Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Pittsburgh

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Pittsburgh

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 medical specialty encompasses a wide range of procedures, from routine diagnostic tests to complex surgical interventions.

Patients with heart disease, lung cancer, or congenital chest abnormalities often require the expertise of cardiothoracic specialists.

The advanced nature of cardiothoracic treatments necessitates highly skilled physicians with extensive training and experience.

The landscape of cardiothoracic medicine in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is home to several world-class medical institutions that excel in cardiothoracic care, including UPMC Presbyterian, Allegheny General Hospital, and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

The city boasts a roster of highly qualified cardiothoracic specialists, many of whom are board-certified and have extensive experience in various subspecialties.

Patients in Pittsburgh have access to cutting-edge treatments and technologies in cardiothoracic medicine, thanks to the city's robust medical research community.

The concentration of expertise in Pittsburgh makes it a destination for patients seeking top-tier cardiothoracic care, both locally and from surrounding regions.

Navigating the Doctor Selection Process in Pittsburgh

Key Factors in Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist

Board Certifications and Qualifications

• American Board of Surgery
• American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Relevance of certifications in cardiothoracic medicine

Experience and Specializations

• Years of practice
• Subspecialties within cardiothoracic medicine
• Notable procedures or research

Hospital Affiliations

• UPMC network hospitals
• Allegheny Health Network facilities
• Other notable medical centers in Pittsburgh

Patient Reviews and Ratings

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

Tools and Resources for Doctor Research

Online Platforms

• Healthgrades and its rating system
• Other reputable healthcare review websites
• Hospital and clinic websites

Professional Medical Associations

• American Association for Thoracic Surgery
• Society of Thoracic Surgeons
• Local medical societies in Pittsburgh

Insurance Provider Networks

• In-network cardiothoracic specialists
• Coverage for specialized procedures
• Referral requirements

Top-Ranked Cardiothoracic Doctors in Pittsburgh

Dr. Lawrence Sullivan Jr

Qualifications and Specializations

• Perfect 5-star rating on Healthgrades
• Specializes in Critical Care Surgery, General Surgery, and Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Graduated from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 1980

Practice Information

• Affiliated with West Penn Hospital
• Contact number: (412) 444-5300
• Male physician with over 40 years of experience

Dr. Mark Crye

Expertise and Certifications

• 5-star rating on Healthgrades
• Specializes in Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic Oncology, and Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Board certified by American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Educational Background

• Graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University
• Completed fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital in 2017
• Extensive training including residency and undergraduate studies

Dr. Victor Morell

Specialization and Rating

• 4-star rating on Healthgrades
• Focuses on Congenital Cardiac Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Board certified by American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Professional Information

• Graduated from Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine in 1988
• Affiliated with multiple hospitals including Heritage Valley Beaver
• Contact number: (412) 692-5218

Dr. Siva Raja

Expertise and Patient Feedback

• 3.7-star rating based on 3 reviews on Healthgrades
• Specializes in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Board certified by American Board of Surgery

Background and Affiliations

• Graduated from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2004
• Affiliated with Cleveland Clinic
• Contact number: (216) 353-0489

Dr. Thomas Gleason

Patient Reviews and Specialties

• 3.4-star rating based on 18 reviews on Healthgrades
• Practices General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Board certified by American Board of Surgery

Education and Hospital Affiliations

• Extensive educational background including fellowship at University of Pennsylvania
• Affiliated with multiple UPMC hospitals
• Graduated from Rush Medical College in 1993

Additional Considerations for Selecting a Cardiothoracic Specialist

Gender preferences and diversity in the field

Availability of female specialists

• Dr. Melita Viegas as an example of a female cardiothoracic surgeon in Pittsburgh
• Importance of personal comfort with the doctor's gender

Representation in the specialty

• Majority of listed specialists are male
• Consideration of gender diversity in medical care

Language and communication

English proficiency

• All listed doctors speak English
• Importance of clear communication in complex cardiothoracic cases

Additional language skills

• Limited information on multilingual capabilities
• Potential need for interpreters for non-English speaking patients

Educational background and ongoing training

Varied educational experiences

• Doctors trained at different institutions (e.g., University of Pittsburgh, SUNY Upstate, Indiana University)
• Consideration of educational background in doctor selection

Fellowships and specialized training

• Examples: Dr. Mark Crye's fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital
• Importance of specialized training in cardiothoracic medicine