As department chair, I am extremely proud of our sustained excellence and continued growth. Our department is one of the largest in the nation, in terms of volume and number of surgeons. We have one of the most comprehensive Lung Cancer Programs worldwide, a multidisciplinary mesothelioma team, the Esophageal Cancer Center, a Women’s Lung Cancer Program, an Airway/Tracheal Program, Chest Wall Sarcoma expertise, and Mediastinal Tumor and Carcinoid Tumor care. We also offer treatment programs for noncancerous conditions of the esophagus, namely achalasia, acid reflux/GERD, paraesophageal hernias and benign tumors.

Faculty are engaged in both basic and clinical science research, bringing the latest research.  We provide research and clinical educational experiences for medical students and postgraduate trainees. Our fellowship program in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

I am proud to work with the many excellent and dedicated individuals on our team who are devoted to excellence in research, education, and patient care. 

Jeff Schwartz, MD 
Professor and Chair
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery