Dr. Richard A Ehlers II, MD, FACS

Media Releases

Get to know Surgical Oncologist Dr. Richard A. Ehlers II, who serves patients in Houston, Texas.

A board-certified and fellowship-trained surgical oncologist, Dr. Ehlers II is the Executive Medical Director and Associate Vice President of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, overseeing all of MD Anderson’s Houston area locations outside of the Texas Medical Center. He has a special interest in the treatment of patients with breast cancer and melanoma.

Born and raised in Vernon, Texas, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University in 1991 and went on to receive his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1995, with a Master of Science degree following in 1999.

Following his medical education, Dr. Ehlers II completed his residency training in the Department of Surgery at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2002. He then became a Fellow and Clinical Specialist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he honed his skills in surgical oncology and critical care.

In pursuit of clinical excellence, the doctor attained board certification in surgical oncology and general surgery through the American Board of Surgery (ABS). The ABS is an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.

Achieving fellowship status, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Fellow of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (FASBS), and Fellow of the Society of Surgical Oncology (FSSO). In addition, he is an active member of the American Association for Physician Leadership, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Society for American Baseball Research, and the Harris County Medical Society.

In his professional experience, Dr. Ehlers II maintains hospital appointments at Clear Lake Regional Medical Center, St Luke’s Woodlands Hospital, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, Memorial Hermann Pearland, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital.

Passionate about teaching, he serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Breast Surgical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Surgical oncology is the branch of surgery applied to oncology. It focuses on the surgical management of tumors, especially cancerous tumors. A surgical oncologist removes the tumor and nearby tissue during surgery. He or she also performs certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer.

With his impressive background and commitment to patient care, Dr. Ehlers II is a highly respected member of the medical community and has received several honors and awards, including the Smoke Free Spokesman award from the American Cancer Society (2006), the Singleton Surgical Society Scientific Award (1999), the Jeanne B. Kempner Scholar Award (1998), the Outstanding Surgical PG-1 House Officer award (1996), and the Herman A. Barnett Memorial Award for Outstanding Performance in Anesthesiology and General Surgery (1995).

Recommended Articles

• Treatments for Liver Cancer

  During liver cancer treatment, different healthcare professionals work together to come up with an overall treatment plan. The treatment plan combines different types of cancer treatment to get a successful cure. This group of doctors is called a "multidisciplinary team", which include:...

• Pink Chair Project Celebrates Survivors of Breast Cancer

  Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among American women, with the exception of skin cancers. It is also the second leading cause of death among women, after lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there are over 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States,...

• What Is Nodular Melanoma?

  Melanoma is a serious skin cancer which arises from pigment cells called as melanocytes. An invasive form of melanoma is called nodular melanoma. Nodular melanoma is a serious skin cancer that got its name from the word "nodule", a doctor’s term for a lump as nodular melanoma lesions are shaped...

• The Most Common Misconceptions About Breast Cancer

  There is so much information you can read online about breast cancer. Some information may be acquired in the community, friends, or family that is totally misleading or incorrect. Although not backed up with solid evidence, such information can cause a lot of media attention, which can further...

• What Tests Determine Pancreatic Cancer?

  Pancreatic cancer is a cancer that begins in the pancreas, which is the organ that lies behind the lower part of the stomach. This type of cancer is really difficult to diagnose and it is often detected late. In most cases, by the time this cancer is detected, it has already spread rapidly and thus...

• During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Women Are Able to Get Discounted Mammograms

  All throughout the year, different health awareness campaigns take place. They allow individuals with certain health conditions - along with their loved ones, advocacy groups, and support groups - to join together around a common cause and offer support. During these times, educational and...