Division of Thoracic Surgery

The division of thoracic surgery is dedicated to serving the growing clinical needs of Kentuckians and regional families for advanced care of lung, esophageal and mediastinal diseases. We integrate high clinical volume with a robust investment in technology, clinical research programs, and patient-centered care to improve outcomes and provide the best possible experience for our patients. 

Our faculty treat the full spectrum of thoracic diseases with an emphasis on limiting negative impacts of treatment and optimizing patient function and return to normal life. We offer innovative treatments for benign diseases of the lung, esophagus and mediastinum, ranging from endoscopic interventions to minimally invasive surgeries to lung transplantation. For our patients with cancer, we partner with the expertise, resources, and research options of the many specialists who are part of the Markey Cancer Center to collaboratively develop individualized treatment plans for each patient. To better serve our patients, we have engaged with local communities around the state to develop outreach clinics, allowing patients to get as much of their care as possible near home.

The thoracic surgery faculty at UK HealthCare are recognized nationally and internationally. They have led studies to determine optimal decision-making pathways in thoracic emergencies, developed new surgical techniques, studied ways to improve survival after lung transplantation, and designed strategies to train future thoracic surgeons. Our faculty hold leadership roles in multiple national specialty societies, such as the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, Thoracic Surgery Directors Association, and American College of Surgeons.

Education is central to our mission. We provide rigorous training for medical students and residents through our thoracic surgery fellowship and integrated residency programs, fostering an environment that emphasizes patient safety, technical expertise, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and continual innovation, our division strives to shape the future of thoracic surgery and deliver the highest level of care to the communities we serve.