Patricio Marcelo Polanco, MD

I try to care for my patients the way I would want my own family members to be cared for. It’s a privilege to care for patients with cancer during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. My commitment is to walk alongside them and their families, ensuring they feel supported, informed and never alone in their care.

I’m an internationally recognized surgical oncologist specializing in treating pancreas, liver and gastrointestinal cancers using minimally invasive and robotic techniques. After serving on the faculty at UT Southwestern Medical Center since 2014, where I led the Robotic Surgery Program and directed the Pancreatic Cancer Program, I joined Atrium Health in May 2026. I serve as division chief of the Department of Surgical Oncology, inaugural Richard L. White Jr. endowed professor of surgery at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and surgeon-in-chief of Atrium Health Levine Cancer.

I’m double board-certified in general surgery and complex general surgical oncology. My expertise includes:

• Minimally invasive and robotic pancreas and liver surgery
• Complex colorectal cancers
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Peritoneal surface malignancies and HIPEC
• Hepatic artery infusion pump surgery
• Other advanced procedures for gastrointestinal cancers

A native of Peru, I graduated as valedictorian from Universidad de San Martín de Porres School of Medicine. After surgical training in Lima, I moved to the United States, completing a postdoctoral fellowship and general surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, followed by fellowship training in complex general surgical oncology.

I have received numerous honors for academic excellence, teaching and humanism in medicine, including induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the Charles C. Moore Teaching Award at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, the Eugene P. Frenkel, M.D. Scholar in Clinical Medicine Award and the Laycock-Snyder Faculty Scholar Award. I was also voted by my peers to D Magazine’s Best Doctors in Dallas list each year from 2019 through 2026.

My academic work focuses on robotic surgery training and simulation, health services research, disparities in cancer care and clinical trials in pancreatic cancers. I have authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and numerous book chapters, served as site principal investigator for national pancreatic cancer trials and am a frequent invited speaker at national and international conferences.

I have held leadership roles in major professional organizations, including the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Society of Surgical Oncology, American College of Surgeons and International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association. I have also served on National Comprehensive Cancer Network expert panels for pancreatic cancer and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, contributing to national clinical practice guidelines.

My commitment to advancing surgical care extends internationally. I have trained and mentored surgeons from multiple countries in robotic surgery across the Americas, Europe and Asia. I have also participated extensively in medical mission trips throughout Central and South America.

I am known for my warm, compassionate and thoughtful approach to patient care and meticulous attention to detail.