About Me
I am an endocrine surgeon, Chief of the Section of Endocrine Surgery at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey as well as an Associate Professor of Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I treat endocrine tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid glands, and adrenal glands. These tumors are uniquely different as they may secrete hormones in excess and may occur as a part of a familial genetic syndrome. I also treat neuroendocrine tumors which have similar characteristics and may occur anywhere throughout the body.
What I love most about the field of endocrine surgery is that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to the care of my patients – an individualized treatment plan is developed for each patient and their tumor type. My expertise is in both traditional open surgical techniques as well as minimally invasive surgery techniques.
Working closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes surgical oncologists, endocrinologists, medical oncologists, nuclear medicine radiologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, and genetic counselors, I provide coordinated care for my patients that results in improved outcomes. I track my patients’ outcomes as part of my clinical research that helps guide advancements in treatment options.
Prior to joining Rutgers Cancer Institute, I was an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine where I was Director of Endocrine Surgery. I serve on several committees for both the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons and the Association of Academic Surgery. My clinical research has yielded peer-reviewed publications, reviews, book chapters, and both national and international presentations.
After graduation from Louisiana State University and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, I completed my residency in general surgery at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I then completed the Norman Thompson Fellowship in Endocrine Surgery at the University of Michigan.
Clinical Expertise
- endocrine tumors
- neuroendocrine tumors
- carcinoid tumors
- thyroid surgery
- thyroid radiofrequency ablation
- parathyroid surgery
- adrenal gland surgery
- adrenocortical cancer
- pheochromocytoma
- paraganglioma
- multiple endocrine neoplasia
- minimally invasive surgery
- clinical trials
Ratings and Reviews
4.8 Overall
Based on 86 reviews
4.8
Provider discussed treatment options
4.8
Likelihood of recommending this provider
4.8
Provider explained things clearly
4.7
Provider included you in decisions
4.8
Provider showed concern
I will highly recommend Dr Laird.
First visit with Dr. Laird and she made me feel like she knew me. Put me at ease and informed me of all possibilities which I greatly appreciated.
Stupendous experience from the start to the finish!
Will refer this excellent surgeon to my Endocrinologist so she can refer patients with rare, complicated and difficult thyroid and parathyroid ailments in need of surgery.
Very nice and personally I would totally recommend her
Dr Laird is fantastic,I feel lucky to have had her take care of my surgery,
Excellent, expedient care in the time I needed!
*Dr. Laird is very knowledgeable & explained the plan thoroughly & easy to understand.
Insurance
Accepted Health Plan information is only as accurate as the most current information submitted. Prior to your appointment, it is advisable to verify with your insurance company they are still a participating plan prior to receiving services or care. Each plan is different and some provide different levels of coverage that could make a difference in your out-of-pocket costs. It is always best for the patient receiving care to contact their insurance company to obtain more information.
- Aetna
- Amerigroup
- Cigna
- Consumer Health Plan
- Horizon BCBS
- Horizon NJ Health
- Magnacare
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Oxford Health
- Qualcare HMO
- Qualcare PPO
- United Community
- United Healthcare
- United Medicare
- WellCare
Articles and Press
Maintaining Thyroid Health
Research shows that thyroid cancer diagnoses have spiked for U.S. women over the last decade. Staying educated about thyroid issues, doctor visits and the right lifestyle can help you maintain your thyroid health. Learn more
Is Thyroid Cancer Common? And More Questions You Want Answered
The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates predict that about 43,800 cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed this year. While thyroid cancers and other conditions are common and treatable, there are many misconceptions about thyroid health. Read more