Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Birmingham
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Birmingham
Definition and scope of cardiothoracic medicine
Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and chest. This medical specialty encompasses a wide range of procedures and treatments, from complex heart surgeries to minimally invasive thoracic interventions.
Patients seeking cardiothoracic care often present with conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, lung cancer, and congenital heart defects. The complexity of these conditions underscores the need for highly trained specialists in this field.
Specialized care in cardiothoracic medicine is essential due to the intricate nature of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Practitioners in this field must possess a deep understanding of these systems and stay current with the latest advancements in surgical techniques and medical technologies.
Birmingham's reputation in cardiothoracic medicine
Birmingham, Alabama, has established itself as a hub for excellent cardiothoracic care. The city is home to several renowned medical institutions, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, which is recognized for its comprehensive cardiovascular services.
The presence of these institutions has attracted top-tier cardiothoracic surgeons and specialists to Birmingham. For instance, our data shows that highly rated physicians such as Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. James Donahue practice in the city, bringing their expertise to local patients.
Birmingham offers a wide array of cardiothoracic services, ranging from advanced heart failure treatments to minimally invasive thoracic surgeries. The city's medical facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enabling physicians to perform complex procedures such as heart transplants, valve repairs, and robotic-assisted surgeries.
Patients in Birmingham have access to comprehensive care teams that include not only cardiothoracic surgeons but also specialized nurses, anesthesiologists, and support staff dedicated to cardiac and thoracic health.
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List of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Birmingham
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Indiana University / School of Medicine|University Of Washington (Residency Hospital, 2018)
Sapienza University Of Rome (Medical School, 2006)
English
Greek
Italian
Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham
Saint Vincent's East
Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
University Alabama (Fellowship Hospital, 2004)
University Cincinnati Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2002)
University of Cincinatti Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1998)
University of California, Irvine School of Medicine (Medical School, 1997)
University of California at Berkeley (Undergraduate School, 1992)
English
Spanish
UAB Hospital
Cardiothoracic Surgery
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2009)
Mayo Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 2007)
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2007)
Washington Hospital Center (Residency Hospital, 2003)
Universidad Del Rosario (Medical School, 1992)
English
Spanish
Memorial Regional Hospital
Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology
Transplant Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Mayo Clinic-Rochester (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)
Massachusetts General Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2005)
HARVARD Medical School (Medical School, 1998)
English
East Alabama Medical Center
Baptist Medical Center South
Saint Vincent's East
Thoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
University of Alabama Hospital (Fellowship Hospital)
University of Kansas Hospital (Residency Hospital)
University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1988)
English
Grandview Medical Center
Saint Vincent's East
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Mayo Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)
UAB Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2005)
UAB Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1999)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Medical School, 1998)
English
UAB Hospital
General Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
RC
Dr. Robert Cerfolio
4.8
Birmingham, AL
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Mayo Clinic Rochester (Fellowship Hospital)
Cornell New York Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1991)
University Conn (Internship Hospital, 1990)
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry (Medical School, 1988)
English
NYU Langone Hospitals
Thoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (Medical School, 2005)
English
North Mississippi Medical Center-Iuka
Baptist Medical Center East
Southeast Health Medical Center
General Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
St Lukes Episcopal-Texas Hart Institute (Residency Hospital, 1990)
Texas Medical Center Houston-Texas Heart Institute|University of Alabama at Birmingham (Residency Hospital, 1990)
University of Alabama Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1988)
University of Alabama Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1984)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Medical School, 1983)
English
Spanish
Princeton Baptist Medical Center
Cardiothoracic Surgery
General Surgery
Dr. Lev Khitin
4.5
Birmingham, AL
Sex
Male
Languages
English, Russian
Med University of South Carolina (Fellowship Hospital)
Lahey Clinic Massachusetts (Residency Hospital)
University Of California Stanford (Internship Hospital)
Russian State Medical University (Rsmu), Faculty Of Medicine (Medical School)
English
Russian
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
General Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Phlebology
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (Medical School)
