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Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Washington

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 23, 2024

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Washington

Overview of Cardiothoracic Medicine

Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and other organs within the chest cavity.

This specialty encompasses a wide range of procedures, from minimally invasive surgeries to complex open-heart operations.

Cardiothoracic surgeons often perform coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, and lung cancer resections, among other advanced procedures.

Importance of Cardiothoracic Medicine in Washington

Washington, D.C. faces significant health challenges related to heart and lung diseases, making cardiothoracic medicine an essential component of the city's healthcare system.

The city boasts world-class medical institutions and research centers, providing residents with access to cutting-edge treatments and highly skilled cardiothoracic specialists.

With a diverse population and varying health needs, Washington's cardiothoracic surgeons play a key role in improving the quality of life for patients with complex cardiac and thoracic conditions.


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List of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Washington

FJ

Dr. Frederick Lough Jr

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 775-8600

George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences (Medical School, 1975)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

RJ

Dr. Richard Jonas

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 476-2811

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA / SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (Medical School, 1974)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

WG

Dr. William Gunnar

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(745) 202-8000

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Medical School)

English

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Daniel Raymond

Dr. Daniel Raymond

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(216) 353-0073

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

University of Virginia / Main Campus (Residency Hospital, 2004)

University of Virginia (Internship Hospital, 1998)

State University of New York Upstate Medical University Norton College of Medicine (Medical School, 1997)

English

Cleveland Clinic

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JA

Dr. Jared Antevil

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(204) 745-8626

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Virginia / Main Campus (Medical School, 1998)

English

The George Washington University Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

RJ

Dr. Robert Lowery Jr

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, French

Phone

(202) 291-1430

University of California at Berkeley (Medical School, 1977)

English

French

Cardiothoracic Surgery

NN

Dr. Ngozika Nwaneri

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(301) 459-6040

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Howard University (Medical School, 1974)

English

The George Washington University Hospital

United Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

CE

Dr. Christopher Eger

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, French, Tagalog

Phone

(202) 829-5603

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Georgetown University School of Dentistry (Medical School, 1976)

English

French

Tagalog

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

SA

Dr. Salim Aziz

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 775-5111

American Board of Medical Specialties

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Minnesota / Twin Cities Campus (Fellowship Hospital, 1989)

Stanford University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 1980)

English

Suburban Hospital

Reston Hospital Center

The George Washington University Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JE

Dr. Jennifer Ellis

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 877-5039

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Ny Med College (Residency Hospital)

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2006)

New York University Medical Center-Tisch Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1999)

Lincoln Medical & Mental Health Center|Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center (Internship Hospital, 1991)

Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center (Internship Hospital, 1991)

Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College (Medical School, 1990)

yale University (Undergraduate School, 1985)

English

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

RK

Dr. Riny Karras

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Arabic

Phone

(301) 949-4242

American Board of Surgery

University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 2011)

Saint Agnes Healthcare (Internship Hospital, 2004)

Ohio State University College of Medicine (Medical School, 2003)

Case Western Reserve (Undergraduate School, 1998)

English

Arabic

Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center

Holy Cross Hospital

Holy Cross Germantown Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Thoracic Surgery

WN

Dr. Wilton Nedd

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 563-2844

Howard University (Medical School, 1981)

English

United Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

PS

Dr. Pranava Sinha

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 476-2020

English

Children's National Hospital

M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center-West Bank

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Trevor Upham

Dr. Trevor Upham

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 231-6333

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Princeton University (Undergraduate School)

University of California, San Diego (Fellowship Hospital, 2017)

Medstar-Georgetown University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2015)

National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute (2013)

Georgetown University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2008)

English

WakeMed Cary Hospital

WakeMed Raleigh Campus

Cardiothoracic Surgery

LK

Dr. Louis Kanda

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, French

Phone

(202) 291-1430

George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences (Medical School, 1970)

English

French

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Keith Mortman

Dr. Keith Mortman

5.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Dr. Keith Mortman, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon based in Washington, DC, offers expert care with a 5.0-star rating. His extensive education includes a Doctor of Medicine from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, residencies in General Surgery at Washington Hospital Center and Cardiothoracic Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, and a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and is fluent in English. Dr. Mortman specializes in thoracic surgery and is affiliated with Thoracic Surgery.

