Dr. Michael S. Mulligan is a highly skilled thoracic surgeon with a focus on thoracic cancers. He specializes in lung transplantation and lung volume reduction surgery, performing a wide range of lung cancer resections. He is a nationally recognized expert in robotic thymectomy, thoracoscopic lobectomy, and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy, and is also a leader in education and research.

He leads regional and national courses and runs a research laboratory funded by the National Institutes of Health. His research at the University of Washington focuses on acute and chronic rejection and tissue injury associated with lung transplantation. Dr. Mulligan is also passionate about teaching and has received numerous awards for excellence in education. He is among the youngest members ever elected to the American Surgical Association and is considered a leader in cardiothoracic surgery.

Dr. Mulligan's journey to becoming a thoracic surgeon began with a passion for health and wellness, nutrition, and exercise. He studied these subjects as an undergraduate and eventually decided to become a doctor after his family doctor suggested it. He then wrote a thesis on the evolving role of holistic medicine in a world of rapidly changing technology. Once in medical school, he was guided towards thoracic surgery, and he has had a passion for it ever since.

Dr. Mulligan received his Undergraduate Degree from Tufts University, Medical Degree from University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He completed his Residency at University of Michigan, Thoracic Surgery; Presbyterian Hospital, General Surgery and Fellowship at University of Michigan, General Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic Transplantation, Pathology.

He is Board Certified by 1996, American Board of Surgery, Surgery and 1999, American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery. He also had Teaching Appointment at University of Michigan, Department of Thoracic Surgery and Internship at Wayne State University, General Surgery. He is currently located at Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake.