Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Winston-Salem

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Winston-Salem

Overview of Cardiothoracic Medicine

Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and chest. In Winston-Salem, this medical specialty plays a significant role in addressing cardiovascular and respiratory health issues within the community.

Cardiothoracic specialists in Winston-Salem perform a range of procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repairs and replacements, and lung surgeries. These treatments are essential for managing complex cardiac and pulmonary conditions, improving patients' quality of life, and often saving lives.

Importance of Choosing the Right Cardiothoracic Specialist

Selecting the appropriate cardiothoracic specialist is a key factor in ensuring optimal patient outcomes. The complexity of cardiothoracic procedures requires a high level of skill and precision, making the choice of surgeon particularly important.

Experience and expertise in cardiothoracic medicine are paramount. In Winston-Salem, patients have access to a range of specialists with varying levels of experience. For instance, Dr. Neal Kon, affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, has been practicing since graduating from medical school in 1979, offering decades of experience. On the other hand, Dr. Hadley Wilson, a more recent graduate from UNC Chapel Hill in 2015, represents the newer generation of cardiothoracic specialists in the area.

Selecting a Cardiothoracic Doctor in Winston-Salem

Factors to Consider

Board certifications and qualifications

• American Board of Thoracic Surgery certifications
• American Board of Surgery certifications
• Other relevant specialties

Hospital affiliations

• Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
• Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
• Other local hospitals

Patient ratings and reviews

• Importance of star ratings
• Number of reviews
• Qualitative feedback

Experience and specializations

• Years in practice
• Educational background
• Fellowships and additional training

Resources for Doctor Research

Online platforms

• Healthgrades
• Other reputable medical review sites

Local medical associations

• North Carolina Medical Society
• Winston-Salem medical community resources

Recommendations from primary care physicians

• Importance of referrals
• Coordinating care with existing doctors

Top-Rated Cardiothoracic Specialists in Winston-Salem

Dr. David Duncan

Qualifications and Experience

• Board certified by American Board of Medical Specialties
• Graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 1984
• Completed internship at University Mc in 1985

Patient Satisfaction

• Perfect 5.0 star rating based on 9 patient reviews
• Indicates high level of patient satisfaction and quality care

Hospital Affiliations

• Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
• Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
• Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

Additional Information

• Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Multilingual: speaks English and Spanish
• Contact number: (336) 619-8144

Dr. Samuel Jacks

Expertise and Certifications

• Board certified by American Board of Surgery
• Specializes in both General and Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Graduated from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2004

Patient Reviews

• 5.0 star rating (note: based on limited reviews)
• Suggests positive patient experiences

Hospital Affiliations

• Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center
• Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville
• Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

Contact Information

• Phone number: (336) 571-7616

Dr. Neal Kon

Experience and Education

• Extensive experience, graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 1979
• Completed residency and internship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
• Board certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Patient Satisfaction

• 4.9 star rating based on 16 patient reviews
• Indicates consistently high patient satisfaction

Hospital Affiliations

• Davie Medical Center
• Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

Additional Information

• Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Contact number: (336) 716-2255

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist

Language and Communication

Availability of multilingual doctors

• Dr. David Duncan and Dr. Bruce Walley speak English and Spanish
• Dr. Raymond Lee speaks English, Cantonese, and Mandarin

Importance of clear communication in medical care

• Discuss the value of effective doctor-patient communication
• Highlight how language proficiency can enhance understanding of complex medical procedures

Hospital Affiliations

Overview of major cardiothoracic care facilities in Winston-Salem

• Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
• Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
• Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center

Importance of choosing a doctor affiliated with a reputable hospital

• Access to advanced medical technology and resources
• Collaborative care with other specialists

Emerging Talent vs. Established Expertise

Balancing experience with up-to-date training

• Experienced surgeons: Dr. Neal Kon (graduated 1979), Dr. Bruce Walley (graduated 1974)
• Recent graduates: Dr. Hadley Wilson (graduated 2015)

Considering both veteran and newer specialists

• Benefits of seasoned experience
• Advantages of recent training in cutting-edge techniques