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Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Durham

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 23, 2024

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Durham

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 procedures and treatments, from complex heart surgeries to minimally invasive thoracic interventions.

The importance of specialized care in cardiothoracic medicine cannot be overstated. Given the complexity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, patients benefit significantly from the expertise of physicians who have undergone rigorous training and have extensive experience in this field.

The landscape of cardiothoracic medicine in Durham

Durham, North Carolina, stands out as a hub for exceptional cardiothoracic care. The city is home to world-renowned medical institutions, most notably Duke University Hospital, which consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery.

The presence of these esteemed institutions attracts some of the most skilled cardiothoracic specialists in the country. Our analysis of the provided data reveals that Durham boasts a impressive roster of highly qualified cardiothoracic surgeons, many of whom are affiliated with Duke University Hospital and other respected medical centers in the area.


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List of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Durham

JK

Dr. Jacob Klapper

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 668-6688

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Indiana University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2003)

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

AW

Dr. Adam Williams

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (Medical School, 2007)

English

Duke University Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Donald Glower Jr

Dr. Donald Glower Jr

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-1300

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 1980)

English

Duke University Hospital

Rex Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

PM

Dr. Philip Mullenix

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences (Medical School, 2000)

English

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. George Hughes

Dr. George Hughes

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-1400

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Duke University Hospital (Fellowship Hospital)

Duke University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2002)

Duke University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1996)

Duke University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1995)

English

Duke University Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Peter Smith

Dr. Peter Smith

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-2890

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Duke University (Medical School, 1977)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

BZ

Dr. Brittany Zwischenberger

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-1300

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Texas A&M University Health Science Center / Baylor College of Dentistry (Medical School, 2010)

English

Duke University Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

GP

Dr. Gustavo Parrilla

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JP

Dr. Jennifer Perna

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 620-4467

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Regional Hospital

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Jacob Schroder

Dr. Jacob Schroder

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

Georgetown University School of Dentistry (Medical School, 2001)

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Duke Regional Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

SL

Dr. Shu Lin

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Chinese

Phone

(919) 470-4000

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Duke University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2004)

Duke University (2000)

Duke University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1993)

Duke University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1992)

Harvard University (Undergraduate School, 1988)

English

Chinese

Duke University Hospital

Duke Regional Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Mani Daneshmand

Dr. Mani Daneshmand

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Persian, Spanish

Phone

(404) 712-2000

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Duke University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2013)

Duke University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2011)

Duke University Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2005)

ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical School, 2004)

English

Persian

Spanish

Emory University Hospital

Thoracic Surgery

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Terry Lowry

Dr. Terry Lowry

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(910) 671-6619

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Medical School, 1996)

English

Southeastern Regional Medical Center

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JK

Dr. Jeffrey Keenan

5.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Maryland School of Medicine (Medical School, 2011)

English

Duke University Hospital

UW Medical Center-Montlake

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

WD

Dr. Walter Denino

4.8

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(207) 773-8161

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT AND STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE (Medical School, 2010)

English

Maine Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Jeffrey Gaca

Dr. Jeffrey Gaca

4.6

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-3341

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Duke University (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)

Duke University (Residency Hospital, 2005)

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (Medical School, 1998)

English

Duke University Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. John Haney

Dr. John Haney

4.4

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Duke University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)

Duke University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2004)

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (2000)

Williams College (Undergraduate School, 1999)

English

Mayo Clinic In Florida

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Carmelo Milano

Dr. Carmelo Milano

4.4

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Italian

Phone

(407) 667-0444

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Duke University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 1999)

Duke University MC (Residency Hospital, 1993)

Duke University Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1992)

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (Medical School, 1990)

English

Italian

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Wayne Memorial Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

General Surgery

Dr. Thomas Damico

Dr. Thomas Damico

4.4

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(888) 275-3853

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

TEACHERS COLLEGE AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY (Medical School, 1987)

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

RP

Dr. Ryan Plichta

4.2

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Loyola Cardiothor Surg (Fellowship Hospital)

Loyola University Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (Medical School, 2008)

Tufts University (Undergraduate School, 2002)

Cleveland Clinic Foundation ()

English

Duke University Hospital

Cardiovascular Surgery

Thoracic Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

EC

Dr. Edward Chen

4.1

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(404) 778-3484

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Emory University (Fellowship Hospital)

University Calif (Residency Hospital, 2000)

Duke University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1992)

English

Emory University Hospital

Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital

Emory University Hospital Midtown

Cardiothoracic Surgery

General Surgery

Dr. Matthew Hartwig

Dr. Matthew Hartwig

4.0

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-1300

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Duke University (Medical School, 2001)

English

Duke University Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

HS

Dr. Hai Salfity

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 668-6688

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Indiana University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2011)

