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t is with great enthusiasm that the UAB Department of Surgery welcomes Teviah Sachs, M.D., MPH, as director for the Division of Surgical Oncology, beginning July 15, 2026.
Dr. Sachs earned his medical degree from New York Medical College and matriculated to Harvard University, where he completed his residency in general surgery at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and served as administrative chief resident. During his tenure at Harvard, he also obtained his Master of Public Health in clinical effectiveness from the Harvard School of Public Health. After residency, Dr. Sachs completed a surgical oncology fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Sachs has published over 110 journal articles and seven textbook chapters– expanding current literature on healthcare quality improvement, surgical outcomes, immunology, and access to surgical care. In addition to his written work, he has delivered over 35 guest lectures and grand rounds presentations, both domestically and internationally, on his clinical work and research findings.
When asked about his inspiration to serve in the field of surgical oncology, Sachs notes, “The relationships you build with cancer patients are unique. As a surgeon, patients entrust us with their lives. That trust is profound, and it’s the kind of relationship I value most in medicine. There’s an opportunity to cure patients and help them return to their lives.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Sachs has long prioritized the importance of mentorship and has guided over 30 students through their own research – many who have gone on to become researchers, medical providers, and surgeon scientists themselves. Recognized for his outstanding teaching abilities, Dr. Sachs was awarded the Boston University Medical Center Dept. of Surgery Erwin F. Hirsch M.D. Teaching Award in 2021.
He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), where he currently serves on the Grants Selection Committee. He also serves on the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Disease Site Work Group for the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO). Dr. Sachs is an active member of the Association for Surgical Education (ASE), the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), and the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.
Prior to relocating to UAB, Dr. Sachs has served as the chief of the Section of Surgical Oncology at Boston University and was an Associate Professor of Surgery at the Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. During his tenure at BU, Dr. Sachs served as the associate program director of the Boston University Surgical Residency Program, as well as site director of the Boston University General Surgery Clerkship, Mozden Service. Dr. Sachs was selected by Boston Magazine as one of the area’s Top Doctors in both 2025 and 2026, and has also been listed as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in Surgical Oncology.
“The UAB Department of Surgery is honored to welcome Dr. Sachs to lead our talented surgical oncology team,” says Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of the UAB Department of Surgery Herbert Chen, M.D. “Dr. Sachs’ dedication to his patients and commitment to accessible clinical care for all are remarkable hallmarks of his career that will further propel our ongoing efforts to provide expanded treatment across the Southeast.”