Anthony David Sandler, MD

Senior Vice President and Surgeon-in-Chief, Joseph E. Robert, Jr., Center for Surgical Care

Anthony Sandler, MD, is the Senior Vice President and Surgeon-in-Chief of the Joseph E. Robert, Jr., Center for Surgical Care at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is the Diane and Norman Bernstein professor and chair in pediatric surgery and a professor of surgery and pediatrics at George Washington University. He is also principal investigator in the Immunology Initiative of the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation.

Dr. Sandler's research interests include tumor immunology and tumor vaccine therapy, as well as the application of novel devices and technologies in surgical practice. Dr. Sandler is internationally known for his work on childhood solid tumors and operative repair of certain congenital anomalies. He has served on multiple committees for the American Association of Pediatric Surgery and has also served on several committees of the Children’s Oncology Group.

In 2025, Dr. Sandler received a remarkable honor: The Royal College of Surgeons of England made him an honorary fellow. He is currently on the Board of Examiners for the Pediatric Surgery Qualifying examination. Dr. Sandler’s research interests focus on solid tumors of childhood, in which his current research in tumor immunology investigates immunotherapeutic vaccine strategies. He has co-developed a surgical polymer sealant that is funded by the NIH and is currently in pre-clinical trials. Dr. Sandler has over 100 peer-reviewed publications in clinical and scientific medical journals.

• Center for Surgical Care
• Esophageal and Thoracic Surgery Program
• General and Thoracic Surgery
• Prenatal Pediatrics Institute
• Solid Tumor Program
• Trauma Care

This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has a working relationship (i.e. consulting, research, and/or educational services) with the companies listed below. These relations have been reported to the health system leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts.

Outside Interests

• MedImmune