In my own words

I began my professional career as an aerospace engineer working on the Nasa Space Shuttle for Rockwell International after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Brown University.    Several years later, I decided to apply this background to a career in medicine so that I could help people on a more personal and direct level.  I received my medical degree (M.D.) from Columbia University in New York City and my fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery from Yale University.  My first job as a cardiothoracic surgeon was as a faculty member at The Ohio State University School of Medicine where I performed a wide variety of complex heart and lung surgeries including heart transplants and lung cancer procedures while teaching students, residents and fellows during their training.  I moved to Arizona in 2002 to be closer to my large extended family.  I have given talks on a wide variety of cardiothoracic surgery topics to patient groups and professional societies based on my experiences and research over the years.  I like to stay current with new technologies when I believe they are safe and offer clear advantages to patients such as robotically-assisted thoracic surgery because I believe the patient benefits are significant.

I have a very direct, honest, and thorough approach in communicating with all of my patients and their families. I typically spend a great deal of time with new patients so that I can understand them as a complete person, not just a disease entity. Please see the video on my website to get a better sense of my approach and care philosophy.