cancers. His research aims to improve surgical management, perioperative care, and patient outcomes. Over the past decade, he has led the integration of robotic surgery in the thoracic surgery program, making complex procedures more accessible and less invasive. He is passionate about the impact of minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques on patients' lives. "Robotics has allowed us to further improve our minimally invasive approaches,” said Dr. Wee. “Patients are recovering faster, having less pain and fewer complications, and are able to resume their normal life more quickly."
Reflecting on his experience at the Brigham, Dr. Wee says, "What I have observed is that the quality of physicians at the Brigham and the care that we put in here is second to none. We have world-class leaders making world-changing contributions."
Looking ahead, Dr. Wee is excited about the future of minimally invasive surgery. He envisions safer procedures and faster recovery times, especially for complex surgeries. He believes that in the next 5 to 10 years, surgeries will become more sophisticated, and treatments for advanced cancers will improve. "What has been deemed as unresectable or untreatable is now going to fall into the world of possibilities and hope. We will be able to offer more opportunities for cure and longevity than ever before."