Dr. Raymond J. Lanzafame is a distinguished general surgeon based in Rochester, New York, with a career spanning over four decades. He earned his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and holds an MBA from the William E. Simon School of the University of Rochester. Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Laser Surgery, Dr. Lanzafame serves as the Executive Director and Chairman of the Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons (SLS), where he continues to shape the future of minimally invasive surgery through his leadership and research.
A Legacy of Leadership
Reflecting on his tenure with SLS, Dr. Lanzafame shared, “I’ve been a member of SLS since 1995 and have occupied many positions and roles ranging from presenter, author, master class faculty, scientific program chair (CME Director), member of the Board of Directors and officer, becoming the president of SLS in 2006 and its Executive Director in 2018 and Executive Director and Chairman in 2020.”
Contributions and Achievements
A prolific researcher, Dr. Lanzafame has authored over 250 peer-reviewed papers and four textbooks, focusing on light-tissue interactions, wound healing, photobiomodulation, and medical device development. He has also played a critical role in shaping laser safety standards, serving as Chair for the 2024 revision of the ANSI Z136.3 guidelines on the safe use of lasers in healthcare. Among his achievements, he expressed pride in receiving the Society’s Excel Award in 2013, describing it as an honor that reflects his dedication to advancing surgical education and collaboration. “We have continued to expand our outreach to the next generation (students, residents, and fellows) and expand our network of affiliated societies and entities,” he added.
Embracing Innovation and Technology
At SLS, Dr. Lanzafame is driving the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics into surgical education. “We seek out experts within our community as well as global networks and produce educational programs and content on these topics,” he explained. Through its journals (JSLS and CRSLS) and partnerships with platforms like CSurgeries, SLS disseminates peer-reviewed content and video material to a wider audience. “We have successfully moved to an entirely virtual presence, reducing expenses significantly while preserving full functionality,” he noted, emphasizing the Society’s adaptability and commitment to accessible education.
Commitment to Education and Mentorship
Beyond his research, Dr. Lanzafame is committed to surgical education and mentorship. With over 40 years of experience designing and delivering didactic and hands-on programs, he has trained countless surgeons and allied health professionals. His editorial influence extends across several prestigious journals, including Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, General Surgery News, and the Journal of the Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons (JSLS). He also serves as a consultant to the FDA on the General and Plastic Surgery Devices and Medical Devices Advisory Committee panels.
Awards and Accolades
Dr. Lanzafame’s contributions to surgery have earned him numerous accolades, including the SLS Excel Award and the ASLMS Horace Furumoto Distinguished Contributor Award. He is a past president of the Upstate Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. With eight “Who’s Who” listings to his name, his impact on surgical innovation and patient care is widely celebrated.
Through his research, dedication to education, and leadership, Dr. Raymond J. Lanzafame continues to elevate the field of surgery. His work improves patient outcomes and shapes the next generation of surgical professionals, ensuring a lasting legacy of excellence and innovation.
Partnership with CSurgeries
Under Dr. Lanzafame’s leadership, SLS has remained at the forefront of advancing minimally invasive surgery. As part of our shared commitment to surgical education, CSurgeries is proud to announce a new partnership with SLS, providing our members with expanded access to expert-led content, including:
- Expert-led surgical videos focused on MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery)
- Specialty-specific educational resources curated by SLS
- Exclusive insights from SLS’s MISWeek conference
Through this collaboration, we are excited to further our mission of making high-quality surgical education more accessible, empowering surgeons at every stage of their careers.