Brown University (Undergraduate School)
English
UAB Hospital
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Emory University (Fellowship Hospital)
Mayo Clinic (Internship Hospital)
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (Internship Hospital)
Samford University (Undergraduate School)
University of Alabama at Birmingham (Medical School, 1983)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Medical School, 1983)
English
East Alabama Medical Center
Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center
Vascular Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Phlebology
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Duke University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)
University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine (Medical School)
English
Mayo Clinic In Florida
Transplant Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Stanford University (Residency Hospital, 1982)
Stanford University (Internship Hospital, 1976)
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (Medical School, 1975)
University of Chicago (Undergraduate School, 1971)
English
Greek
North Alabama Medical Center
General Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
University Of Virginia Health System (Fellowship Hospital, 2003)
Emory University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2001)
Emory University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1995)
Dartmouth College (Medical School, 1994)
University of Texas at Austin (Undergraduate School, 1990)
English
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist in Birmingham
Factors to consider when selecting a doctor
Board certifications and specializations
- Review American Board of Thoracic Surgery certifications
- Consider additional certifications like American Board of Surgery
Experience and education
- Examine fellowship and residency experiences
- Note prestigious institutions like Mayo Clinic, Harvard, and UAB
Hospital affiliations
- Consider doctors affiliated with top hospitals like UAB Hospital
- Look for multiple hospital affiliations for broader expertise
Patient ratings and reviews
- Analyze star ratings and number of reviews
- Pay attention to consistent feedback patterns
Importance of personalized care
Communication and language considerations
- Check for doctors who speak multiple languages if needed
- Assess communication style through patient reviews
Availability and accessibility of the doctor
- Consider location of practice and hospital affiliations
- Look for information on appointment wait times and emergency availability
Top-Rated Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Birmingham
Dr. Sara Pereira
Background and Qualifications
- Education: University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
- Fellowship: University of Alabama
- Board Certifications: American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Expertise and Practice
- Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Hospital Affiliation: UAB Hospital
Patient Satisfaction
- 5.0 star rating based on 21 reviews
- Highly regarded for surgical skills and patient care
Dr. James Donahue
Professional Background
- Education: Harvard Medical School
- Fellowship: Mayo Clinic-Rochester
- Board Certifications: American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Areas of Expertise
- Specializes in Thoracic Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Hospital Affiliations: East Alabama Medical Center, Baptist Medical Center South, Saint Vincent's East
Patient Feedback
- 4.9 star rating based on 46 reviews
- Recognized for surgical expertise and patient outcomes
Dr. Robert Cerfolio
Credentials and Experience
- Education: University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
- Fellowship: Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Board Certifications: American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Specializations
- Expertise in Thoracic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and General Surgery
- Hospital Affiliation: NYU Langone Hospitals
Patient Satisfaction
- 4.8 star rating based on 164 reviews
- Highly recommended for complex cardiothoracic procedures
Dr. Benjamin Wei
Educational Background
- Education: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Board Certifications: American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Clinical Focus
- Specializes in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Hospital Affiliations: North Mississippi Medical Center-Iuka, Baptist Medical Center East, Southeast Health Medical Center
Patient Reviews
- 4.8 star rating based on 135 reviews
- Praised for surgical skills and patient care approach
Dr. David McGiffin
Professional Experience
- Education: University of Queensland Medical School
- Specializes in Vascular Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
Practice Information
- Languages: English
- Affiliated with UAB Hospital
Patient Feedback
- 5.0 star rating based on 10 reviews
- Recognized for expertise in complex cardiothoracic cases
Additional Resources for Finding Cardiothoracic Specialists
Online directories and review platforms
Healthgrades
- Comprehensive doctor profiles
- Patient ratings and reviews
- Specialization and certification information
Hospital websites
- Lists of affiliated cardiothoracic surgeons
- Information on specialties and procedures offered
- Contact details for appointments
Professional medical associations
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
- Verification of board certification
- Resources on cardiothoracic specialties
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- Educational materials on cardiothoracic procedures
- Patient resources for finding qualified surgeons
Local medical resources in Birmingham
UAB Medicine
- Cardiothoracic Surgery Department information
- List of surgeons and their specialties
Birmingham Healthcare Directory
- Comprehensive list of cardiothoracic specialists
- Information on local hospitals and clinics