Best Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Sioux Falls

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Medicine in Sioux Falls

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. This medical specialty combines elements of cardiology and thoracic surgery, providing comprehensive care for patients with complex cardiovascular and respiratory issues.

Specialized care in cardiothoracic medicine is essential for patients with heart and chest conditions. These highly trained physicians possess the expertise to handle intricate procedures and manage complex cases, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Cardiothoracic Care in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is home to several qualified cardiothoracic specialists, offering residents access to high-quality care without the need to travel to larger metropolitan areas. The city boasts a range of experienced physicians, many of whom are board-certified in thoracic surgery and have extensive training from prestigious medical institutions.

Several notable medical facilities in Sioux Falls provide excellent cardiothoracic services. These include the Sanford USD Medical Center, Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota, and Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center. These institutions are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by skilled medical professionals, ensuring that patients receive top-notch care for their cardiothoracic needs.

Selecting a Cardiothoracic Specialist in Sioux Falls

Factors to Consider

Board certifications and qualifications

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

Experience and education

• Medical school background
• Residencies and fellowships
• Years of practice in cardiothoracic medicine

Hospital affiliations

• Connections with top medical facilities in Sioux Falls
• Access to advanced medical technology and resources

Patient ratings and reviews

• Star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
• Number of patient reviews
• Consistency in positive feedback

Using Online Resources

Healthgrades and other physician rating websites

• How to navigate and interpret online ratings
• Understanding the limitations of online reviews

Comprehensive research methods

• Cross-referencing information from multiple sources
• Verifying credentials and certifications

Top-Rated Cardiothoracic Specialists in Sioux Falls

Dr. Keung Ung

Background and Qualifications

• Education: Wayne State University (Medical School, 2000)
• Board Certification: American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Languages: English

Practice Information

• Hospital Affiliations: Sanford USD Medical Center, Sanford Worthington Medical Center, Prairie Lakes Hospital
• Patient Rating: 5.0 stars based on 7 reviews
• Contact: (605) 312-2100

Dr. Steven Feldhaus

Background and Qualifications

• Education: Creighton University School of Medicine (1983)
• Board Certification: American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Languages: English

Practice Information

• Hospital Affiliations: Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota, Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, Avera St. Mary's Hospital
• Patient Rating: 5.0 stars based on 4 reviews
• Contact: (605) 322-8000

Dr. Octavio Pajaro

Background and Qualifications

• Education: Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2000)
• Board Certification: American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Languages: English

Practice Information

• Hospital Affiliation: Mayo Clinic Hospital
• Patient Rating: 5.0 stars based on 4 reviews
• Contact: (480) 342-2270

Other Highly Rated Specialists

Additional Top-Rated Doctors

• Dr. Paul Meyer - 5.0 stars (1 review)
• Dr. John Aita - 5.0 stars (2 reviews)
• Dr. Verlyn Nykamp - 5.0 stars (1 review)

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Cardiothoracic Specialist

Language and Communication

Importance of clear doctor-patient communication

• Discuss the need for effective communication in cardiothoracic care
• Highlight the complexity of cardiothoracic procedures and the need for clear explanations

Available language options in Sioux Falls

• Note that English is the primary language for all listed specialists
• Mention any additional languages spoken by doctors, if available in the data

Gender Preferences

Availability of male and female specialists

• List the gender distribution of cardiothoracic specialists in Sioux Falls
• Highlight Dr. Luyando Kalembo as the only female specialist in the provided data

Considering personal comfort in decision-making

• Discuss the importance of patient comfort with their chosen specialist
• Encourage patients to prioritize expertise and experience alongside personal preferences

Location and Accessibility

Hospital affiliations of cardiothoracic specialists

• List major hospitals: Sanford USD Medical Center, Avera Heart Hospital, Avera McKennan Hospital
• Discuss the importance of choosing a specialist affiliated with a preferred or conveniently located hospital

Considering travel and follow-up care

• Highlight the importance of accessibility for ongoing care and follow-up appointments
• Discuss any specialists with multiple hospital affiliations for increased accessibility