Thoracic Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Medical School - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Doctor of Medicine

Washington Hospital Center, Residency in General Surgery

Montefiore Medical Center, Residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

English

2150 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 6 South Washington, DC

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Dr. Ezequiel Molina

Dr. Ezequiel Molina

4.9

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 877-7464

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

New York-Presbyterian Hospital (Fellowship Hospital)

Temple University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2009)

New York-Presbyterian Hospital|Temple University Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

Temple University Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

University Buenos Aires (Medical School, 1998)

English

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Joseph Lahorra

Dr. Joseph Lahorra

4.8

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(330) 433-4024

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Massachusetts General Hospital|University of Michigan / Ann Arbor (Fellowship Hospital)

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Residency Hospital)

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 1988)

English

Cleveland Clinic

University Hospitals Parma Medical Center

Akron General Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JG

Dr. Jorge Garcia

4.7

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(202) 291-1430

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

OAKLAND COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY (Medical School, 1964)

English

Spanish

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Marc Margolis

Dr. Marc Margolis

4.7

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Kentucky (Residency Hospital)

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Virginia (Medical School)

Manatee Memorial Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2019)

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2016)

English

Reston Hospital Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Christian Shults

Dr. Christian Shults

4.6

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 877-7227

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Emory University (Medical School, 2012)

English

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JL

Dr. John Lazar

4.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 877-8115

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

St. Georges University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2005)

English

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Kunda Biswas

Dr. Kunda Biswas

4.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(301) 618-2242

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Brigham and Womens Hospital|Virginia Commonwealth University Health System|Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2003)

University of North Carolina Hospitals (Internship Hospital, 1998)

University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Medical School, 1996)

English

University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center

Thoracic Surgery

Vascular Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Robert Stewart

Dr. Robert Stewart

4.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(216) 340-8929

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Northwestern University (Medical School, 1993)

University Ala (Fellowship Hospital, 1982)

University Ala (Residency Hospital, 1979)

University Ala (Internship Hospital, 1975)

English

Cleveland Clinic

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Zhen-Yu Tong

Dr. Zhen-Yu Tong

4.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(216) 329-0949

McGill University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)

English

Cleveland Clinic

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Siva Raja

Dr. Siva Raja

3.7

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(216) 353-0489

American Board of Surgery

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Medical School, 2004)

English

Cleveland Clinic

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Puja Gaur

Dr. Puja Gaur

3.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 877-8115

Brigham & Women's Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 2013)

Emory University (Residency Hospital, 2011)

Emory University School of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 2011)

University Of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center (2009)

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Medical School, 2004)

English

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Thoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

General Surgery

EP

Dr. Elizabeth Pocock

3.0

Washington, DC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 715-4225

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine (Medical School, 2005)

English

The George Washington University Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Yves D'Udekem D'Acoz

Dr. Yves D'Udekem D'Acoz

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Dutch, French

Phone

(888) 884-2327

PhD, Universite Catholique de Louvain (2003)

Cardiac Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1999)

Cardiac Surgery, Toronto General Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1995)

Cardiothoracic Surgery, Clinique Universitaires (Fellowship Hospital, 1994)

General Surgery, Grand Hospital De Charleroi Saint Joseph (Fellowship Hospital, 1993)

General Surgery, Baragwanth Hospital - South Africa (Fellowship Hospital, 1991)

Residency Program, General Surgery, Clinique et Maternite Sainte-Elisabeth (Residency Hospital, 1990)

Residency Program, General Surgery, Clinique Saint Joseph (Chr Mons-Hainaut) (Residency Hospital, 1988)

MD, Surgery & Obstetrics, Universite Catholique de Louvain (Medical School, 1987)

Clinique Universitaires - Saint Luc (Internship Hospital, 1987)

English

Dutch

French

Children's National Hospital

Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiology

Cardiovascular Surgery

Pediatrics

Cardiothoracic Surgery

RS

Rachel Steury

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 884-2137

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

NK

Dr. Nevin Katz

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 775-9375

Case Western Reserve University (Medical School, 1971)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

MA

Dr. Mowaffak Al-Hamad

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Arabic

Phone

(240) 427-1630

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University Alberta Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1982)

Howard University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1980)

Providence Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1974)

Damascus University (Medical School, 1972)

English

Arabic

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Orthopedic Hand Surgery

MD

Dr. Manan Desai

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(888) 884-2327

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA / ANCHORAGE CAMPUS (Medical School)

English

Children's National Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JI

Dr. John Costello III

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(888) 319-1153

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

English

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

AA

Dr. Aiman Alassar

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 877-0333

English

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

CY

Dr. Can Yerebakan

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(888) 884-2327

English

Children's National Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

KC

Kimberly Chang

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 745-8626

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

HK

Dr. Hiroto Kitahara

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 877-7464

KEIO GIJUKU UNIVERSITY / SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (Medical School)

