Chair Message

It is with great pleasure that I introduce the newly established Department of Thoracic Surgery. Founded in May 2014, our Department––formerly the Division of Thoracic Surgery in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery––follows a longstanding tradition of excellence in research and clinical care. Our Department is one of only a few departments dedicated to thoracic surgery within the United States.

A physician does not just need to learn the pathophysiology of disease, but needs to place that disease in the proper context of the individual patient. At Mount Sinai, we offer unparalleled education and clinical care through seamless multidisciplinary collaboration, unmatched expertise, personalized treatment plans, and cutting-edge research with a focus on minimally invasive techniques.

This evolution reflects the increase we’ve seen in thoracic cases––due in part to the expansion of the Mount Sinai Health System––as well as rapidly expanding diagnosis and treatment options. At Mount Sinai, we offer unparalleled clinical care, advanced research, clinical trials, and educational activities. We focus on treating acquired and congenital diseases of the thoracic cavity including the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, and chest wall. Our approach is advanced, using minimally invasive surgical techniques––such as VATS lobectomy––to treat the wide range of cases our Department sees.

I invite you to explore the growing field of Thoracic Surgery and Mount Sinai’s vast contributions to it. As Chair of this Department, I am extremely proud of our entire staff, sustained excellence, and continued growth trajectory. This is an exciting time for trainees, researchers, and faculty to come together to improve outcomes. Come explore our exceptional programs and offerings, and discover the various distinguishing clinical and educational facets of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai.

Raja M. Flores, MD
Chairman, Department of Thoracic Surgery
Steven and Ann Ames Professor of Thoracic Surgery