Stephanie F. Polites, M.D., M.P.H.

Location

Contact

SUMMARY

Pediatric surgeon-scientist Stephanie F. Polites, M.D., M.P.H., focuses on multi-omics, clinical trials and health services research aimed at improving care and outcomes for children with extracranial solid tumors.

Focus areas

• Surgical resilience. Dr. Polites studies the stress response to tumor resection in patients and their caregivers using digital biomarkers measured with smartwatches, patient-reported outcomes measured with questionnaires and blood-based omics indicative of a stressed state.
• Precision pediatric surgical oncology. Dr. Polites studies approaches for more-precise, less invasive tumor resection, including fluorescence-guided surgery and digital laparoscopy. She also collaborates with other scientists to investigate blood-based liquid biopsy targets.
• Health services. Dr. Polites' work with large data sources, such as the National Cancer Database, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric and multi-institutional research consortia, informs optimal surgical management and outcomes.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Polites' research aims to help children with solid tumors have better cancer outcomes and quality of life after surgery. She focuses on using less invasive types of surgery and digital tools to help kids stay strong and feel better during and after treatment.

Professional highlights

• Assistant chair of research, Mayo Clinic Children's, 2024-present.
• Member, North America Scientific Core Committee, International Society of Pediatric Oncology, 2024-present.
• Member, Neuroblastoma Panel, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2023-present.
• Pediatric surgeon champion, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, Mayo Clinic, 2023-present.
• Principal investigator, Pediatric Extracranial Solid Tumor Biorepository, Mayo Clinic, 2025-2029.
• Career Development Award, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 2023.