Ellen Diefenderfer
Papers
1
Total Citations
19
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Ellen Diefenderfer is a thoracic surgeon whose research focuses on optimizing patient quality of life after lung cancer surgery, with a particular emphasis on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Her most cited work, a 2020 review examining how different operative approaches—such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) versus thoracotomy—affect quality of life following anatomic lung cancer resection, has garnered 19 citations. This study synthesized evidence on early non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to help clinicians and patients make more informed surgical decisions. Dr. Diefenderfer’s contributions lie in bridging surgical technique with patient-centered care, highlighting that recovery extends beyond survival to include physical, emotional, and social well-being. Her work underscores the growing importance of PROs in thoracic oncology, influencing how surgeons evaluate the trade-offs between minimally invasive and open approaches. By integrating patient perspectives into surgical outcomes research, Dr. Diefenderfer is advancing a more holistic understanding of treatment success, making her a key voice in the movement toward value-based, patient-driven care in lung cancer surgery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1