Cardiothoracic Surgery Expert Witnesses

The SEAK Expert Witness Directory contains a comprehensive list of cardiothoracic surgery expert witnesses who testify, consult and provide litigation support on cardiothoracic surgery and related issues. Cardiothoracic surgery expert witnesses and consultants on this page may form expert opinions, draft expert witness reports, and provide expert witness testimony at deposition and trial. The issues and subjects these cardiothoracic surgery expert witnesses testify regarding may include: Ecmo, Aortic Dissection, Cabg, Cardiac Surgery, Robotic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Aortic Aneurysm, General Surgery, Lung Cancer, Personal Injury, Valve Surgery, Vats, Ventricular Assist Devices, Airway Ett Lma, and Aortic.

Patricia Penkoske, MD
  • Critical Care Surgery
  • 35+ Years Experience
  • Cell: (314) 753-5255
Chigozirim " Chigo" Ekeke M.D
  • Thoracic Surgeon
  • University of Michigan
  • Esophageal, Lung & Chest Wall
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Alexander R. Marmureanu, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Clinical Faculty

Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery - Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Disease, Pulmonary Critical Care, VATS, Lung Cancer, Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery, Robotic Surgery, Medical Devices, Hospital Administration, General Surgery, CABG, Bylaws
I am a board-certified cardiothoracic and general surgeon with an active clinical practice in Los Angeles, California, specializing in complex cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, including minimally invasive, robotic, and endovascular techniques. I am licensed to practice in California and New York. I serve as President and CEO of California Heart & Lung Surgery Medical Center, Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Centinela Hospital Medical Center, and Director of Cardiovascular Surgery at Southern California Hospital at Culver City. I also hold an academic appointment as Assistant Professor of Surgery and serve as Chair of the Bylaws Committee as well as a Member of the Faculty Assembly Committee at the California University of Science and Medicine. My training includes a General Surgery residency and research fellowship at New York University and Mount Sinai Medical Center, followed by a Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship at UCLA, where I subsequently served on faculty. My cli...
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Farzad Najam, MD, FACS

Former Chief of Cardiac Surgery & Textbook Author

Washinngton Cardiac Institute

Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiothoracic Surgery - Mitral valve repair, Aortic valve replacement, coronary bypass grafting, Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac arrest, Aortic aneurysm, Transcatheter aortic valve, CABG, transcatheter mitral valve, Standard of care, Aortic Dissection, ECMO, Mitral valve surgery, Pulmonary embolectomy, Aortic valve disease, ECLS, TEVAR, Pulmonary embolism, Devices
Farzad Najam, MD, FACS, is an internationally recognized cardiac surgeon, Clinical Professor of Surgery, and healthcare innovator. His career is defined by the intersection of clinical excellence and surgical technology. He serves as Clinical Professor of Surgery at The George Washington University, Director of Cardiac Surgical Outreach at INOVA, and President of the Washington Cardiac Institute, a strategic consultancy he founded to develop premier cardiac service lines. A prolific surgeon who has performed thousands of complex cardiac operations, Dr. Najam is a pioneer in advanced procedures, widely known for his foundational work in robotic-assisted surgery and ECMO. He solidified his reputation as a leading expert by co-authoring the British Medical Association (BMA) award-winning textbook, "Robotic Surgery: Theory and Operative Technique." This clinical leadership is further demonstrated by his consistent recognition as a "Washingtonian Top Doctor" for over a decade. This caree...
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Andreas Plackis, MD

TRIPLE BOARD-CERTIFIED CARDIAC ANESTHESIOLOGIST

Little Rock, Arkansas
Anesthesiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery - Cardiac Anesthesia, Cardiac Surgery, ACLS Code Blue, Airway ETT LMA, Arterial Line, Central Line, Awareness, Difficult Intubation, Drug Error, ECMO, Heart Transplant, Hypotension, Hypoxia, Sedation, Nerve Block, Spinal Epidural, Preoperative, PACU, Positioning, Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
BOOK A FREE LITIGATION CONSULT TO DISCUSS YOUR SURGICAL CASE: calendly.com/plackismd SAME-DAY RESPONSE: Text/Call: (501) 570-6687. Email: plackismd@gmail.com PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: • OVERVIEW: Award-winning, Vanderbilt-trained, triple board-certified cardiac anesthesiologist. • CERTIFICATIONS: Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology (Anesthesiology and Cardiac Anesthesiology) and National Board of Echocardiography (Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography) • PRACTICE: Robust general and cardiac anesthesia full-time clinical practice. Provides care for complex patients at the only heart transplant center in Arkansas. One of a select few Arkansas anesthesiologists who provides TEE imaging guidance for numerous structural heart interventions. • ACHIEVEMENT: Top 1-3%ile national ranking compared to peers in all eligible American Board of Anesthesiology licensing and training examinations. • EDUCATION: Experienced public speaker and presenter with numerous local...
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Raymond H. Chen, MD, DPhil

