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Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Tulsa

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 22, 2024

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Tulsa

Overview of Cardiothoracic Medicine

Cardiothoracic medicine is a specialized field focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and chest.

This specialty plays a significant role in addressing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide.

Cardiothoracic Medicine in Tulsa's Healthcare Landscape

Tulsa offers a range of cardiothoracic medical services, with several highly rated specialists practicing in the area.

Key institutions such as Hillcrest Medical Center, Ascension St. John Medical Center, and Oklahoma State University Medical Center provide advanced cardiothoracic care to Tulsa residents.

Importance of Choosing the Right Cardiothoracic Specialist

Selecting an experienced and skilled cardiothoracic specialist can significantly influence the success of treatments and overall patient well-being.

Patients should consider factors such as the doctor's qualifications, experience, hospital affiliations, and patient ratings when making their choice.


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List of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Tulsa

LL

Lara Long

5.0

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 749-6400

English

Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Vascular Surgery (Nurse Practitioner)

JC

Dr. John Carabello

5.0

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 582-7711

American Osteopathic Board of Surgery

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (Medical School, 1997)

English

Oklahoma State University Medical Center

Emergency Medicine

Cardiothoracic Surgery

GJ

Dr. George Cohlmia Jr

5.0

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 456-9500

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1975)

English

W W Hastings Indian Hospital

Northeastern Health System

Cardiothoracic Surgery

KN

Dr. Kelly Nagasawa

5.0

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 712-3366

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)

English

Ascension St. John Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

General Surgery

Dr. James Neel

Dr. James Neel

5.0

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(918) 749-6400

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Louisville (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)

UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMA / HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER|University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Medical College (Internship Hospital, 2008)

University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Medical College (Internship Hospital, 2008)

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA / HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER (Medical School, 2007)

University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (Medical School, 2007)

Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas (Undergraduate School, 1999)

English

Spanish

Norman Regional Hospital

Hillcrest Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

General Surgery

KW

Kyle Wertzberger

5.0

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 712-3366

English

Physician Assistant (PA)

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. George Comas

Dr. George Comas

4.9

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English, French

Phone

(855) 988-2273

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

CORNELL UNIVERSITY / NEW YORK STATE STATUTORY COLLEGES (Medical School, 2003)

English

French

Lee Memorial Hospital

Gulf Coast Medical Center

HealthPark Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Ajit Tharakan

Dr. Ajit Tharakan

4.6

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 749-6400

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School (Fellowship Hospital, 2009)

University of Missouri (Residency Hospital, 2006)

Sri Ramachandra University (Medical School, 1993)

English

Hillcrest Hospital South

Hillcrest Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiovascular Surgery

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Cardiology

RG

Dr. Robert Garrett

4.4

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 502-3200

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Oregon Health & Science University (Residency Hospital)

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA / HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER (Medical School, 1982)

English

Saint Francis Hospital South

Ascension St. John Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Paul Kempe

Dr. Paul Kempe

4.3

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 502-3200

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Boston University (Medical School, 1993)

Boston University School of Medicine|University Sc Richland Memorial Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1993)

English

Saint Francis Hospital South

Ascension St. John Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

JS

Dr. James Spann

4.3

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 749-6400

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Parkland Memorial Hospital Oschner Foundation Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1998)

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (Medical School, 1991)

English

Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas

Hillcrest Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Shawna Liszewski

Shawna Liszewski

N/A

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 749-6400

English

Hillcrest Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Surgical Assistance

Lindsay McGeady

Lindsay McGeady

N/A

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 749-6400

English

Cardiology (Nurse Practitioner)

Thoracic Surgery

Cardiac Surgery

Internal Medicine

Cardiothoracic Surgery

LD

Laura Dorwart

N/A

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 712-3366

English

Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

Cardiothoracic Surgery

MC

Dr. Matthew Cooper

N/A

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(651) 736-4689

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Hospital Sick Chldn (Fellowship Hospital, 1992)

Presby Med Ctr/Babies Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1991)

University Ia Hosps Clins (Residency Hospital, 1989)

