Current Residents

Medical School: Brown University

Undergraduate School: NYU Grossman School of Medicine

What do you enjoy most about the field of cardiothoracic surgery?

Cardiothoracic surgery draws upon physiology, geometry, and real-time decision-making — all on a bedrock of the highest technical skill. It is an honor to care for these patients and to help them through the most difficult days of their lives. Sometimes, the heart visibly improves the moment it comes off bypass, and the best affirmation is seeing the sickest patients walk out of the hospital, benefited by a good operation.

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?
Stanford does not just train surgeons: it trains leaders whose operative skill and scientific prowess combine into more than the sum of their parts. In the operating room, that means exposure to every procedure from routine to one-of-a-kind, as well as pioneering operations that later become the standard of care. In the lab, I am excited to continue building physician-led AI tools and leveraging Stanford's AI ecosystem to rigorously vet them in real clinical settings.

Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine

Undergraduate/Graduate School: Villanova University (Undergraduate); University of Cambridge (PhD)

What do you enjoy most about the field of cardiothoracic surgery?

I appreciate that cardiothoracic surgery resides at the perfect intersection of surgical complexity, requiring technical precision, and medical management, requiring a deep understanding of pathophysiology. In cardiothoracic surgery, mastery of surgical techniques across a diverse range of intricate operations, where every small detail counts, is directly reflected in the outcomes that change patients’ lives.

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?

Stanford is a globally premier center for cardiothoracic surgery, with surgeons who are experts covering all aspects of the discipline, while maintaining a commitment to building an environment rooted in mentorship, teaching, and innovation. I am most excited to push myself to perform at the cutting edge of cardiothoracic surgery and embrace the innovative spirit at Stanford to help move the field forward.

Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Undergraduate/Graduate School: University of Pennsylvania

What do you enjoy most about the field of cardiothoracic surgery?

What I enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery is that it blends clinical expertise with technical skills and can significantly impact the lives of critically ill patients. I was initially drawn to the field during my preclinical exposure to the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, but as I learned more about cardiothoracic surgery, I developed an appreciation for the clinical complexity of the patient population and the technically demanding nature of the operations. Cardiothoracic surgeons also work with some of the most critically ill patients and tackle diseases that have a wide-reaching impact on many lives.

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?
I look forward to the incredible academic and operative training at Stanford. I am excited to learn clinical and technical skills from the field’s leading experts while having unparalleled academic opportunities to pursue translational research in the field. Beyond the training, the faculty's dedication to mentorship and the close-knit resident community create an ideal environment for professional and personal growth. I am incredibly excited to be part of the Stanford family!

Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine

Undergraduate School: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What do you enjoy most about the field of cardiothoracic surgery?

In the words of my alma mater’s motto - mens et manus. To be a cardiothoracic surgeon is to marry an understanding of spatial geometry and circulatory hemodynamics to technical skill and efficiency. There is no greater privilege than to operate at the highest level with both mind and hand in healing the human body. Cardiovascular disease is perhaps the greatest killer on this planet, and we, as cardiothoracic surgeons, have the honor of standing as the last line of defense.

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?
Training at Stanford offers an unparalleled spirit of camaraderie, friendly competition, and innovation. It takes a village to get a patient through open heart surgery, and it has simply been a joy to work with all of the kind, talented, and dedicated people on the team here. I could not be more excited to join such a remarkable group of residents and to learn from some of the greatest cardiothoracic surgeons of our time.

Education: Pomona College (Undergrad)

Medical School: Yale School of Medicine

What do you enjoy most about the field of cardiothoracic surgery?

I find myself drawn to several components of cardiothoracic surgery. I relish the medical and technical complexity of the specialty, as well as participating in lifesaving procedures with constantly evolving technologies. I enjoy the collaborative nature of the surgeries, which incorporate colleagues from many fields and allow for problem-solving with teams of incredible people. Finally, patients tend to view their hearts as the literal and figurative centers of their lives, and it is a privilege to interact with people through their experiences undergoing cardiac surgery. 