Stanford-Trained Cardiac Surgeon & Regional Chief

Expedient Medicolegal Services

Los Angeles, California
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Disease - Standard of Care, Adverse Outcomes, Traumatic Injury, Personal Injury, Complications, Informed Consent, Device-Related Injury, Diagnostic Errors, Myocardial Infarctions, Medication Errors, Post-Surgical Issues, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Valve Surgery, Aortic Aneurysm, Infections, Angioplasty
Dr. Raymond H. Chen, MD, DPhil, is a distinguished senior cardiac surgeon with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG), where he has been serving since 2004. Currently, he holds the position of Chief of the Regional Department of Cardiac Surgery. Dr. Chen earned his BA in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University, followed by his MD from Stanford University, and a DPhil in Immunology from Oxford University. His extensive training includes a residency in General Surgery and a Residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School where he served as chief resident in both specialties. Dr. Chen's clinical practice focuses on adult cardiac surgery, and he is certified by the Thoracic Surgery Board. He has performed over 3000 heart operations in the last 20 years. Throughout his career, Dr. Chen has been actively involved in clinical teaching, training medical students, physician assistants, and new cardiac surgeon...
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Jory Adam, PA-C, MPAS, MBA

CaNPA Solutions

San Diego, California
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Critical Care Medicine - heart, lung, thoracotomy, ICU, intensive care, minimally invasive, robotic surgery, vascular, esophagus, IABP, intra-aortic balloon pump, sternotomy, sternal closure, wound infection, ECMO, extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, pulmonary catheter, wound, central line, heart rhythm
I am an experienced (nearly 15 years), detail-oriented physician assistant well versed in managing patients with cardiac, lung, vascular and esophageal disorders. I manage patients from consultation, through the operating room and intensive care, all the way to the outpatient setting, and have exclusively worked in the specialty of adult cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Skilled as an operative first assistant, managing pre- and post-operative issues in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital, I can explain what should happen if all goes well during a patient's hospital course and manage any untoward outcome. I have harvested over 1300 greater saphenous veins, first-assisted in thousands of cases, and hundreds of radial artery harvests and sternal closures. Cardiothoracic surgical cases are quite complex, with several different sub-procedures within the procedure. I can help make sense of this so that interested parties can have an accurate picture of what likely took pl...
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Alexander R. Marmureanu, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Clinical Faculty

Los Angeles, California
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery - Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Disease, Pulmonary Critical Care, VATS, Lung Cancer, Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery, Robotic Surgery, Medical Devices, Hospital Administration, General Surgery, CABG, Bylaws
I am a board-certified cardiothoracic and general surgeon with an active clinical practice in Los Angeles, California, specializing in complex cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, including minimally invasive, robotic, and endovascular techniques. I am licensed to practice in California and New York. I serve as President and CEO of California Heart & Lung Surgery Medical Center, Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Centinela Hospital Medical Center, and Director of Cardiovascular Surgery at Southern California Hospital at Culver City. I also hold an academic appointment as Assistant Professor of Surgery and serve as Chair of the Bylaws Committee as well as a Member of the Faculty Assembly Committee at the California University of Science and Medicine. My training includes a General Surgery residency and research fellowship at New York University and Mount Sinai Medical Center, followed by a Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship at UCLA, where I subsequently served on faculty. My cli...
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Robert L. Shuman, M.D.

42 years Expert Witness Experience

Coronado, California
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery - CardioThoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Lung & Esophageal, VATS, HIT
He is currently retired as of February 2024. He practiced thoracic and vascular surgery for 45 years in Long Beach, CA. His boards in General Surgery were 1977-1987. His Thoracic Surgery boards are current through 2030. He has active licenses in CA, IL, UT, AZ, NC and CO. He is currently certified and has been certified as an Expert Witness in FL since 2011. He has done medical Expert work since 1983. He has reviewed over 1,700 cases. He has given 450 Depositions and testified at trial or arbitration 130 times. He has testified in 38 states. Until joining SEAK in 2025, he has never advertised. All referrals were word of mouth via attorneys. CONTACT INFORMATION: Office phone (562) 270-5460 Cell phone (562) 310-6547 email: theshuinc@hotmail.com
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Farzad Najam, MD, FACS

