Division of Thoracic Surgery

Our expert thoracic surgeons employ the latest and most effective surgical techniques in treating chest diseases, such as:

Lung cancer
Esophageal cancer
Sarcoma tumors
Carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumors
Pleural cancers (including mesothelioma)
Thymomas
Mediastinal tumors

City of Hope’s minimally invasive techniques play a major role in diagnosis and treatment of thoracic cancers, ranging from lung biopsy to lung resection to esophageal removal and reconstruction, using the robotic da Vinci Surgical System. Minimally invasive approaches are used whenever possible and may result in quicker recovery times and fewer surgical complications.

Patients benefit from an integrated approach to managing conditions affecting the lungs and thoracic cavity: a coordinated effort between all members of the treatment team determines the need for postsurgery follow-up with radiation and/or chemotherapy to ensure the best possible outcomes.

The extensive experience and unique training of our thoracic surgeons also mean they can handle more complex cases that may be deemed inoperable elsewhere.

Our Thoracic Surgery Team

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Loretta Erhunmwunsee, M.D.

Thoracic Surgeon

Duarte - Main Campus

Loretta Erhunmwunsee, M.D., is a thoracic surgeon and an assistant professor in City of Hope's Division of Thoracic Surgery. She sees patients with lung, esophageal and mediastinal tumors. Her research focuses on eliminating health inequity in thoracic oncology patients.

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Jae Y. Kim, M.D.

Thoracic Surgeon

Duarte - Main Campus; South Pasadena

Jae Y. Kim, M.D., is the chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery and an associate professor in the Department of Surgery. Dr. Kim specializes in esophageal cancer and lung cancer, robotic surgery, mesothelioma and thymoma.

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Dan J. Raz, M.D., M.A.S.

Thoracic Surgeon

Duarte - Main Campus

Dan Raz, M.D., M.A.S., is co-director of the Lung Cancer and Thoracic Oncology Program and an associate professor in the Division of Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Raz specializes in esophageal and lung cancer surgery – and in raising public awareness about cancer risks.

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