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?
Stanford’s rich legacy of pioneering in cardiothoracic surgery translates into a dynamic, diverse, and innovative working environment with trainees at the forefront. The cutting-edge clinical endeavors are matched only by the strength of the research program, which holds endless opportunities for engagement. During my sub-internship, I was impressed by the commitment to patient care throughout all levels of the department, and I look forward to caring for people with cardiovascular disease in the Bay Area and beyond.

Education: University of California, Los Angeles (Undergrad)

Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

What do you enjoy most about the field of cardiothoracic surgery? 

Cardiothoracic surgery is a hugely impactful field that can provide patients with new opportunities at critical moments in their lives. It is a fast-moving specialty that requires the utmost technical skill, clinical acumen, and deep appreciation and compassion towards patients and their loved ones. As a career, cardiothoracic surgery excites me the most with its constantly high technical and cognitive demands and a lifetime of learning. 

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?
Stanford is a truly unique place for someone interested in academic cardiothoracic surgery, with seemingly endless opportunities. The ethos of the training program is unbeatable, with a focus on training the best possible surgeons who will become leaders in the field through clinical excellence and high-impact research. I am most looking forward to developing lifelong bonds with my fellow residents and faculty - I am thrilled to begin this next chapter of my life.

Undergrad: Harvard College

Medical School: Harvard Medical School

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career? 

"Cardiothoracic surgery is the perfect harmony of my favorite disciplines—cardiovascular physiology, visuospatial analysis, artistic creativity, and nuanced precision of movement. Furthermore, it is a humbling field that demands collaboration and compassion to succeed for our patients."

What do you enjoy most about training at Stanford? 

"Beyond a legacy that speaks for itself, Stanford's cardiothoracic surgery program offers a uniquely ambitious and diverse community of mentors and colleagues. With a new hospital, an ever-evolving research institute, and young faculty from the nation's best institutions, Stanford is also on an exciting upward trajectory that I was eager to join and contribute toward."

Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University

Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career?

"Heart and lung disease is a painfully familiar issue to billions of patients and their family members around the world. Its surgical treatment demands the best that medicine has to offer: unparalleled technical skills, deep compassion and humanism, and razor sharp clinical acumen. To me, there is no more impressive, challenging, or rewarding pursuit than to commit to a life of service to patients who stand to benefit from undergoing cardiothoracic surgery."

What do you enjoy the most about training at Stanford?

"In short: it's the culture. At Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery, we are privileged to train in an exciting and innovative environment where we are the core focus of our dedicated faculty. Starting on day 1, residents are afforded tremendous responsibility in the care of our patients and in the operating room, and are given high expectations of our abilities. I was told early, 'cardiac surgeons take control of the situation, and never operate with fear. It's who we are.' This sense of identity is one of the hallmarks of this program, and I believe it sets our residents, staff, and faculty up to be extraordinary."

Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Medical School: University of Minnesota

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career?

"I chose cardiothoracic surgery because of the unique challenge of surgically re-engineering the heart and aorta. Cardiothoracic surgery is one of the few fields that deals with the intersection of the highest acuity patients, redesigning native structures to treat disease, and technically elegant procedures on a daily basis. Additionally, cardiothoracic surgery is intellectually engaging because of the quick decision making and thorough understanding of physiology required in cases involving cardiopulmonary bypass or deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Finally, by nature of the heart’s hemodynamic and mechanical responsibilities, there is a constant influx of new technology into the field and, therefore, endless opportunities for innovation in the coming decades."

What do you enjoy most about training at Stanford

"Stanford’s legacy as the birthplace of modern cardiothoracic surgery has earned us a world-class reputation of training not only exceptionally skilled surgeons from a technical standpoint, but also of producing leaders in the field of cardiac surgery, evidenced by many current Division Chiefs and Department Chairs who trained here. Additionally, the culture of innovation at Stanford provides an unrivaled opportunity for scientific creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration."