Former Chief of Cardiac Surgery & Textbook Author

Washinngton Cardiac Institute

Washington, District Of Columbia
Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiothoracic Surgery - Mitral valve repair, Aortic valve replacement, coronary bypass grafting, Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac arrest, Aortic aneurysm, Transcatheter aortic valve, CABG, transcatheter mitral valve, Standard of care, Aortic Dissection, ECMO, Mitral valve surgery, Pulmonary embolectomy, Aortic valve disease, ECLS, TEVAR, Pulmonary embolism, Devices
Farzad Najam, MD, FACS, is an internationally recognized cardiac surgeon, Clinical Professor of Surgery, and healthcare innovator. His career is defined by the intersection of clinical excellence and surgical technology. He serves as Clinical Professor of Surgery at The George Washington University, Director of Cardiac Surgical Outreach at INOVA, and President of the Washington Cardiac Institute, a strategic consultancy he founded to develop premier cardiac service lines. A prolific surgeon who has performed thousands of complex cardiac operations, Dr. Najam is a pioneer in advanced procedures, widely known for his foundational work in robotic-assisted surgery and ECMO. He solidified his reputation as a leading expert by co-authoring the British Medical Association (BMA) award-winning textbook, "Robotic Surgery: Theory and Operative Technique." This clinical leadership is further demonstrated by his consistent recognition as a "Washingtonian Top Doctor" for over a decade. This caree...
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SOTIRIS STAMOU, MD, PHD

Tallahassee, Florida
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Disease - Aortic dissection, ECMO, mechanical circulatory support, ventricular assist device, TAVR (traanscatheter aortic valve replacement), CABG, surgery, shock, heart failure, aortic, mitral, tricuspid, aneurysm, cardiac, cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, heart
I am a very experienced, well published, well-versed cardiac surgeon who performs the full spectrum of cardiac surgery. My results are excellent. I have held many academic positions. I am well published in cardiac surgery, with over 80 national and international publications in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. I serve at the editorial board of the Aorta journal and I am reviewer of many prestigious cardiothoracic surgery journals. I frequently present at National and International meetings and I am asked to provide expert opinion in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
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Stephen K Ball

Cardiac Surgery 30years academic private practice

Cardiac Consult , LLC

Ormond Beach, Florida
Cardiothoracic Surgery - Valvular Heart Disease, Heart valve repair or replacement, Structural Heart, Coronary artery disease e, Minimally invasive heart surgery, Heart surgery, Coronary artery bypass, Open heart surgery, Ascending Aortic surgery, Aortic dissection, Ascending aortic aneurysm
I have spent over 30 years in both academic cardiac surgery (10 years at Vanderbilt) and private practice (initially in Tennessee and subsequently in Florida). I participated in the initial US trial for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and have continued involvement with TAVR and structural heart programs. My surgical practice has focused on valve repair and replacement and coronary artery bypass, but I have experience in the breadth of cardiac surgery.
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Lori A Mollmann

Medical/Surgical ICU Nurse Expert

Mollmann Medical Consulting

Tampa, Florida
Nurse, Critical Care Surgery - Nurse, Medical ICU, Surgical ICU, Legal Nurse Consultant, Expert Witness, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, Neurovascular Assessments, Medication Errors, Sepsis, Standards of Care, Post Operative Care, Ventilator, Personal Injury, IV Medication, Wound Care, Evidence Based
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ROBERT E BLAIS, M.D.

CARDIAC & VASCULAR SURGERY

R E BLAIS MD PA

Delray Beach, Florida
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery - Vascular Trauma, Thoracic Trauma
RESIDENCY GENERAL SURGERY, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (FLORIDA) FELLOWSHIP CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY UNIV OF MIAMI US AIR FORCE MEDICAL SERVICE 1968-1970 Am. Board of Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery #3089, 3-77 original certification Professional Society Memberships: Florida Medical Association The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Palm Beach County Medical Association American Heart Association American College of Cardiology American College of Chest Physicians American College of Surgeons American College of Thoracic Surgery Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Trauma: During my residency in General Surgery and then fellowship in Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular surgery in Miami my clinical experience included a Level I trauma center. My practice years at Broward County General Hospital were intimately involved with Trauma in a Level I Center and in Palm Beach County at Delray Medical Center this is also a Level I center in which I have been very active in all of these in addition to usual surgic...
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Jared N Konner, DO

