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Wen T. Shen

MD MA

Endocrine surgeon

Dr. Wen T. Shen is a surgeon who specializes in surgery of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands.

In research, Shen is interested in surgical education, medical humanities and the history of surgery.

Shen earned a bachelor's degree in history and science from Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude. At UCSF, he earned his medical degree and completed a residency in general surgery and a fellowship in endocrine surgery. He also completed a master's degree in the history of medicine at UCSF.

A UCSF faculty member since 2007, Shen is passionate about medical education, and serves as director of UCSF's residency program in general surgery and fellowship program in endocrine surgery. He also directs Endocrine Surgery University, an educational initiative sponsored by the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons.

Shen serves on the executive councils of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons and Pacific Coast Surgical Association, and holds positions in the Pacific Coast Surgical Association and American College of Surgeons' Northern California chapter.

Shen has received numerous accolades for his work. His honors include the UCSF Department of Surgery's Fred H. and Esther E. Nusz Achievement Award; Pacific Coast Surgical Association's resident prize; American Association for the History of Medicine's William Osler Medal; and Harvard University's Robert and Maurine Rothschild Prize, conferred by the Department of the History of Science. He has also received many teaching awards from the UCSF Department of Surgery and UCSF School of Medicine. He has been invited to speak at numerous institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the University of Toronto.

  • Education

    UCSF, 1999

    UCSF, MA, History of Medicine, 2009

  • Residencies

    UCSF Medical Center, Surgery, 2007

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Endocrine Surgery, 2005

  • Board Certifications

    Surgery, American Board of Surgery

  • Academic Title

    Professor

I strive to provide my patients with outstanding care both inside and outside of the operating room.

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    208 Ratings
    About our process
    Jul 03, 2023
    Dr. Shen listened carefully asked thoughtful questions and checked for my understanding in a respectful way. He explained in very clear ways without a hint of patronizing yet clearly he has deep expertise in his field. I feel safe in his hands and care.
    Jul 03, 2023
    Thanks Dr.Shen. I think you are going to give me my life back.
    Jun 26, 2023
    Everybody I met was top notch!
    May 22, 2023
    I received excellent services .
    May 20, 2023
    Of course I would recommend it
    May 11, 2023
    Best RN care prompt response for everything Best FOOD ever from UCSF even choice of non meat burger!!!
    May 08, 2023
    Excellent care. I had written down a few questions to ask but they were answered by the doctor on the call without my needing to ask.
    Mar 27, 2023
    Dr. Shen was friendly and provided excellent information and answers regarding my concerns and very thorough and knowledgeable responses of care and services.
    Mar 27, 2023
    Excellent he made me feel it is extremely intelligent very professional and made me feel heard
    Mar 18, 2023
    Dr. Shen is wonderful asked about follow up with primary Endo I had three days earlier. Discussed the results of surgery and pathology sent me a message prior to appointment on pathology. Gave time to ask questions and listened.
    Feb 19, 2023
    Thank you Dr Shen!
    Feb 18, 2023
    Listened and answered all questions and concerns I had. Informative-provided an understanding of my condition. Friendly.
    Feb 18, 2023
    This was my first experience at UCSF and it exceeded my expectations
    Jan 09, 2023
    I am thrilled with the doctor!! I'm so impressed with his demeanor and the way he spoke to me. It was as if we knew each other for years and he covered all the bases. When we were finished he asked me if I had any questions. I really like doctor Shen.
    Dec 10, 2022
    I appreciated that he shared my scan pictures and explained it to my wife and me. He max the scan process very interactive which was good because I could feel what the wand was moving around and appreciated knowing where he was going and talking through it.
    Dec 10, 2022
    Dr. Shen displayed an uncommon level of empathy and active listening. He explained the procedure clearly including potential risks and side effects.
    Oct 16, 2022
    Very thorough explained things well congenial
    Sep 26, 2022
    Very good experience
    Sep 10, 2022
    Dr. Shen is great he's knowledgeable professional and has a good personality.
    Sep 03, 2022
    Kind. Efficient. Listened. Arranged future testing and didn't tell e to "wait and see".
    Aug 27, 2022
    I couldn't have wanted better physicians anesthesiologist nurses etc. everyone was kind caring and extremely knowledgeable.
    Jul 11, 2022
    I'm confused with next steps in my healing process.
    Jul 09, 2022
    Dr. Shen is always very professional and f good bed side manner.
    Jul 09, 2022
    Dr. Shen is a wonderful person!!!
    May 19, 2022
    This was my first visit and I was very impressed with the results.
    May 18, 2022
    Dr. Shen was fantastic in skill knowledge & bedside manner!
    May 01, 2022
    Was unclear what relationship he had with the other provider in the room; was unable to load critical CT Scan DVD in the examination room was unable to have front office load it before ending consultation; gave conflicting/confusing info about benefit/risk/necessity of operation; relied on insufficient and/or outdated patient information from his records; did not ask for nor seemed to have newer records from my other physicians (family doctor endocrinologist/cardiologist/other) seemed more concerned about my apparent fitness (age weight exercise routine) than balanced risk assessment for procedure; impression was he was not interested in me as a patient as much as discouraging me from coming back any time soon. He succeeded.
    Mar 26, 2022
    Instructions were very clear (print out) which they went over with me.
    Feb 26, 2022
    Again Dr. Shen is the best! He's an 11 out of 10!
    Jan 29, 2022
    Dr. Shen is not only brilliant in his field but he is also totally caring and compassionate. All physicians should be like him!
    Dec 12, 2021
    Dr. Shen covered all my concerns was very reassuring and informative and helped me feel even more confident about my recovery.
    Dec 11, 2021
    Everyone was absolutely amazing!
    Nov 03, 2021
    We so appreciated meeting Dr. Shen. We feel that I am in the best hands for my upcoming surgery.
    Oct 23, 2021
    Very good doctor
    Oct 07, 2021
    Wen Shen is an exemplary physician. He is intelligent compassionate and kind. He asks questions and then he......waits....for....the....answer. He is a rare breed of cat--a surgeon who listens (please ignore the snarky tone). He is a uniquely lovely person and physician. He talked me through the decision to have surgery--and I needed convincing. I feel very confident about my upcoming procedure being in his team's hands.
    Sep 18, 2021
    A very caring professional and an astute doctor. I feel very comfortable under his care.
    Sep 18, 2021
    Dr Shen and Dr Gray are awesome ! Dr Shen is great I am so grateful to have him as my doctor
    Sep 16, 2021
    Dr Shen's administration team is the problem
    Sep 13, 2021
    Dr. Shen gave me hope again.
    Sep 12, 2021
    Dr. Shen was so confidence inspiring. He really put me at ease about an upcoming procedure. Incredibly knowledgeable and his expertise was obvious. He listened very well without an ounce of condescension.

    Selected research

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