English

UC Health West Chester Hospital

University of Cincinnati Medical Center

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

NN

Dr. Nnamdi Nwaejike

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 433-6942

THE QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFAST / FACULTY OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES (Medical School, 2002)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

SB

Dr. Stafford Balderson

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 620-4467

English

Duke University Hospital

Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Atrium Health Lincoln

Cardiothoracic Surgery

RE

Dr. Richard Embrey

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(205) 220-4468

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 2005)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

RS

Richard Sabulsky

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

English

Vascular Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

CJ

Dr. Charles Murphy Jr

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Duke University (Medical School, 1982)

English

Inova Fairfax Hospital

Cardiothoracic Surgery

SN

Dr. Sara Najmeh

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(407) 667-0444

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

McGill University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2011)

English

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

SA

Dr. Saleh Alnasser

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 613-5069

KING SAUD UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (Medical School, 2005)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

LR

Dr. Lankala Reddy

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Hindi

Phone

(919) 684-8111

Osmania Medical College, Ntr University Of Health Sciences (Medical School)

English

Hindi

Cardiothoracic Surgery

GS

Dr. George Stavri

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

SJ

Sara Jordan

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 684-8111

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

TM

Dr. Thomas Marsicano

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 471-9332

Ohio State University (Medical School, 1973)

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JJ

Dr. Jeffery Johnson

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 681-1400

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Vanderbilt University (Medical School, 2002)

English

Riverside Regional Medical Center

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

CW

Dr. Christopher White

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 385-7920

ECLECTIC MEDICINE UNIVERSITY (Medical School, 2009)

English

Transplant Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

AS

Dr. Aaron Sparks

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(617) 636-5000

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

English

Duke University Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JS

Jacqueline Sisto

N/A

Durham, NC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(342) 191-9681

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Process of Selecting a Cardiothoracic Doctor in Durham

Factors to consider when choosing a specialist

Board certifications and qualifications

  • Review American Board of Thoracic Surgery certifications
  • Consider additional certifications such as American Board of Surgery

Experience and expertise in specific procedures

  • Evaluate educational background and fellowships
  • Assess years of practice in cardiothoracic medicine

Hospital affiliations and available facilities

  • Consider doctors affiliated with Duke University Hospital
  • Evaluate other hospital affiliations in Durham and surrounding areas

Importance of patient reviews and ratings

Understanding doctor rating systems

  • Analyze star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
  • Consider the number of reviews alongside the rating

Balancing quantitative ratings with qualitative feedback

  • Read individual patient testimonials
  • Look for patterns in feedback across multiple sources

Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Doctors in Durham

Dr. Donald Glower Jr

Highest patient rating

  • 5.0-star rating with 15 reviews

Professional background

  • Affiliated with Duke University Hospital and Rex Hospital
  • Board certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1980

Contact information

  • Phone: (919) 681-1300

Dr. George Hughes

Patient satisfaction

  • Perfect 5.0-star rating with 11 reviews

Educational background

  • Fellowship, residency, and internship at Duke University Hospital
  • Graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in 1995

Specialization

  • Board certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Contact details

  • Phone: (919) 681-1400

Dr. Shu Lin

Patient reviews

  • 5.0-star rating with 6 reviews

Unique qualifications

  • Multilingual: Fluent in English and Chinese
  • Extensive educational background including Harvard and Duke

Hospital affiliations

  • Duke University Hospital
  • Duke Regional Hospital

Contact information

  • Phone: (919) 470-4000

Dr. Jeffrey Gaca

Patient satisfaction

  • High rating of 4.6 stars with 10 reviews

Educational background

  • Fellowship and residency at Duke University
  • Graduated from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1998

Specialization

  • Board certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Contact details

  • Phone: (919) 681-3341

Dr. Thomas Damico

Patient feedback

  • 4.4-star rating with 21 reviews

Professional qualifications

  • Board certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Graduated from Columbia University in 1987

Hospital affiliations

  • Duke University Hospital
  • Duke Health Raleigh Hospital

Contact information

  • Phone: (888) 275-3853

Additional Resources for Doctor Selection

Online platforms for doctor research

Healthgrades

  • Comprehensive doctor profiles
  • Patient ratings and reviews
  • Information on education, certifications, and hospital affiliations

Other medical review websites

  • Comparison of multiple sources
  • Diverse patient experiences and feedback

Local medical institutions' websites

Duke University Hospital

  • Directory of cardiothoracic specialists
  • Information on cutting-edge treatments and technologies
  • Research and clinical trial opportunities

Other Durham hospitals

  • Listings of affiliated cardiothoracic surgeons
  • Specialized cardiac care programs and services

Professional medical associations

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

  • Verification of board certifications
  • Standards for cardiothoracic surgeons

Society of Thoracic Surgeons

  • Educational resources for patients
  • Latest developments in cardiothoracic medicine