Anesthesiology, General and Cardiothoracic

Naperville, Illinois
Anesthesiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery - Cardiac Arrest, Airway ETT LMA, Awareness, Difficult intubation, Code Blue, Procedural complication, Drug error, Respiratory hypoxia, Regional block, Spinal epidural, PACU post anesthesia care, Nerve injury, Positioning, Central arterial, Swan PA catheter, Transesophageal echo TEE, ECMO, Transplant, Cardiopulmonary bypass, Sedation
Board certified in anesthesiology (Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL) and adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology (NYU Langone Health in New York, NY), with advanced qualifications in perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (Diplomate, National Board of Echocardiography). Full-time clinical anesthesiologist practicing in an all-physician practice. Specialty expertise in cardiac, thoracic, vascular and cardiac electrophysiological surgical cases, including those involving cardiopulmonary bypass, invasive line placement and mechanical circulatory support. Maintains robust practice involving all other aspects of anesthesia care (general, pediatric, regional and ambulatory, endoscopic, obstetrical, orthopedic, and neurosurgical cases). Extensive background in airway management, peripheral nerve blocks, surgical positioning concerns and invasive line/monitor placement.
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Hannah Copeland, MD, MBA, FACS, FACC

Cardiac Surgeon, MCS/ECMO Director, Well Published

Illinois
Cardiothoracic Surgery - mechanical circulatory support, ECMO, advanced heart failure, donor heart management, heart transplant, adult cardiac surgery, adult heart surgery, coronary bypass surgery, valve surgery, aortic surgery (aneurysms and dissections)
Dr. Hannah Copeland graduate from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed her general surgery training at the University of California San Diego. She completed her Thoracic Surgery Residency at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. She went on to complete an advanced heart and lung transplant fellowship at Indiana University. She is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. She also graduated with a Master of Business Administration from University of Arizona Eller College of Management. Dr. Copeland is currently the Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support and ECMO. She has also been the surgical director of a heart transplant program and led programs to produce excellent survival outcomes. Dr. Copeland practices the full extent of adult cardiac surgery - including coronary bypass surgery, valve surgery, aortic surgery (aneurysms and dissections), VAD surgery, heart transplantation and redo operations. She has publish...
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Hannah Copeland, MD, MBA, FACS, FACC

Cardiac Surgeon, MCS/ECMO Director, Well Published

Fort Wayne, Indiana
Cardiothoracic Surgery - mechanical circulatory support, ECMO, advanced heart failure, donor heart management, heart transplant, adult cardiac surgery, adult heart surgery, coronary bypass surgery, valve surgery, aortic surgery (aneurysms and dissections)
Dr. Hannah Copeland graduate from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed her general surgery training at the University of California San Diego. She completed her Thoracic Surgery Residency at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. She went on to complete an advanced heart and lung transplant fellowship at Indiana University. She is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. She also graduated with a Master of Business Administration from University of Arizona Eller College of Management. Dr. Copeland is currently the Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support and ECMO. She has also been the surgical director of a heart transplant program and led programs to produce excellent survival outcomes. Dr. Copeland practices the full extent of adult cardiac surgery - including coronary bypass surgery, valve surgery, aortic surgery (aneurysms and dissections), VAD surgery, heart transplantation and redo operations. She has publish...
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Jeffrey Shuhaiber, MD, MBA

National Expert in Heart and Lung Surgery

MGH

Newton, Massachusetts
Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery - Thoracic Surgery, Valve surgery, Coronary Disease and surgery, Morbidity, Heart and Lung Transplant, Mediastina Surg, Ventricular Assist Devices, Pericardiectomy, Aortic Aneurysm, Bleeding, Aortic, Atrial Fibrillation, pediatric heart surgery, Administrative Harm, Psychological safety, Transcatheter valve, trauma, Lung, congenital
Dr. Jeffrey H. Shuhaiber, M.D., M.B.A. Board-Certified Cardiothoracic and General Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Shuhaiber is a American board-certified cardiothoracic and general surgeon with more than two decades of clinical and academic experience across major United States and United Kingdom health systems, including the Cleveland Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital,University of Massachusetts, and Geisinger Health System. His expertise covers the full spectrum of adult cardiac surgery, adult lung surgery , including coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic and mitral valve repair and replacement, aortic aneurysm and dissection, and perioperative management of high-risk patients as well as expertise in pediatric cardiac surgery Dr. Shuhaiber has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and three surgical textbooks and serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. He has served on multiple quality and peer-review committees, led system-wide safety initiati...
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Chigozirim N Ekeke, MD

