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Welcome Dr. Melissa Korb to Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists

June 11, 2021

Melissa Korb, M.D., thoracic surgeon, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Deke Slayton Cancer Center. Dr. Korb shares her passion for thoracic surgery and patient care.

Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor, specifically a surgeon?

I told my parents I was going to be a doctor in the fourth grade. By ninth grade I had narrowed it down to becoming a surgeon; however, I didn't realize my passion for thoracic surgery until my third clinical year of general surgery residency.

What inspired you to specialize in thoracic surgery?

During my third year of residency, I rotated on the thoracic service and fell in love with the anatomy of the chest. It is quite humbling to operate within millimeters of so many vital structures like the heart, aorta, and pulmonary arteries. I like that the thoracic specialty encompasses such a wide breadth of cases. Additionally, the applicability of robotic surgery to the field of thoracic care is outstanding, and I love being able to offer a robotic approach to my patients.

Having the trust of your patient, their family, and your team members is the greatest honor any healthcare professional can ask for."

What would you like your legacy as a physician to be?

I hope that my patients and colleagues would feel that I not only worked hard and was a gifted surgeon, but that I was genuinely invested in their journey and improving their quality of life. Having the trust of your patient, their family, and your team members is the greatest honor any healthcare professional can ask for. 

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and our 2-year-old son. I like to exercise, read, and try new restaurants. My husband and I were also recently scuba certified and we're hoping to plan some dives soon!

What are you regularly tuning into right now?

I am listening to Before We Were Yours on audiobook during my commutes and studying for the second part of my board certification exam right now. You can also find me catching up on pretty much any TV medical drama.


For upcoming webinars visit www.TexasOncologyFoundation.org.