English

The University of Chicago Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

WD

Dr. William Devries

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(301) 625-9797

University of Utah (Medical School, 1970)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

HT

Dr. Hassan Tetteh

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(571) 472-4600

American Board of Preventive Medicine

American Board of Surgery

State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine (Medical School, 1998)

English

General Surgery

Clinical Informatics

Cardiothoracic Surgery

BR

Dr. Brian Rezvani

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Washington / Harborview Medical Center (Medical School, 2010)

English

Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

DD

Dr. Duan Drakes

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 865-1281

Howard University (Medical School, 1979)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

SB

Dr. Syed Bukhari

N/A

Washington, DC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(202) 884-5000

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Choosing a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Washington, DC

Understanding Cardiothoracic Surgery

Definition and scope of cardiothoracic surgery

  • Explanation of procedures related to the heart, lungs, and chest

Importance in treating cardiovascular and respiratory conditions

  • Overview of common conditions treated by cardiothoracic surgeons

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Qualifications and Certifications

  • Board certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Additional subspecialty training or fellowships

Experience and Expertise

  • Years of practice in cardiothoracic surgery
  • Specialization in specific procedures or conditions

Patient Reviews and Ratings

  • Importance of considering patient feedback
  • How to interpret star ratings and review counts

Hospital Affiliations

  • Significance of a surgeon's hospital associations
  • Quality of cardiac care facilities in affiliated hospitals

Navigating the Selection Process in Washington, DC

Researching potential surgeons

  • Using online resources and databases
  • Consulting with primary care physicians or cardiologists for referrals

Scheduling consultations

  • Preparing questions for the surgeon
  • Assessing communication style and patient-doctor rapport

Evaluating surgical outcomes and success rates

  • Inquiring about the surgeon's experience with specific procedures
  • Understanding the importance of post-operative care and follow-up

Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Washington, DC

Dr. Jennifer Ellis

Credentials and Experience

  • 5-star rating with 5 reviews
  • Board-certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Extensive education including fellowships at prestigious institutions

Specialties and Affiliations

  • Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Affiliated with MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Contact Information

  • Phone: (202) 877-5039

Dr. Ezequiel Molina

Credentials and Experience

  • 4.9-star rating with 13 reviews
  • Board-certified by American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Completed fellowships at prestigious hospitals

Specialties and Affiliations

  • Specializes in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Affiliated with MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Contact Information

  • Phone: (202) 877-7464

Dr. Keith Mortman

Credentials and Experience

  • 5-star rating
  • Board-certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Extensive education including fellowship in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

Specialties and Affiliations

  • Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Affiliated with Thoracic Surgery department

Contact Information

  • Location: 2150 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 6 South, Washington, DC 20037

Dr. Christian Shults

Credentials and Experience

  • 4.6-star rating with 26 reviews
  • Board-certified by American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Graduated from Emory University Medical School in 2012

Specialties and Affiliations

  • Specializes in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Affiliated with MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Contact Information

  • Phone: (202) 877-7227

Choosing a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Washington, DC

Understanding Cardiothoracic Medicine

Definition and scope of cardiothoracic surgery

  • Explanation of procedures and conditions treated
  • Importance in managing heart and lung diseases

Advancements in cardiothoracic medicine

  • Recent technological innovations
  • Improved surgical techniques and outcomes

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Qualifications and credentials

  • Board certifications
  • Educational background and training
  • Years of experience

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Importance of considering patient experiences
  • How to interpret star ratings and reviews

Hospital affiliations

  • Quality of affiliated hospitals
  • Access to advanced medical facilities

Communication skills and bedside manner

  • Importance of clear doctor-patient communication
  • Assessing comfort level with the surgeon

Overview of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Washington, DC

Top-rated surgeons based on patient reviews

  • Dr. Jennifer Ellis - 5.0 stars (5 reviews)
  • Dr. Richard Jonas - 5.0 stars (6 reviews)
  • Dr. Ezequiel Molina - 4.9 stars (13 reviews)

Surgeons with notable credentials

  • Dr. Keith Mortman - American Board of Thoracic Surgery certified
  • Dr. Christian Shults - American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery certified

Surgeons affiliated with prominent hospitals

  • MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  • Children's National Hospital
  • The George Washington University Hospital