Thoracic Surgeon-University of Michigan Faculty

Plymouth, Michigan
Thoracic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery - Lung surgery, Esophagus surgery, Chest Wall Surgery, Achalasia, Paraesophageal hernia, Esophagus cancer, Thoracotomy pain, Lung Cancer, Robotic thoracic surgery, ECMO, Mediastinal disease, Empyema, Chest Trauma, Rib fixation, Bronchoscopy, Anastomotic leak, Airway disease, VATS, GERD, Pneumothorax
Dr. Chigozirim "Chigo" Ekeke is a board-certified thoracic surgeon and Assistant Professor of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Michigan, where he also serves as Surgical Director of the Michigan Surgical Health & Optimization Program (MSHOP), the institution's perioperative optimization and prehabilitation program. Dr. Ekeke maintains a high-volume robotic thoracic surgical practice with particular expertise in esophageal surgery, lung cancer resection, chest wall reconstruction, and minimally invasive techniques. He is among the highest-volume chest wall surgeons in the state of Michigan. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of general thoracic surgery, including complex esophageal, airway, lung, mediastinal, and chest wall disease, treated with advanced endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical techniques. He completed his undergraduate and medical school education at The Ohio State University, followed by training in the Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery program...
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Patricia A Penkoske, MD

Washington University School of Medicine

St. Louis, Missouri
Critical Care Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery - pediatric cardiac surgery, pediatric critical care, trauma, burns, sepsis, shock, peripheral vascular disease, aortic aneurysms, surgical infections, surgical complications, ecmo, ventricular assist devices, transplantation, surgical ethics, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis
After completing Washington University School of Medicine, and training in general, cardiothoracic, and pediatric cardiac surgery, I embarked upon an academic career in cardiac surgery, pediatric cardiac surgery, and critical care. I am the author of many peer reviewed journal articles and abstracts and have presented at national and international meetings. I have participated in teaching and research in the medical school environment. My expert witness experience has been in the fields of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, both adult and pediatric, and also in the area of critical care.
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Hannah Copeland, MD, MBA, FACS, FACC

Cardiac Surgeon, MCS/ECMO Director, Well Published

New York
Cardiothoracic Surgery - mechanical circulatory support, ECMO, advanced heart failure, donor heart management, heart transplant, adult cardiac surgery, adult heart surgery, coronary bypass surgery, valve surgery, aortic surgery (aneurysms and dissections)
Dr. Hannah Copeland graduate from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed her general surgery training at the University of California San Diego. She completed her Thoracic Surgery Residency at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. She went on to complete an advanced heart and lung transplant fellowship at Indiana University. She is board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. She also graduated with a Master of Business Administration from University of Arizona Eller College of Management. Dr. Copeland is currently the Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support and ECMO. She has also been the surgical director of a heart transplant program and led programs to produce excellent survival outcomes. Dr. Copeland practices the full extent of adult cardiac surgery - including coronary bypass surgery, valve surgery, aortic surgery (aneurysms and dissections), VAD surgery, heart transplantation and redo operations. She has publish...
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Craig A Nachbauer, MD, RPVI, MBA

North Country Thoracic and Vascular

Plattsburgh, New York
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery - Thoracic Surgery, Phlebology, Non-invasive Vascular Testing, Lung Cancer
Dr. Craig Nachbauer is certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and has practiced thoracic and vascular surgery since 1991. He is experienced in medical record review, determinations of standard of care, and deposition and testimony in medical malpractice cases. Dr. Nachbauer received his thoracic surgery residency at the Ohio State University Hospitals. After a fellowship in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Emory University, he completed his training as Clinical Associate in Cardiothoracic Surgery at The Cleveland Clinic. Currently, Dr. Nachbauer is in private practice, specializing in thoracic and vascular surgery. He serves as Medical Director of Plattsburgh Advanced Imaging. He was former medical director of the University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Wound Center.
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Jessica Blum, NP

