WATERBURY, Conn. — Saint Mary’s Hospital, a cornerstone of advanced medical care in central Connecticut and a member of Trinity Health Of New England, has announced the appointment of Dr. Isha Emhoff, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, as its new Chair of Surgery. Dr. Emhoff succeeds in the role with a groundbreaking background in surgical oncology, academic medicine, and public health, marking a significant development for the hospital and the regional healthcare community.

Transformative Leadership in Surgery and Oncology

Dr. Emhoff’s arrival at Saint Mary’s Hospital comes as healthcare institutions across the country increasingly focus on expanding cancer care services, boosting patient safety, and integrating research-driven clinical practices. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Emhoff is board-certified in general surgery and fellowship-trained in both complex cancer surgery and breast surgery.

Prior to joining Saint Mary’s, Dr. Emhoff was the Medical Director of Surgical Oncology at Saint Vincent Medical Group and Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. There, she spearheaded initiatives to improve multidisciplinary cancer care, served as the Cancer Liaison Physician to the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and chaired the hospital’s Cancer Committee. Under her leadership, Saint Vincent enhanced patient navigation, clinical research participation, and outcomes for both breast and melanoma cancer populations.

Her track record aligns with national priorities: According to the American Cancer Society, the U.S. saw 1.96 million new cancer cases in 2024, heightening the need for skilled oncologic surgeons and comprehensive clinical programs. Dr. Emhoff’s appointment is expected to directly address these trends in the Greater Waterbury area, bringing advanced surgical procedure options and evidence-based care to the region’s growing patient base.

Academic Distinction and Vision for Medical Education

Dr. Emhoff is not just a top surgeon—she is recognized as an academic leader and published research authority. She earned her M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine and furthered her expertise with a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from Harvard. Her advanced training includes a prestigious Society of Surgical Oncology Complex Cancer Surgery Fellowship at Brown University as well as a focused breast oncology fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

In addition to her clinical duties, Dr. Emhoff has held teaching roles, serving as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and as a mentor to residents and medical students. Her research has contributed to improvements in surgical outcomes, with recent studies exploring the latest advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques for cancer and the integration of data analytics in patient care.

“I am passionate about advancing the quality and breadth of surgical care while investing in the next generation of physicians,” Dr. Emhoff stated in a recent interview. “Saint Mary’s strong commitment to innovation, education, and community health creates a unique environment for continued excellence and leadership in surgery.”

Commitment to Public Health, Diversity, and Community

Reflecting her Harvard-based public health expertise, Dr. Emhoff has led award-winning community outreach programs, advocating for prevention and early detection in breast and melanoma cancer. Her leadership extends beyond the operating room—she has been instrumental in promoting health equity initiatives and championing access to clinical trials for underserved populations.

As Chair of Surgery at Saint Mary’s, Dr. Emhoff will steer surgical services during a period of post-pandemic transformation in American healthcare. Hospitals are grappling with surgical workforce shortages, new technology implementation—such as advanced robotic surgery systems—and a rising demand for personalized medicine. Saint Mary’s, under her direction, is already advancing its surgical infrastructure, recently investing in enhanced operating suites and physician recruitment. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, more than 14,000 surgeon positions are projected to be unfilled nationally by 2034, underscoring the importance of sustained leadership and mentorship in surgical departments.

About Saint Mary’s Hospital and Trinity Health Of New England

Saint Mary’s Hospital, located in Waterbury, is part of Trinity Health Of New England, a prominent regional network comprising five hospitals, over 1,000 affiliated physicians, and a robust set of clinical programs. Designated as both a Level II Trauma Center and a leading provider for advanced cancer therapies, the hospital is recognized for patient-centered care and high standards in surgical safety.

The hospital’s focus on innovation is especially critical as the American Hospital Association reports that about 60% of U.S. hospitals are investing in surgical suite modernization and hybrid ORs to improve outcomes and reduce recovery times. Saint Mary’s is steadily following this trend, recently launching new programs in robotic and minimally invasive surgery and collaborating with local universities to expand hands-on surgical training.

A New Chapter for Patient Care and Academic Excellence

Dr. Emhoff’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm from both the hospital’s administration and the local medical community. “Dr. Emhoff is an inspiring and highly skilled leader whose vision aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional care and train future healthcare professionals,” said Saint Mary’s Hospital President, reflecting the hospital’s renewed focus on growth and outreach.

She has outlined plans to grow the hospital’s cancer surgery portfolio, launch longitudinal outcomes research initiatives, and strengthen partnerships with schools and community health agencies. Her focus on diversity, equity, and patient engagement is expected to accelerate patient satisfaction and clinical excellence across the surgical department.

Looking Forward

In 2025 and beyond, Saint Mary’s Hospital is positioning itself as a regional leader in surgical care and academic medicine—developments made possible by Dr. Emhoff’s proven experience and vision. Patients, families, and referring physicians can expect expanded access to cutting-edge surgical procedures, compassionate multidisciplinary care, and an unwavering commitment to better outcomes.

For more information about Dr. Emhoff or Saint Mary’s Hospital surgical services, visit trinityhealthofne.org or follow the hospital’s updates on social media at @SaintMarysCT.