- Bevilacqua was selected for membership through a competitive national process recognizing surgeons with strong clinical expertise and leadership potential.
- The program offers advanced training in leadership, communication, and health policy to prepare surgeons for influential roles.
- Bevilacqua’s expertise in minimally invasive thoracic oncology and commitment to research and equity support Fox Chase Cancer Center’s mission.
PHILADELPHIA (June 8, 2026) — Lisa Bevilacqua, MD, an Assistant Professor in the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been selected for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Leadership Institute, a highly competitive national program that supports the professional development of rising leaders in cardiothoracic surgery.
Recognizing Emerging Leaders in Thoracic Surgery
She was selected through a competitive national review process that recognizes surgeons who have demonstrated strong clinical expertise, leadership promise, and a dedication to advancing thoracic surgery.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to join a group of surgeons committed to shaping the future of our field,” said Bevilacqua. “I look forward to developing new leadership skills and bringing those perspectives back to Fox Chase to support our patients, trainees, and surgical teams.”
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Leadership Institute provides participants with advanced training in strategic decision-making, communication, healthcare policy, and professional development, preparing surgeons for influential leadership roles within hospitals, academic institutions, and national surgical organizations.
Bevilacqua joined Fox Chase last year. She specializes in minimally invasive thoracic oncology and robotic-assisted surgery, with a clinical focus on cancers of the chest, including lung and esophageal cancers. Her academic interests include advancing surgical equity and improving outcomes for patients with thoracic malignancies.
Education, Training, and Honors
She completed a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after finishing her general surgery residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Bevilacqua earned her medical degree from Stony Brook University School of Medicine.
Throughout her training, Bevilacqua received several national honors, including the Robertson Scholarship at Duke University and the Dr. Patricia Numann Medical Student Award from the Association of Women Surgeons. She has also been selected for highly competitive training programs such as the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Robotics Fellowship and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons Robotics Course.
Commitment to Research, Education, and Surgical Equity
In addition to her clinical work, Bevilacqua is an active researcher and educator whose publications explore topics including esophageal cancer, robotic surgery, gender disparities in academic surgery, and health outcomes in underserved populations. Her research has appeared in journals such as Annals of Surgery, JAMA Surgery, and Surgical Endoscopy.
“Dr. Bevilacqua is an exceptionally talented surgeon and an emerging leader in thoracic oncology,” said Stacey Su, MD, FACS, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Fox Chase. “Her selection to the Leadership Institute reflects the promise she has already demonstrated in clinical care, research, and mentorship. We’re excited to see her continue to grow as a leader in the field.”
Founded in 1964, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons is an international nonprofit professional organization representing more than 7,500 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, and allied health professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for patients undergoing surgery of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest.