Paul Glenn Gauger, MD

Dr. Paul Glenn Gauger, MD, FACS, FACE, MAMSE
Norman W. Thompson Professor of Surgery
Professor of Learning Health Sciences
Chief, Division of Endocrine Surgery

Dr. Paul Gauger is a senior endocrine surgeon who specializes in surgery for thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal diseases as well as various endocrine tumors and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndromes - caring for both adults and children.

After training in general surgery at the University of Michigan, Dr. Gauger pursued advanced fellowship training in endocrine surgery at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia. He joined Michigan’s faculty in 1999 and has spent his entire clinical and academic career at the University of Michigan.

A passionate educator, Dr. Gauger is known for his dedication to surgical training and mentorship and served for a decade as the program director for Michigan’s highly-regarded General Surgery Residency Program as well as directing the Norman W. Thompson Fellowship in Endocrine Surgery. He was the founding Executive Director of the Michigan Clinical Simulation Center. He has received national awards for his teaching and has been inducted into the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators.

Dr. Gauger’s published research has included topics such as intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring, treatment of thyroid cancer and adrenal cancer, surgical skill development, and graduate medical education administration. He has held significant editorial roles for multiple surgical journals.

Dr. Gauger has recently been elected as President of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (2026–2027) and councilor for the International Association of Endocrine Surgeons. His highest priority is earning the trust of his patients and referring physicians for complex cases from across Michigan and the Midwest with his commitment to honesty, clear communication, and individualized treatment plans for each patient’s unique circumstances.

University of Michigan Health participates with most health insurance plans.

Dr. Gauger’s research interests include:

•Intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring
•Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type I pancreaticoduodenal disease
•Thyroid Cancer
•Adrenal imaging and surgery
•Surgical skill training and curriculum development