Elizabeth C. Kraft

Dr. Kraft is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon at the Hoag Breast Center. Originally from the Midwest and the first physician in her family, she earned her MD from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she was named “Most Valuable Resident” for her leadership and clinical excellence. During training, she helped establish Weill Cornell’s first multi-borough tissue bank, advancing breast cancer research. Her experience also included clinical training at Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Dr. Kraft is board certified in general surgery and trained in laparoscopic and robotic techniques. She completed a breast surgical oncoplastic fellowship at the University of Southern California and Hoag under Dr. Melvin Silverstein, where she was awarded the prestigious Muzzy Family Fellowship in Oncoplastic Surgery. Before returning to Hoag, Dr. Kraft practiced at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, a Stanford affiliate, where she served as Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery and became the institution’s first oncoplastic surgeon. She was also recognized as “Best Resident Educator” by Stanford residents. Her clinical expertise includes breast cancer surgery, oncoplastic reconstruction, lumpectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, nipple- and skin-sparing mastectomy, aesthetic flat closure, and management of high-risk and benign breast conditions. Dr. Kraft is an active member of leading surgical societies and serves on the board of the Komen Foundation. She also contributes as Program Advisor for Business Development and Digital Patient Experience at Hoag, focusing on improving access and personalization of care. With a background in private equity, she brings a strategic lens to healthcare innovation. She is passionate about patient education and shares insights through social media, a dedicated website, podcast, and as a co-host of “The Next Breast Thing,” a national breast surgery podcast.