Julie Margenthaler, MD, FACS, a nationally recognized breast surgeon at Washington University Medicine, has been installed as the inaugural holder of the Endowed Chair for Surgical Excellence in Breast Cancer, a position funded by grateful patients and donors that will accelerate research into genetic risk factors and innovative surgical approaches for breast cancer. The endowed chair, created through The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, represents a significant investment in advancing both clinical care and the next generation of breast cancer specialists.

What Makes This Leadership Position Different From Other Academic Roles?

Unlike traditional academic appointments, an endowed chair provides dedicated funding that allows researchers to pursue innovative work that may not fit neatly into conventional grant funding structures. Margenthaler explained the significance of this opportunity, noting that the position will enable her team to explore cutting-edge research directions that could reshape breast cancer care over the coming decades.

"This endowed chair will allow us to continue to push the envelope in research for advances to come 10 or 20 years from now. And it will allow us a regenerating mechanism for research, specifically research that may not be traditionally funded by the National Institutes of Health. It also creates a legacy that will allow us to recruit the best people who want to continue our mission," said Dr. Margenthaler.

Julie Margenthaler, MD, FACS, Inaugural Endowed Chair for Surgical Excellence in Breast Cancer at Washington University Medicine

The endowed chair was made possible by donors, many of whom have been Margenthaler's patients at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine. Their generosity reflects the profound impact she has had on individual lives and the broader mission of advancing breast cancer treatment.

What Research Directions Will This Position Focus On?

Margenthaler's research agenda addresses some of the most pressing gaps in breast cancer care, particularly for younger women. Her work spans three interconnected areas that have the potential to transform how breast cancer is detected, understood, and treated.

• Genetic Risk Identification: Margenthaler studies the identification of non-BRCA genes responsible for the development of breast cancer in young women under the age of 40, expanding our understanding beyond the well-known BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations that increase breast cancer risk.
• Minimally Invasive Staging: Her research includes identifying minimally invasive approaches to breast cancer staging using imaging combined with molecular techniques, which could reduce the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures.
• Gene-Specific Treatment Design: Margenthaler is designing novel gene-specific approaches to breast cancer treatment, tailoring therapies based on the specific genetic mutations driving an individual's cancer.

These research directions address a critical need in oncology: personalizing cancer care based on individual genetic profiles rather than applying one-size-fits-all treatment approaches. For younger women with breast cancer, understanding which non-BRCA genetic factors contribute to disease development could enable earlier intervention and more targeted prevention strategies.

How Will This Position Shape the Future of Breast Cancer Surgery?

Beyond her research contributions, Margenthaler serves as director of Breast Surgical Services at the Joanne Knight Breast Health Center at Siteman, which emphasizes screening and imaging excellence. She is also director of the Surgical Fellowship for Advanced Training in Breast Disease at WashU Medicine, meaning she directly trains the next generation of breast surgeons who will carry forward her philosophy and techniques.

Timothy J. Eberlein, MD, director of Siteman Cancer Center and himself a breast surgeon, highlighted Margenthaler's unique combination of clinical excellence and compassionate care during her chair installation ceremony. He emphasized that her impact extends far beyond individual patient outcomes.

"It's about how many patients she took care of and how many patients she helped and how many patients she cured. I don't think there is a better person who could be better feted with this endowed chair than Julie Margenthaler because, as many of you in the audience will attest, she is the most caring, compassionate but superb physician," stated Dr. Eberlein.

Timothy J. Eberlein, MD, Director of Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University Medicine

Margenthaler has taken a holistic approach to patient outcomes that incorporates the three pillars of academic medicine: clinical care, research, and educating the next generation of physician-researchers. This integrated approach means that advances in her research laboratory directly inform how she treats patients in the clinic, and insights from clinical practice drive new research questions.

Why Does Patient Perspective Matter in This Achievement?

One of Margenthaler's patients, Pam Nicholson, whose generosity helped establish the endowed chair, offered insight into why this recognition matters beyond academic circles. Nicholson described the vulnerability of a breast cancer diagnosis and the critical role that a skilled, compassionate surgeon plays in that moment.

"You're in such a vulnerable position when you're first diagnosed. Dr. Margenthaler is just that right person who is so calming, and she instills confidence. Your doctor matters and where you go matters. I think Dr. Margenthaler is a jewel for the hospital, for St. Louis and for all the Midwest," explained Nicholson.

Pam Nicholson, Patient and Donor at Siteman Cancer Center

This patient perspective underscores an often-overlooked aspect of cancer care: the emotional and psychological dimensions of treatment are inseparable from clinical outcomes. A surgeon who combines technical excellence with genuine compassion can help patients navigate one of life's most challenging experiences while making decisions about their care.

What Credentials and Recognition Support This Appointment?

Margenthaler's appointment to this endowed chair reflects decades of achievement and recognition within the medical community. Her credentials and accomplishments demonstrate the breadth of her contributions to breast cancer care.

• Castle Connolly Recognition: For the past decade, Margenthaler has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, a recognition given to the top 7% of practicing U.S. physicians based on excellence in clinical care, education, and research.
• Board Certification and Fellowship: She is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), indicating she meets the highest standards of surgical training and expertise.
• Leadership Roles: Nationally, Margenthaler has served as president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons and currently serves as section editor for the Annals of Surgical Oncology and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Surgical Research.
• Scholarly Output: She is the author of more than 240 peer-reviewed publications, reviews, editorials, and book chapters, and reviews manuscripts for 12 additional journals, demonstrating her active engagement with the scientific community.
• Specialized Expertise: Margenthaler is a specialist focused on early detection, genetic counseling, and proactive management for women with an increased risk of breast cancer, addressing prevention and risk reduction alongside treatment.

This endowed chair represents not just recognition of past achievements, but an investment in future discoveries that could reshape how breast cancer is prevented, detected, and treated, particularly for younger women and those with genetic risk factors. The position enables Margenthaler and her team to pursue research directions that have the potential to influence breast cancer care for decades to come.