Christopher C. DeStephano, M.D., M.P.H.

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SUMMARY

Christopher C. Destephano, M.D., M.P.H., is a gynecologic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive procedures. His research interests focus on cancer disparities and on improving the early recognition of cancer through innovative methods including risk assessment, patient education and novel biomarkers. He is interested in studying dissemination and implementation of interventions in delivery systems and communities with a focus on underserved populations and women's health.

Focus areas

• Engaging with the community and underserved areas to improve the quality and effectiveness of cancer symptom recognition by patients and providers.
• Decreasing systemic barriers to care and eliminating disparities in early diagnosis of cancer and cancer care.
• Investigating the acceptability and validity of novel biomarker collection techniques to decrease the invasiveness of endometrial cancer evaluation.
• Understanding how changes during the menopause transition in women influence future development of cancers in women.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Destephano strives to improve access to women's health services that are acceptable, less invasive, and valid in identifying women at higher risk of cancer or in the early stages of cancer development. He also aims to eliminate disparities in life expectancy and health outcomes between different racial and socioeconomic groups in people diagnosed with cancer.

Professional highlights

• Excellence in Reach and Dissemination at the Fellow Level, Academy of Educational Excellence, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, 2019-present.
• Research and Quality Champion, Department of Medical and Surgical Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, 2017-present.
• Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning Award, Mayo Clinic Center for Digital Health and Mayo Clinic Office of Belonging with support from Dalio Philanthropies, 2025.
• Denis A. Cortese, M.D., and Donna H. Cortese Innovation Award in the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, 2023.
• Mayo Clinic Kern Scholar, Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, 2019-2022.
• Simulation Working Group, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2016-2020.
• Award for Programs of Excellence, Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017.
• Award for Excellence in Education, Institute for Research into Cancer of the Digestive System, Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, 2017.
• Education Chief Resident, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2013-2015.