Memorial Sloan Kettering surgeon Vivian E. Strong

Vivian E. Strong, MD, FACS

Areas of Expertise

My Specialties

  • Minimally Invasive Expertise
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Tumors of the Adrenal Gland, Splenectomy, Small Intestine, Distal Pancreas

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About Me

What I Do at MSK
  • Iris Cantor Chair in Honor of Dr. Sidney Winawer
Get To Know Me

I am a board-certified surgeon with advanced training in minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopy and robotic surgery). I am dedicated to applying my technical expertise and clinical interests primarily to patients with stomach (gastric) cancer and adrenal tumors.

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I am a member of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Gastric Disease Management Team — a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, and other medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. The combined expertise of our specialized team allows us to come up with the best plan for each patient.

In treating someone with stomach cancer, my goal is both to cure the patient of cancer and preserve his or her quality of life, both in the short and long term. I take all clinical data into account and select a surgical approach that has the greatest chance of accomplishing both goals.

In 2005, I introduced laparoscopic surgery as an option for patients with gastric cancer, and in 2009 I published the results of this approach in the Annals of Surgical Oncology. My research showed that the minimally invasive approach produces success rates comparable to those of traditional open surgery, with fewer complications, less blood loss and post-operative pain, and a shorter hospital stay. Laparoscopic surgery is an excellent approach for some, but not all, patients with the disease. I also developed a program in robotic gastrectomy in 2009, and apply this technique for selected patients. Results are promising and show decreased pain and quicker recovery for patients.

My research focuses not only on minimally invasive approaches and new technologies to better treat patients with gastric cancer, but also on molecular and genetic factors that may explain why some stomach cancers behave differently than others. I am particularly interested in differences in gastric cancer in the United States compared to Asian countries, and I am collaborating on an international level with gastric cancer surgeons in other countries to study this question. At Memorial Sloan Kettering, I am also working with pathologists and basic science researchers to study basic genetic factors that explain differences in certain types of gastric cancer, including questions relating to other gastric tumors, such as gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and gastric carcinoids.

On a national and international level, I am a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Esophageal and Gastric Advisory Group, which establishes the national guidelines for hospitals across the country regarding recommended standards to diagnose and treat gastric cancer. I have lectured at gastric cancer specialty meetings in Asia and Europe, including the International Gastric Cancer Congress (IGCC) Meeting in 2009, on novel research and minimally invasive surgery for this disease.

I also treat patients with adrenal tumors, and since 2005, I have overseen the adrenal database at Memorial Sloan Kettering, forming connections with endocrinologists, pathologists, and medical oncologists who share an interest in adrenal disorders. I have lectured internationally and published about laparoscopic adrenalectomy, which is the minimally invasive removal of tumors of the adrenal gland. I also treat patients with tumors that have metastasized from other primary sites to the adrenal gland, and have studied and published the collective experience of surgeons at Memorial Sloan Kettering to help better understand who is most suited for surgical removal of these tumors. I have also performed studies to define how patients with pheochromocytoma (a hormone-producing tumor of the adrenal gland) should be followed and how to determine if such tumors may recur.

Minimally invasive techniques may be appropriate for patients with cancerous and pre-cancerous disorders of the distal pancreas, spleen, and small intestine, and I have expertise in laparoscopic surgery for these problems as well.

I typically see new patients on Tuesdays at our 53rd Street location and operate on Mondays and Thursdays. I spend the remainder of my time conducting research, teaching, and lecturing. My contact information is listed below.

Working at a place like Memorial Sloan Kettering is a privilege and it is clear that the patients expect the very best from their physicians. It is gratifying to know you have helped a cancer patient through a part of their treatment and that you may have helped cure them. The hope is to allow people to return to normal life as soon as possible.

My Role at MSK

A surgeon is a doctor with special training in many kinds of surgery.

