Delaware’s first surgeon general to headline Jefferson Life Sciences Lecture

Delaware's first Surgeon General will bring his expertise in medicine, public health and health care leadership to the University of Delaware for the Edward G. Jefferson Life Sciences Lecture on Oct. 7.

Dr. Neil Hockstein will speak from 1-2 p.m. at the Roselle Center for the Arts. The lecture is free and open to the public. Please register for the event at this link.

A Delaware native and otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, Hockstein was appointed the state's first Surgeon General in July 2026. He brings more than two decades of experience in clinical practice and health care leadership, including leadership and faculty roles at ChristianaCare, Thomas Jefferson University and The Wistar Institute.

Hockstein has also played a key role in advancing the establishment of Delaware's first medical school, which will be operated by Thomas Jefferson University on the UD campus. As chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission, he has led initiatives focused on strengthening primary care, expanding access to care, reducing health care costs and developing Delaware's health care workforce.

Hockstein's career also includes pioneering work in transoral robotic surgery and contributions to surgical innovation and cancer care. He is the founder and chief medical officer of Parallel ENT & Allergy and a partner at ENT & Allergy of Delaware.

"The University of Delaware is honored to welcome Dr. Neil Hockstein as this year's Edward G. Jefferson Life Sciences Lecturer," said Fabrice Veron, interim vice president for research, scholarship and innovation. "His leadership in advancing health care access, strengthening Delaware's health care workforce and helping establish the state's first medical school exemplifies the impact that can be achieved when expertise, innovation and service come together. We look forward to the insights he will share with our students, faculty, staff and broader community."

The Edward G. Jefferson Lecture

Endowed by a gift from the Unidel Foundation, the Edward G. Jefferson Lecture is named in honor of the late chairman and chief executive officer of the DuPont Co., UD trustee emeritus and UD benefactor. The lecture highlights distinguished work in the life sciences.