Welcome from the Chair
Dr. Leonard Girardi
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is a recognized leader in adult and pediatric heart, lung, and esophageal surgery. Our experience with complex cardiac and thoracic problems and our knowledge of the latest advances in this area have helped to establish Weill Cornell Medicine & NewYork-Presbyterian as a major referral center and top hospital for cardiac and thoracic surgery patients from across the country and around the world. We are proud to feature excellent surgical outcomes, including (according to the New York State Department of Health) some of the lowest mortality rates in New York State and the nation.
But our technical expertise isn't the only reason you should come to us for your care. You can be assured that when you come to Weill Cornell Medicine & NewYork-Presbyterian for cardiac or thoracic surgery, we will treat you like family. That caring approach starts from the first time you contact us. And when you get here, you'll receive treatment from a team of experts in a bright and comfortable setting. We'll carefully assess your individual situation and collaborate to create a personalized plan of care that is best for you, relying on the latest advances in heart and lung care.
We pride ourselves on delivering excellent patient care according to five major principles:
Availability
When you call us, you'll never get voicemail. You'll always be able to speak with a real person. We also offer second opinions, generally within 24 hours of receiving your reports and films.
Affability
The care we provide is warm and compassionate.
Ability
Our surgeons are leaders in the field and offer the full range of surgical treatments for cardiovascular and both benign and malignant lung and esophageal diseases and disorders.
Accountability
We monitor our patients closely following coronary artery bypass, valve and aneurysm surgery, lung and esophageal surgery and are proud to report that our surgical outcomes have routinely surpassed the regional and national benchmark statistics for mortality and major complications.
Affordability
We are judicious in the choice of tests and procedures we choose for you and are consistently aware of the need to contain healthcare costs.
No matter how ill a patient is or how rare a condition he or she may have, the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery is well-equipped to provide the best care. The partnership between the gifted physicians, surgeons, and nurses at Weill Cornell, together with the highly accomplished researchers of Weill Cornell Medicine, offers a unique combination of unparalleled resources to patient care. Together, these capabilities make Weill Cornell an institution that is world-renowned for the best minds and most comprehensive cardiothoracic care.
Leonard N. Girardi, M.D.
Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery