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Jonathan D'Cunha, M.D., Ph.D.

  1. Cardiothoracic Surgeon
  2. Surgeon
  3. Thoracic Surgeon

Jonathan D'Cunha, M.D., Ph.D., is a cardiothoracic surgeon with specialty interest in thoracic oncology, general thoracic and foregut surgery, lung transplantation/lung failure, and ECMO.

His clinical focus includes:

  • Expertise in the surgical management of lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal malignancies, and pleural cancers.
  • Minimally invasive surgical approaches
  • Expertise in the surgical management of thoracic infections, diaphragm hernias, diaphragm paralysis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Lung failure including lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation
  • Tracheal tumors, tracheal pathology, and tracheal reconstruction
  • Perfusion strategies to support complex thoracic resections including intrathoracic chemoperfusion
  • Innovative approaches to solving complex cardiothoracic surgical problems

In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. D'Cunha is active in research and education, providing mentorship to residents, fellows and junior faculty. He authors expert content and publishes in high-impact scientific journals.

  1. Achalasia
  2. Chest infection
  3. Chest wall tumor
  4. Chronic lung disease
  5. Chylothorax
  6. Esophageal cancer
  7. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  8. Hiatal hernia
  9. Hyperhidrosis
  10. Lung cancer
  11. Lung disorder
  12. Lung mass
  13. Lung nodule
  14. Lung tumor
  15. Mediastinal lymph node enlargement
  16. Mediastinal tumor
  17. Mesothelioma
  18. Myasthenia gravis
  19. Pneumothorax
  20. Thymic tumor
  21. Tracheal stenosis
  1. Chest reconstruction
  2. Chest surgery
  3. Chest wall resection
  4. Decortication
  5. Esophageal dilatation
  6. Esophageal diverticulectomy
  7. Esophageal reconstruction
  8. Esophageal stenting
  9. Esophagectomy
  10. Esophagoscopy
  11. Esophagostomy
  12. Heller myotomy
  13. Lung biopsy
  14. Lung surgery
  15. Lung transplant
  16. Lung volume reduction surgery
  17. Tracheal resection
  • Lung Cancer
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Mesothelioma
  • Thymic Cancer/Tumors
  • Metastatic Tumors to the Lung
  • Mesothelioma
  • Thoracic Infections
  • Diaphragmatic disorders
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Esophageal disorders
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery including VATS Lobectomy and Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
  • Lung Transplantation
  • Lung Volume Reduction
  • Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion
  • ECMO
  • Intrathoracic Hyperthermic Chemoperfusion
  1. 2007
    Fellow - Cardiovascular and Thoracic SurgeryUniversity of Minnesota
  2. 2004
    Chief Resident - SurgeryUniversity of Minnesota
  3. 2003
    Senior Resident - SurgeryUniversity of Minnesota
  4. 2000
    Junior Resident - SurgeryUniversity of Minnesota
  5. 1998
    Internship - SurgeryUniversity of Minnesota
  6. 1997
    MDMedical College of Wisconsin
  7. 1995
    Ph.D. - MicrobiologyMedical College of Wisconsin
  8. 1990
    BS - Molecular BiologyUniversity of Wisconsin

Certifications

  1. 2009
    Thoracic and Cardiac SurgeryAmerican Board of Thoracic Surgery

Awards and honors

  1. 2019
    RecipientBest Doctors in Pittsburgh
  2. 2018
    Editorial Board Top PerformerJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
  3. 2018
    General Thoracic Category Poster FinalistSociety of Thoracic Surgeons 54th Annual Meeting’s Poster Competition
  4. 2014
    Outstanding TeacherDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  5. 2012
    Outstanding Medical School Teacher AwardUniversity of Minnesota Medical School
  6. 2012
    Employee Recognition AwardDepartment of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  7. 2012
    Outstanding Medical School Teacher AwardUniversity of Minnesota Medical School
  8. 2011
    Philip J. Wolfson Outstanding Teacher AwardAssociation for Surgical Education
  9. 2008
    Investigator AwardCancer and Leukemia Group B
  10. 2007
    C. Walton Lillehei, M.D. and Earl Bakken Prize in Cardiothoracic SurgeryUniversity of Minnesota
  11. 2007
    Coleman Connolly Award in Thoracic SurgeryUniversity of Minnesota
  12. 2003
    Arnold P. Gold Foundation Award for Humanism and Excellence in TeachingUniversity of Minnesota
  13. 2003
    David Gaviser AwardUniversity of Minnesota
  14. 2003
    Cassius Ellis Resident Teaching AwardUniversity of Minnesota
  15. 2002
    Zieve Award for Outstanding Resident ResearchVeterans Affairs Medical Center
  16. 2002
    Earl G. Young Memorial FellowshipUniversity of Minnesota
  17. 2001
    Oncology FellowCancer and Leukemia Group B
  18. 1993
    Predoctoral FellowAmerican Heart Association
  19. 1990
    Medical Scientist Training Program FellowMedical College of Wisconsin
  20. 1990
    Dean's ListUniversity of Wisconsin
  21. 1989
    Analytical Chemistry Undergraduate of the YearAmerican Chemical Society
  22. 1989
    University of Wisconsin Biotechnology FellowBiotechnology Consortium of the University of Wisconsin

