Skip to Main Content

Dr. Mary Jue Xu is a surgeon who specializes in head and neck cancers. Her technical expertise spans head and neck ablative surgery (using extreme heat or cold to destroy abnormal tissue), microvascular reconstruction (rebuilding the face and neck using blood vessels, bone and tissue from other parts of the patient's body), transoral robotic surgery (using computerized tools to access tumors through the mouth) and endocrine surgery (treating cancers of hormone-producing glands).

Xu's research focuses on improving care for head and neck cancers in resource-constrained health systems, both internationally and locally. Through the UCSF Global Cancer Program, she collaborates with health systems in Tanzania and Rwanda. She co-founded the Global Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Initiative, an international research collaborative.

Xu earned her medical degree through the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology. While in medical school, she spent a year at the Butaro Cancer Center in Rwanda studying health outcomes for patients with childhood cancer. She completed a residency in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at UCSF, followed by a fellowship in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstruction at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in the National Clinician Scholars Program at UCSF.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Plastic Surgery Within the Head and Neck, 2022

  • Fellowships

    Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2022

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2021

  • Internship

    UCSF, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2017

  • Education

    Harvard Medical School, 2016

  • Languages

    English

Caring for cancer patients is a privilege, responsibility and team effort, and I am grateful to work with talented and dedicated colleagues across specialties.

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    48 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 03, 2025
    Dr Xu was (is) both exceptional and exemplary. She listened well and noted from our conversation apparently incidental but important care factors. She explains her actions clearly and responds to questions in the same manner. She was personal yet professional.
    Feb 16, 2025
    Everyone at UCSF was friendly and helping understand the procedures. Dr. Xu was extremely thorough in her explanation of the issue and the next steps, she is great!
    Dec 12, 2024
    There is no bad experience every thing was good
    Nov 25, 2024
    I had the best experience in ucsf
    Nov 12, 2024
    No bad experience every thing was grate the Dr is very nice
    Oct 18, 2024
    A great Dr !
    Sep 14, 2024
    I immediately felt that I am in good hands. MD explained procedure to be done to me and the risks afterwards but I have faith in her that every thing will turn out right according to my expectations.
    Aug 16, 2023
    Dr Zu is excellent!

    Share