Janani S. Reisenauer, M.D.

Janani S. Reisenauer, M.D., is a thoracic surgeon and interventional pulmonologist who centers her work on helping people find clarity and hope during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. As the Division Chair of Thoracic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, she leads a team grounded in compassionate care, advanced minimally invasive techniques, and coordinated decision‑making that supports people with even the most complex conditions.

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Reisenauer approaches each patient with precision, collaboration, and accessibility, reflecting Mayo Clinic’s belief that the best outcomes start with empathy and shared decision‑making. Her clinical focus includes:

• Early lung cancer detection and treatment: Techniques designed to diagnose lung cancer earlier and deliver targeted therapy within minutes of confirmation, reducing the time between answers and action.
• Robotic bronchoscopy: Specialized expertise in minimally invasive robotic bronchoscopy, allowing certain types of lung cancer to be detected with greater accuracy than traditional bronchoscopy, supporting earlier diagnosis and faster treatment decisions.
• Interventional pulmonology and thoracic surgery: As one of the world's first dual fellowship trained and board-certified physicians in both fields, she provides comprehensive care across the full spectrum of airway and lung disease.
• Access-centered care: Team-based evaluations, including telehealth options, to support patients in under-resourced communities and reduce barriers to timely thoracic care.

Research

Dr. Reisenauer’s research reflects her commitment to expanding what is possible for people facing lung cancer and complex chest disease. She is involved in clinical trials focused on delivering breakthrough treatments directly through the bronchoscope or with immediate surgical intervention, approaches that aim to shorten the path from diagnosis to life‑saving care.

Her dual training as an interventional pulmonologist and thoracic surgeon shapes her approach to integrated decision‑making, bringing diagnostic insight, surgical expertise, and multidisciplinary collaboration together in real time.