Professional memberships

  1. 2019 - 2021
    MemberSenate Council, University of Pittsburgh
  2. 2019 - 2021
    MemberTenure and Academic Freedom Committee, University of Pittsburgh
  3. 2019 - 2020
    MemberBoard of Directors, Thoracic Surgery Foundation
  4. 2019
    MemberClinical and Translational Science Institute
  5. 2019
    MemberTask Force on Professionalism, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
  6. 2019
    Grant ReviewerThoracic Surgery Foundation
  7. 2019
    MemberThoracic Surgery Milestones 2.0 Working Group, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
  8. 2019 - present
    MemberRegion 5 Collaborative Committee, United Network for Organ Sharing
  9. 2018 - 2021
    Representative of the School of MedicineFaculty Assembly Committee, University of Pittsburgh
  10. 2018 - 2019
    MemberCurriculum Committee, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
  11. 2018
    Course Co-Director3rd Annual UPMC Lung Transplant Symposium, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  12. 2018
    MemberFaculty Development Committee, Thoracic Surgery Directors Association
  13. 2017
    Course Co-DirectorDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  14. 2017
    Course Co-Director2nd Annual UPMC Lung Transplant Symposium, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  15. 2017 - present
    MemberThoracic Committee, United Network for Organ Sharing
  16. 2016 - 2019
    Top Gun Video JudgeCardiothoracic Surgery Resident Competition, Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education, Inc. (JCTSE)
  17. 2016 - 2017
    MemberWorkforce on Early Careerists, Society of Thoracic Surgeons
  18. 2016
    Boot Camp InstructorThoracic Surgery Directors Association
  19. 2016
    HostMember for a Day, American Association for Thoracic Surgery
  20. 2016 - present
    MemberOrgan Procurement and Transportation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing
  21. 2015 - 2019
    MemberPittsburgh Surgical Outcomes Research Group, University of Pittsburgh
  22. 2015 - 2018
    Program DirectorAdvanced Cardiothoracic Fellowship in Heart/Lung Transplantation, University of Pittsburgh
  23. 2015 - 2016
    MemberWorkforce on Surgical Treatment of End-Stage Cardiopulmonary Disease, Society of Thoracic Surgeons
  24. 2015 - present
    MemberAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery
  25. 2015 - present
    MemberPulmonary Transplant Council, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
  26. 2013 - 2019
    Co-ChairClinical Competency Committee for Thoracic Surgical Training, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  27. 2013 - 2019
    Course ConsultantPreparation for Surgical Internship, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  28. 2013 - 2019
    Faculty LeaderDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  29. 2013 - 2019
    Co-DirectorAdvanced Thoracic Surgery Fellowship, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  30. 2013 - 2019
    MemberSurgical Services Oversight Committee, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  31. 2013 - 2018
    Faculty LeaderThoracic Surgery Education Day, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  32. 2013 - 2016
    ChairLung Transplantation Cabinet, University of Pittsburgh
  33. 2013 - 2016
    Member1-6 Year Program Analysis Committee, Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education, Inc. (JCTSE)
  34. 2013
    MemberClinical Design Workgroup, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  35. 2013
    MemberSensitization and Antibody Mediated Rejection Workgroup, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  36. 2013
    MemberRobotic Surgery Champion Group, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  37. 2013
    ExaminerMock Oral Boards, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
  38. 2013
    MemberStep 2 Clinical Skills Test Material Development Committee, United States Medical Licensing Examination
  39. 2012 - 2019
    MemberUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
  40. 2012 - 2019
    MemberHillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  41. 2012 - 2015
    Associate Program DirectorThoracic Surgery Residency Program, University of Pittsburgh
  42. 2012 - 2015
    Associate DirectorLung Transplantation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
  43. 2012 - present
    MemberMcGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
  44. 2011 - 2014
    MemberSteering Committee on Surgical Curriculum for Medical Students, American College of Surgeons
  45. 2011 - 2012
    MemberResident Research Enrichment Seminar Series Steering Committee, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  46. 2011 - 2012
    DirectorMorbidity and Mortality Conference, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  47. 2011 - 2012
    Associate Program DirectorGeneral Surgery Residency Program, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  48. 2011 - 2012
    Physician ChampionCrimson Surgical Services Pilot Group, University of Minnesota Medical Center
  49. 2011 - 2012