Areas of Expertise

My Specialties

  • Minimally Invasive Expertise
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Tumors of the Adrenal Gland, Splenectomy, Small Intestine, Distal Pancreas
  • Hernias
Education & Honors

Education

  • MD, Weill Cornell Medical College

Residencies

  • General Surgery - New York Presbyterian/Cornell Medical Center

Awards and Honors

  • Castle Connolly: Exceptional Women in Medicine (2024)
  • Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctor (2024)
  • Top Doctors New York Metro Area, Castle Connolly (2023)
  • Exceptional Women in Medicine Award, Castle Connolly (2023)
  • Castle Connolly: America's Top Doctors (2023)
  • Castle Connolly: New York Magazine Top Doctors (2016-2020)

Fellowships

  • Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery - New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Board Certifications

  • Surgery

Insurance Information

Understanding your insurance options is an important part of managing your cancer care. We have relationships with many common healthcare providers and plans.

Aetna

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS, Transplant

Aetna Medicare Advantage (MTA retirees only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield New York

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS

Blue Cross Health Plus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Carrum Health

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

Cigna

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Connecticare

In Network Coverage Type
POS, EPO, HMO

Emblem

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.

Emblem Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Emblem Medicare Advantage (Medicare Choice PPO Network and VIP Prime Network Only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Empire Blue Cross Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO, DSN

Empire Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Empire Plan / NYSHIP (Blue Cross/UnitedHealthcare split plan)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Fidelis

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.

Fidelis Managed Medicaid & HARP

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Fidelis Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

First Health

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Healthfirst

In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.

Healthfirst Managed Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Healthsmart

In Network Coverage Type
PPO EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (HMO)

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (PPO)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier I (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier II (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

Horizon Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Husky CT Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Magnacare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO

Straight NJ Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Straight NY Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare)

In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

MVP

In Network Coverage Type
PPO/OAP

Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

NYC Medicare Advantage Plus for City Employees

In Network Coverage Type
TBD

Oscar

In Network Coverage Type
HMO/EPO

Oxford

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, EPO

World Trade Center Health Program (WTC)

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Qualcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Tricare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

UMR

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS

United Healthcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Don't see your carrier or plan? We can help you understand your coverage.

If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.

If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.

Make an Appointment

Current Patients

Request an appointment by logging on to MyMSK or calling your doctor’s office. If you aren’t registered for MyMSK, call 646-227-2593 for your Enrollment ID.

Contact and Location

Dr. Strong sees patients at two locations.

Office Phone
Location
New York, NY
West Harrison, NY
160 East 53rd Street New York NY 10022
500 Westchester Avenue West Harrison NY 10604

Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.

Colleagues

Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.

See all Surgery doctors

See all Gastric and Mixed Tumor Service doctors

Clinical Trials

Smiling doctors in the lab
Find a Clinical Trial for You

Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.

You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.

Search clinical trials

Research and Publications

Book Chapters
“Lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.” Strong VE. In: Master Techniques in Surgery: Gastric Surgery. Nussbaum MS, ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012.

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Strong’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

See all on PubMed

Disclosures

Doctors and faculty members often work with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology, and life sciences companies, and other organizations outside of MSK, to find safe and effective cancer treatments, to improve patient care, and to educate the health care community.

MSK requires doctors and faculty members to report (“disclose”) the relationships and financial interests they have with external entities. As a commitment to transparency with our community, we make that information available to the public.

Vivian E. Strong discloses the following relationships and financial interests:

  • AstraZeneca
    Professional Services and Activities

If you’re a patient at MSK and would like more information about your doctor’s external relationships, please talk with your doctor.

The information published here is a complement to other publicly reported data and is for a specific annual disclosure period. There may be differences between information on this and other public sites as a result of different reporting periods and/or the various ways relationships and financial interests are categorized by organizations that publish such data.


This page and data include information for a specific MSK annual disclosure period (January 1, 2023 through disclosure submission in spring 2024). This data reflects interests that may or may not still exist. This data is updated annually.

Learn more about MSK’s COI policies here. For questions regarding MSK’s COI-related policies and procedures, email MSK’s Compliance Office at [email protected].


View all disclosures