Ian A. Makey, M.D.

Ian Makey, M.D., is a cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, specializing in robotic thoracic surgery and the treatment of advanced lung disease. He provides highly specialized care for patients across Florida, the Southeastern United States, and beyond, with a focus on delivering minimally invasive, precision-based surgical solutions.

Dr. Makey's clinical practice centers on advanced lung surgery, thoracic oncology and complex airway reconstruction. He is known for leveraging cutting-edge robotic and minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes, reduce surgical impact, and preserve lung function whenever possible.

His areas of focus include:

• Lung failure and transplant surgery – including treatment of end-stage lung disease with lung transplantation and lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS).
• Robotic lung cancer surgery – focused on making lung cancer treatment less invasive and multi-disciplinary. He is a strong proponent of neoadjuvant therapy when needed, maintains a very low conversion to open rate, and encourages lung-sparing (segmentectomy) approaches when appropriate.
• Robotic thoracic surgery – including thymectomy for myasthenia gravis and resection of mediastinal tumors such as thymomas or neurogenic tumors.
• Advanced airway and tracheal reconstruction – extensive experience with tracheobronchoplasty including robotic tracheobronchoplasty and surgical treatment for tracheal stenosis.
• Heart ablation surgery for atrial fibrillation – in combination with electrophysiological cardiologists, Dr Makey offers highly effective hybrid (convergent) ablation treatment for long-standing atrial fibrillation.

He serves as a regional and national referral expert for robotic lung surgery, complex airway reconstruction, and lung transplant care for patients in Florida and from across the Southeast and the nation, offering specialized care that is less commonly available.

Dr. Makey is known for his collaborative, patient-centered approach to care, working closely with pulmonologists, oncologists, and transplant specialists to develop individualized treatment plans. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Makey has a strong interest in innovation and has contributed to the development of surgical tools and technologies aimed at improving thoracic surgery outcomes. He publishes his academic work in high impact journals.

"Thoracic surgery continues to evolve rapidly, and innovation gives us new opportunities to improve outcomes for patients with complex lung disease," says Dr. Makey. "I am committed to using advanced technology, precision surgery and integrated specialty care to deliver treatments that are both highly effective and preserve quality of life."

Outside of medicine, Dr. Makey enjoys exercising and spending time with his family.