    Co-DirectorPulmonary Nodule Program, University of Minnesota Medical Center
  50. 2010 - 2017
    ChairACS/APDS/ASE Entering Surgery Resident Prep Curriculum Sub-Committee on Professionalism and Communication, American College of Surgeons
  51. 2010 - 2016
    MemberSimulation Committee, Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education, Inc. (JCTSE)
  52. 2010 - 2014
    MemberCommittee on Curriculum, Association for Surgical Education
  53. 2010 - 2012
    MemberPediatric Curriculum Redesign Advisory Committee, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota
  54. 2010 - 2012
    MemberSurgical Education Council, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  55. 2010 - 2012
    MemberExecutive Research Council, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  56. 2010 - 2012
    MemberScientific Oversight Committee, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  57. 2010 - 2012
    MemberEducation Council, Faculty Advisory Council, University of Minnesota Medical School
  58. 2010
    MemberExcellence in Education Strategic Planning Committee, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  59. 2010
    MemberClinical Excellence Strategic Planning Committee, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  60. 2010 - present
    MemberSociety of University Surgeons
  61. 2009 - 2014
    MemberAssociation of Program Directors in Surgery
  62. 2009 - 2012
    MemberCoalition for Strategic Planning, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  63. 2009 - 2012
    Site DirectorGeneral Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery Residency Program, Department of Surgery
  64. 2009 - 2012
    MemberClinical Practice Committee, University of Minnesota Medical Center
  65. 2009 - 2012
    Rotation DirectorThoracic Surgery Residency Program, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  66. 2009 - present
    FellowAmerican College of Surgeons
  67. 2009 - present
    MemberGeneral Thoracic Surgical Club
  68. 2009 - present
    MemberACS/APDS/ASE Entering Surgery Resident Prep Curriculum Subcommittee, American College of Surgeons
  69. 2008 - 2014
    MemberCommittee on Graduate Surgical Education, Association for Surgical Education
  70. 2008 - 2013
    MemberAssociation for Surgical Education
  71. 2008 - 2012
    MemberSurgical Education Organization, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  72. 2008 - 2012
    DirectorCore Curriculum Lecture Series, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  73. 2008 - 2012
    MemberSurgical Education Committee, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  74. 2008 - 2012
    MemberMasonic Cancer Center Protocol Review Committee, University of Minnesota
  75. 2008 - 2012
    MemberBiology Club, American Association for Thoracic Surgery
  76. 2008 - 2011
    PreceptorPhysician and Patient Ill Selectives, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota
  77. 2008 - present
    MemberSociety of Thoracic Surgeons
  78. 2008 - present
    MemberInternational Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
  79. 2007 - 2013
    MemberAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology
  80. 2007 - 2012
    MemberUniversity of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota
  81. 2007 - 2012
    Associate Program DirectorThoracic Surgery Residency Program, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  82. 2007 - 2012
    Program DirectorMinimally Invasive Thoracic and Foregut Surgery Clinical Fellowship, Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery, Department of Surgery
  83. 2007 - 2012
    MemberMasonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota Medical Center
  84. 2007 - 2012
    MemberC. Walton and Richard C. Lillehei Surgical Society
  85. 2007 - 2012
    MemberAmerican Association for Cancer Research
  86. 2007 - 2012
    MemberInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
  87. 2007 - 2010
    MemberCancer and Leukemia Group B
  88. 2007 - 2008
    MemberWorking Group for Development of PGY-1 Curriculum, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  89. 2007 - present
    MemberOwen Wangensteen Surgical Society, University of Minnesota
  90. 2007 - present
    MemberGeneral Thoracic Biology Club, American Association for Thoracic Surgery
  91. 2006 - 2007
    Resident RepresentativeCurriculum Committee, Thoracic Surgery Directors Association
  92. 2005 - 2006
    Resident RepresentativeSearch Committee for the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Chief, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  93. 2005
    Grant ReviewerNational Institute of Academic Anesthesia
  94. 2004 - 2007
    MemberThoracic Surgery Residents Association
  95. 2002 - 2012
    MemberMinnesota Medical Association
  96. 2002 - 2004
    Resident RepresentativeSurgical Education Council, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota
  97. 2000 - 2004
    Resident RepresentativeGraduate Medical Education Committee, University of Minnesota Medical School, University of Minnesota
  98. 1986
    MemberPhi Eta Sigma Honor Society

Publications