Biographical summary
Katherine Poruk, M.D., is a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist who specializes in treating hepatobiliary and pancreas diseases. Her surgical expertise covers a range of additional noncancerous and cancerous diseases that affect the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, spleen, small bowel and other abdominal organs.
As the founder and leader of the hepatic artery infusion pump (HAIP) therapy program at Mayo Clinic in Florida, Dr. Poruk offers innovative treatment for colorectal liver metastases and unresectable bile duct cancer. HAIP therapy helps shrink tumors by delivering high doses of chemotherapy directly to the liver through a surgically placed infusion pump.
Dr. Poruk's research focuses on identifying and studying predictors, biomarkers and genomic factors related to pancreatic adenocarcinoma, primary liver tumors, and colorectal liver metastases. As a renowned expert on pancreatic cancer, she serves on several national and international advisory committees that drive improvement and innovation in surgical and hepato-pancreato-biliary care.
Dr. Poruk earned her medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine. She completed her surgical residency and a research fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital before pursuing a fellowship in complex surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
The loss of her father to pancreatic cancer cemented Dr. Poruk's calling to oncology and has also shaped how she practices medicine. "Pairing innovative and collaborative solutions with compassionate care is important to me," she says. "My goal is to serve patients in a comprehensive and connected way."
She collaborates with highly trained specialists across various medical disciplines to provide a comprehensive range of treatment options and an exceptional patient experience.
Outside of the office, Dr. Poruk enjoys watching football and F1, swimming, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
Interests
- Pancreatic cancer surgery
- Whipple procedure
- Liver surgery
- Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump (HAIP) Therapies
- Biliary tract surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Benign pancreatic lesions and cysts
- Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms
- Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
- Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
- Hepatic-directed therapies
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 2021
Fellowship - Complex General Surgical OncologyMemorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- 2019
Residency - General SurgeryJohns Hopkins Hospital
- 2016
Research Fellowship - SurgeryJohns Hopkins Hospital
- 2012
MDUniversity of Utah School of Medicine
- 2008
BA - History (Honors)University of Utah
- 2008
BS - Chemistry and Biology (Dual Major)University of Utah
Activities and honors
Certifications
- 2022
Complex General Surgical OncologyAmerican Board of Surgery
- 2020
General SurgeryAmerican Board of Surgery
Professional memberships
- 2024 - present
Commiittee MemberInternational Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association
- 2024 - present
Commiittee MemberAmerican College of Surgeons
- 2024 - present
Test Development Advisory CommitteeAmerican Board of Surgery
- 2023 - present
Active MemberAssociation of Women Surgeons
- 2023 - present
Commiittee MemberSociety of Surgical Oncology
- 2023 - present
VolunteerAmerican Board of Surgery
- 2023 - present
Active MemberPancreas Club
- 2022 - present
Commiittee MemberSociety of Surgical Oncology
- 2022 - present
PanelistSociety of Surgical Oncology
- 2022 - 2024
Commiittee MemberSociety of Surgical Oncology
- 2022 - present
Commiittee MemberAmericas Hepatobiliary Association (AHPBA)
- 2022 - present
Committee MemberAmericas Hepatobiliary Association (AHPBA)
- 2022 - present
Commiittee MemberSociety of Surgical Oncology
Publications