Physician Profile

Maria J. Kowzun, MD, FACS

4.9

(214 reviews)

Maria Kowzun, MD, FACS

Maria J. Kowzun, MD, FACS

4.9

(214 reviews)

  • Breast Surgical Oncologist
  • Medical Director, Center for Breast Health and Disease Management, Clara Maass Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health
  • Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology and Section of Breast Surgery
Contact Information

To schedule a new patient appointment call 844-CANCERNJ (844-226-2376)
To schedule a follow-up appointment call 732-235-7615
For all other inquiries call 732-235-2465.

About Me

Dr. Maria Kowzun is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. She is a breast surgical oncologist at Rutgers Cancer Institute and the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center and the Medical Director of the Breast Program at Clara Maass Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

Dr. Kowzun ’s clinical expertise is focused in the field of breast diseases and breast cancer, providing the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options to improve treatment outcomes. She is particularly interested in breast conservation, oncoplastic techniques, nipple-sparing mastectomies, and clinical trials. She also has extensive experience managing complex or rare types of breast cancer.

Her ultimate goal is to offer her patients the best quality of care according to the most recent practice recommendations and surgical techniques with a caring and compassionate smile.

In addition to patient care, Dr. Kowzun maintains an active role in cancer research. She is engaged in cutting-edge, high impact clinical trials studying neoadjuvant treatment options for early stage and locally advanced breast cancer, and use of vaccines to prevent recurrence in HER2 positive breast cancer. Dr. Kowzun has authored and coauthored numerous peer-reviewed publications and frequently engages in national and international oncology conferences. Through this work, she aims to translate scientific discoveries into more effective treatments for patients.

She completed her medical degree from the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii in 2008, continued as a resident at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard University for her general surgery internship and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for her general surgery residency, and completed fellowships at the Institute for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at New York University and the Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Rutgers Cancer Institute.


Clinical Expertise

  • Breast cancer
  • Breast conservation
  • Oncoplastic techniques
  • Nipple-sparing mastectomy
  • Ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS)
  • Clinical trials
  • Image-guided percutaneous biopsies  

Ratings and Reviews

4.9 Overall

Based on 214 reviews

4.9

Provider explained things clearly

4.9

Provider showed concern

4.9

Provider included you in decisions

4.9

Likelihood of recommending this provider

4.9

Provider discussed treatment options

July 22, 2025

I have no regrets

July 17, 2025

Maria Kowzun is an exceptional doctor who is passionate about her work. I love this office simply because of the exceptional care and attention Dr. Kowzun provides. The ambiance is also very pleasant, making it a great combination of medical services and a pleasant environment.

June 27, 2025

Good

June 27, 2025

Very professional

June 27, 2025

Good

June 20, 2025

Everyone at the office was amazing, supportive and listened to my concerns. It was one of the best experiences I have had wt a doctors office.

May 31, 2025

Good

May 22, 2025

Excellent dr. My mom went to Dr Kowzun so when I needed to go I thought of her right away.

May 20, 2025

Dr. Kowzun and her team are the best.

April 30, 2025

Dr Kowzun is very concerned and easy to talk to

March 3, 2025

Highly recommended!

February 28, 2025

A great experience. I would reccomend this practice.

February 28, 2025

From the1st appointment, dr Kowzun has been open and approachable for any concerns or questions. We also sensed easily her standing on my side (meaning patient's side), and we could trust her ever since.

February 23, 2025

Highly recommended

February 21, 2025

Dr. Maria Kowzun is amazing always listen your concerns and guide you through any issues or situation always going to the extra mile to help you

February 20, 2025

She listens and gives helpful answers

February 13, 2025

I already have recommended her and am so very indebted to her for her care.

February 4, 2025

I'm satisfied

February 1, 2025

My Doctor and nurse are very good and consern about your health.

January 23, 2025

Everything is fine

January 11, 2025

Good

January 9, 2025

Excellent and extraordinary

November 23, 2024

A lot of empathy from all the staff

November 22, 2024

Dr. Kowzun is the best.

November 21, 2024

Dr. Kowzun was very clear in her explanation and very attentive. She had wonderful bedside manner and we definitely recommend her.


Education & Honors

Medical School

  • John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii, 2004

Residencies

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard University, 2008 
  • Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 2016

Fellowships

  • Institute for Plastic Reconstructive Surgery at New York University, 2013 
  • Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Rutgers Cancer Institute, 2017

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Surgery, 2018

Honors/Awards

  • Castle Connolly Top Doctors, Exceptional Women in Medicine (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Top Doctors New York Metro Area (2022, 2023)
  • Jersey's Best - Top Doctors for Women's Health (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Jersey's Best - Top Doctors for Cancer (2023, 2024, 2025)

Insurance

Accepted Health Plan information is only as accurate as the most current information submitted. Prior to your appointment, it is advisable to verify with your insurance company they are still a participating plan prior to receiving services or care. Each plan is different and some provide different levels of coverage that could make a difference in your out-of-pocket costs. It is always best for the patient receiving care to contact their insurance company to obtain more information.

  • Aetna
  • Amerigroup
  • Cigna
  • Consumer Health Plan
  • Horizon BCBS
  • Horizon NJ Health
  • Magnacare
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Multiplan
  • Oxford Health
  • Qualcare HMO
  • Qualcare PPO
  • United Community
  • United Healthcare
  • United Medicare
  • WellCare

Articles and Press