National Institute of Health (Residency Hospital, 1987)

Nyu Med Ctr/Bellevue Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1985)

New York University Grossman School of Medicine (Medical School, 1983)

Mba, Oklahoma State University ()

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

General Surgery

VL

Vicki Leist

N/A

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 712-3366

English

Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Jillian Steyl

Jillian Steyl

N/A

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 749-6400

English

Hillcrest Medical Center

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Internal Medicine

EF

Eric Franklin

N/A

Tulsa, OK

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(918) 994-9280

English

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cardiology

Physician Assistant (PA)

Choosing a Cardiothoracic Medicine Specialist in Tulsa

Understanding Cardiothoracic Medicine

Definition and scope of cardiothoracic medicine

  • Focus on heart, lungs, and chest (thorax)
  • Intersection of cardiology and thoracic surgery

Common conditions treated

  • Heart disease
  • Lung disorders
  • Vascular issues in the chest

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Specialist

Qualifications and Certifications

  • Board certifications (e.g., American Board of Thoracic Surgery)
  • Educational background and specializations
  • Additional certifications in related fields

Experience and Expertise

  • Years of practice in cardiothoracic medicine
  • Specific areas of focus within the specialty
  • Surgical experience and success rates

Patient Reviews and Ratings

  • Overall star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
  • Number of patient reviews
  • Consistency of positive feedback

Hospital Affiliations

  • Quality of affiliated hospitals in Tulsa
  • Access to advanced medical facilities and equipment
  • Collaboration with other specialists

Steps in the Selection Process

Research potential providers

  • Utilize online resources and directories
  • Check credentials and patient feedback
  • Consider recommendations from primary care physicians

Evaluate communication and compatibility

  • Schedule initial consultations
  • Assess the doctor's ability to explain complex medical concepts
  • Consider personal comfort and rapport with the specialist

Consider practical factors

  • Location and accessibility of the practice
  • Insurance coverage and financial considerations
  • Availability for appointments and procedures

Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Medicine Specialists in Tulsa

Dr. Kelly Nagasawa

Qualifications and Specialties

  • Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery specialist
  • Graduated from University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine in 2006
  • Certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Patient Satisfaction

  • 5.0-star rating based on 8 patient reviews
  • Highest number of reviews among top-rated cardiothoracic surgeons in Tulsa

Practice Information

  • Hospital affiliation: Ascension St. John Medical Center
  • Contact number: (918) 712-3366

Dr. John Carabello

Expertise

  • Dual specialization in Emergency Medicine and Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1997
  • Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery

Patient Feedback

  • 5.0-star rating based on 7 patient reviews

Practice Details

  • Affiliated with Oklahoma State University Medical Center
  • Contact number: (918) 582-7711

Dr. James Neel

Background and Education

  • Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery
  • Extensive education including fellowship at University of Louisville
  • Graduated from University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 2007

Certifications and Languages

  • Certified by both American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Fluent in English and Spanish

Patient Satisfaction and Practice Information

  • 5.0-star rating based on 5 patient reviews
  • Affiliated with Hillcrest Medical Center
  • Contact number: (918) 749-6400

Choosing a Cardiothoracic Medicine Specialist in Tulsa

Understanding Cardiothoracic Medicine

Definition and scope of cardiothoracic medicine

  • Focus on heart, lungs, and chest (thorax)
  • Combines cardiology and thoracic surgery

Common conditions treated

  • Heart disease
  • Lung cancer
  • Congenital heart defects

Importance of Selecting the Right Specialist

Impact on treatment outcomes

  • Expertise in complex procedures
  • Access to advanced technologies

Patient-doctor relationship

  • Communication and trust
  • Personalized care approach

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist in Tulsa

Qualifications and certifications

  • Board certifications (e.g., American Board of Thoracic Surgery)
  • Educational background and training

Experience and specialization

  • Years of practice
  • Specific areas of expertise within cardiothoracic medicine

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Overall star rating
  • Number of patient reviews

Hospital affiliations

  • Quality of affiliated hospitals
  • Access to advanced medical facilities