Undergraduate: Northwestern University

Medical School: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career?

"The field of cardiothoracic surgery is the perfect marriage of complex pathophysiology, engineering principles, and the art of team work. It demands technical proficiency and precision, and continues to provide immense opportunities for innovation. I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to have such a profound influence on patients’ lives."

What do you enjoy most about training at Stanford?

"I was extremely impressed by the department’s legacy and philosophy of emphasizing clinical care, education and research in resident training. The bay area also offers numerous opportunities for advancement and collaborations. I am very honored and humbled to be able to train under world class surgeons who are committed to resident education and clinical excellence."

Undergraduate School: University of Colorado at Boulder

Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons 

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career? 

"Cardiothoracic surgery represents the ultimate synergy of my passions: highly demanding and precise technical skill, constant innovation within a collaborative team to solve complex structural and clinical problems in real time, and the opportunity to live in full dedication of caring for patients of the highest acuity. It is a joy and honor to pursue a career in cardiac surgery to provide such fundamental and functional outcomes for patients."

Undergrad: Harvard College

Medical School: Harvard Medical School

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career? 

"Cardiothoracic surgery is a dynamic field that synthesizes critical care, cardiovascular physiology, and technically challenging surgeries. The field is rapidly evolving with new technologies being incorporated into clinical care, and it is exciting to practice at the forefront of that innovation. Most importantly, cardiothoracic surgeons build trusting relationships with patients and their families in a time of fear and uncertainty. Grounded in that trust, it is a privilege to care for those patients and make a meaningful difference in their lives."

What do you enjoy most about training at Stanford?

"A pioneering institution in innovation and research, Stanford continues a long legacy of excellence in cardiothoracic surgery. The entire department is committed to the pursuit of excellence in surgical care, novel research, and resident education. I am honored to learn from such renowned faculty that are so invested in our development as surgeons, scientists, and leaders."

Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University

Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career? 

"I chose cardiothoracic surgery because it combines medically dynamic operations with a profound and immediate impact on patients. Whether it is taking a patient through an aortic arch repair, fixing a congenital heart defect, or extracting 'doughnut jelly'-like emboli from the farthest reaches of the pulmonary tree, every operation requires a different approach based on patient anatomy and physiology. It is a gift to be able to use my hands and my judgment to help others day in and day out."

What do you enjoy most about training at Stanford?

"Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgery affords the opportunity to train with exceptional colleagues and learn from world class surgeons. The culture of excellence permeates well beyond the training environment and into a collective mission of improving patient care through innovation and scientific discoveries. I am excited and grateful to be mentored by such a professionally noteworthy and dedicated faculty."

Undergraduate School: Johns Hopkins University

Medical School: Harvard Medical School 

What do you enjoy most about cardiothoracic surgery as a career?

"Cardiothoracic surgery can be a life-changing experience not only for patients, but also for their loved ones. My family and I know this firsthand, as I had a lifesaving heart transplant for dilated cardiomyopathy at the age of four. These experiences serve as the foundation for my passion to serve others suffering from cardiothoracic illness. Successfully treating patients with these illnesses takes a team effort, including cardiologists, intensivists, surgeons, nurses, hospital staff, and the support of their family and friends. The role of the cardiothoracic surgeon is to provide long lasting surgical solutions and requires excellent technical skills combined with a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular physiology and anatomy. It is a privilege to take my firsthand experience as a heart transplant recipient to serve others as their surgeon, working to provide each patient with a second chance to live life to the fullest."

What do you look forward to about training at Stanford?

"Stanford cardiothoracic surgery is known for its dedication to providing exceptional patient care. This commitment is reflected in its clinical excellence, cutting-edge research, and investment in training the future leaders of cardiothoracic surgery. I am thrilled to be immersed in an innovative culture that relentlessly pushes the boundaries of what is possible in cardiothoracic surgery. I look forward to collaborating in groundbreaking research in transplantation and pediatric cardiac surgery while receiving unparalleled training from world-class surgeons."