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Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in St. Paul

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 24, 2024

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in St. Paul

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 branch of medicine encompasses a wide range of complex procedures and treatments, from coronary artery bypass grafting to lung cancer surgeries.

The intricate nature of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems requires highly skilled professionals who can provide expert care. In St. Paul, patients have access to board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons who are equipped to handle these challenging cases.

St. Paul's medical landscape for cardiothoracic care

St. Paul boasts a robust healthcare ecosystem with several highly qualified cardiothoracic specialists. Our research has identified at least 12 physicians in the area who specialize in cardiothoracic surgery, offering patients a range of options for their care.

The city is home to several renowned medical facilities that support cardiothoracic care. These include Regions Hospital, United Hospital, and Abbott Northwestern Hospital. These institutions provide state-of-the-art technology and support services essential for complex cardiothoracic procedures.


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List of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in St. Paul

Dr. Jonathan Boksberger

Dr. Jonathan Boksberger

5.0

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(763) 427-9980

American Osteopathic Board of Surgery

Pacific Union College (Undergraduate School)

University of California at Berkeley (Undergraduate School)

Michgan State University / Beaumont Health (Residency Hospital, 2011)

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2011)

Michigan State University / Beaumont Health (Internship Hospital, 2007)

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (Medical School, 2006)

English

Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Mercy Hospital

United Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Timothy Kroshus

Dr. Timothy Kroshus

5.0

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(651) 254-4130

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University MN (Fellowship Hospital, 2001)

University MN (Residency Hospital, 1998)

University of Minnesota Medical School (Medical School, 1990)

English

Regions Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

DB

Dr. Douglas Baldwin

5.0

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(651) 254-4816

University of Minnesota Medical School (Medical School, 1991)

English

Regions Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

TS

Dr. Thomas Stark

5.0

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(952) 993-3360

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA / SAINT PAUL CAMPUS (Medical School, 2016)

English

Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital

Mayo Clinic Health System Red Wing

Hutchinson Health

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Connie Jo Caldwell

Connie Jo Caldwell

5.0

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(651) 254-3462

English

North Memorial Health-Robbinsdale Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Oncology

EA

Dr. Eric Anderson

5.0

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(612) 863-0200

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA / SAINT PAUL CAMPUS (Medical School, 2010)

English

Abbott Northwestern Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

CL

Dr. Claude Lees

5.0

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(651) 254-4130

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

ANDERSON COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (Medical School, 2012)

English

Ascension Saint John Hospital

Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Warren Campus

Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. John Grehan

Dr. John Grehan

4.9

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 312-2100

American Board of Medical Specialties

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University Michigan Health System (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

Fairview University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2004)

Fairview University Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1996)

University of Minnesota Medical School (Medical School, 1995)

English

United Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

TL

Dr. Theodore Lillehei

4.3

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(651) 330-3656

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Mayo Clinic (Medical School, 1981)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

KG

Dr. Kevin Goodwin

N/A

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(888) 287-1082

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry (Medical School)

English

University Hospital-University of Michigan

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

TK

Dr. Thomas Kersten

N/A

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English, German

Phone

(952) 843-4333

Baylor University (Medical School, 1968)

English

German

Cardiothoracic Surgery

TV

Dr. Thomas Vonrueden

N/A

St. Paul, MN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(651) 241-7176

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Selecting a Cardiothoracic Specialist in St. Paul

Factors to consider when choosing a doctor

Board certifications and qualifications

  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery certification
  • Additional certifications like American Board of Surgery

Experience and specializations

  • Years of practice
  • Subspecialties within cardiothoracic medicine

Hospital affiliations

  • Prominent hospitals in St. Paul area
  • Access to advanced medical facilities

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Star ratings from platforms like Healthgrades
  • Number of patient reviews

Resources for researching doctors

Online platforms

  • Healthgrades website
  • Other medical review websites

Local medical associations

  • Minnesota Medical Association
  • American College of Cardiology - Minnesota Chapter

Top-Rated Cardiothoracic Specialists in St. Paul

Dr. John Grehan

Qualifications and Experience

  • Board certified by American Board of Medical Specialties and American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Completed fellowship at University Michigan Health System in 2006
  • Graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School in 1995

Patient Satisfaction

  • Impressive 4.9-star rating from 84 patient reviews
  • Indicates high level of patient satisfaction and quality care

Practice Information

  • Affiliated with United Hospital in Saint Paul
  • Contact number: (605) 312-2100

Dr. Timothy Kroshus

Expertise and Credentials

  • Specializes in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Completed fellowship and residency at University of Minnesota

Patient Reviews

  • Perfect 5-star rating based on 3 patient reviews
  • Suggests high patient satisfaction with care provided

Practice Details

  • Affiliated with Regions Hospital in Saint Paul
  • For appointments, call (651) 254-4130

Dr. Jonathan Boksberger

Professional Background

  • Focuses on Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery
  • Diverse educational background including fellowships and residencies

Patient Feedback

  • Earned a 5-star rating from 3 patient reviews
  • Indicates high level of patient satisfaction

Practice Information

  • Multiple hospital affiliations including Abbott Northwestern Hospital and United Hospital
  • Contact number: (763) 427-9980

Additional Highly Rated Specialists

Dr. Eric Anderson

  • 5-star rating from 3 reviews
  • Board certified in Surgery and Thoracic Surgery
  • Affiliated with Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Dr. Theodore Lillehei

  • 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews
  • Board certified in Thoracic Surgery
  • Graduated from Mayo Clinic Medical School in 1981

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist

Language and communication

Importance of clear doctor-patient communication

  • Emphasize the significance of effective communication in cardiothoracic care
  • Discuss how language barriers can impact treatment outcomes

Availability of multilingual doctors

  • Highlight Dr. Thomas Kersten's proficiency in English and German
  • Mention the predominance of English-speaking doctors in St. Paul

Gender preferences

Options for both male and female specialists

  • Note the availability of female specialist Connie Jo Caldwell, PA
  • Mention the majority of male cardiothoracic specialists in St. Paul

Consideration of personal comfort in doctor selection

  • Discuss the importance of patient comfort in the doctor-patient relationship
  • Encourage patients to prioritize their personal preferences

Accessibility and location

Proximity to patients' residences

  • Discuss the concentration of specialists in St. Paul
  • Mention nearby options in Minneapolis for expanded choices

Hospital locations and convenience

  • List major hospitals: Regions Hospital, United Hospital, Abbott Northwestern Hospital
  • Highlight the importance of considering hospital quality and services