Cardiothoracic Surgery Expert Witness

Cortlandt Manor, New York
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Critical Care Medicine - Heart transplant Coordinator, lung transplant, robotic surgery, TAVR, ECMO, LVADs, CABG, Valvular disease, endocarditis, dissections, discharge Nurse practitioner, thoracic nurse practitioner, Cardiothoracic NP, Cardiothoracic Nurse practitioner, Critical care, Pericardial effusion, Pneumonia, Pleural effusion, Arrhythmias, Hypertension
I am a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery and critical care at leading academic medical centers, including NYU Langone Health, Mount Sinai, Montefiore Medical Center, the University of Pennsylvania, and Maimonides Medical Center. My clinical expertise includes the perioperative management of complex cardiac and thoracic surgical patients, such as those requiring heart and lung transplantation, LVAD therapy, ECMO initiation and management, and advanced mechanical circulatory support. As a cardiothoracic surgery NP, I have managed patients across the continuum of care, performed invasive procedures (central lines, arterial lines, Swan-Ganz catheters), developed and implemented evidence-based protocols, and trained Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students in both academic and clinical settings. My academic roles have included curriculum development and instruction at Pace University, where I co-developed the Adul...
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JAMES K WU, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Allentown, Pennsylvania
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Disease - Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), Heart valve repair/replacement, TAVR, TEVAR, MitraClip/M-TEER, thoracic aortic aneurysm, septal myectomy/HCM, Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Impella, lung cancer surgery, chest wall surgery, empyema, aortic dissection, lead extraction, chest trauma, Impella
I am a cardiothoracic surgeon currently practicing at Lehigh Valley Health Network. I obtained my BA degree in Chemistry at the University of Chicago. After college, I then continued at the University of Chicago for medical school. I am currently the Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery since 2017. My practice includes coronary artery bypass surgery, valve repair and replacements, aortic and aneurysm surgery, reoperations, TAVR, MitraClip, septal myectomy for HCM, ECMO, mechanical circulatory support, lead extraction, procedures for atrial fibrillation, and lung cancer surgery. I have been in practice since 2001. I review cases for both the defense and the plaintiff.
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Kurt A Fichtner, MD

Cardiothoracic, General, and robotic surgery.

Trenton, South Carolina
Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery - Robotic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Government and Civil Health Care, Lung Disease, Foregut, Surgical ICU, Aerospace Medicine, Esophageal Disease, Ion Robot, Aeromedical Evacuation, Mediastinal Mass, General Surgery, Team building, Chest Surgery, Critical care, Robotic program development
Experienced physician, surgeon, and educator in areas of government and civil healthcare systems. Have served DOD, Veterans Affairs, and Civil hospitals and facilities. Knowledgeable, trained, and practicing in areas of Cardiot-horacic and General Surgery. Capable team builder bringing expertise necessary to lead and develop robotic surgical teams. Actively practicing robotic surgery. Experience as Chief of Staff, Chief of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, and Chairman of Robotic Steering Committees. Educator for medical schools, as well as surgical residency and fellowship programs. Mentor and proctor in surgery and robotic surgery. Extensive experience in domestic and foreign environments, military and civilian experience working and developing individuals as well as teams. Experienced in occurrence investigation, adverse outcomes investigation, investigation of deviations from established policies and procedures in civil and government systems. Experienced in Aerospace medicine, FAA m...
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Sophia C Bailey, MSN,BSN,RN,CNOR

Congenital Heart Surgery (Pediatric & Adults)

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Consultants

Houston, Texas
Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery - Standards of care, Chart review, Ventricular assist devices, Root cause analysis, Patient safety, OR Nursing standards, Retained surgical items, Adult congenital surgery, Operating room safety, Pediatric ECMO, Wrong-site surgery, Chest tube management, Complex congenital surgery, Heart Transplants, Sentinel events
Registered nurse with more than 27 years nursing experience, including 19 years specializing in pediatric, neonatal and adult congenital heart surgery within the cardiac operating room (CVOR). Emphasis in practice has focuses on high acuity, high risk pediatric and adult cardiac cases, including complex congenital repairs and mechanical circulatory support. Ms. Bailey has extensive expertise in perioperative standards of care related to pediatric and adult congenital heart surgery, with particular emphasis on ECMO cannulation and management, intraoperative safety, surgical counts, and the prevention and identification of intentionally retained foreign objects (IRFOs). In addition, she has led and participated in patient safety investigations, near miss reviews, and root cause analyses (RCA), and has actively involved in the development, implementation, and reinforcement of perioperative policies and procedures. Ms. Bailey's work includes medical record review, timeline development, ...
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Joseph E Tonna, MD, MS, FCCM, FACEP, FAAEM

Salt Lake City, Utah
Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care Surgery, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) / ECLS, Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), physical therapy, ventricular assist device (LVAD), cardiothoracic surgery, ventilation
HIGHLIGHTS: --Full Time Clinically active --Tenured Associate Professor at high volume referral Tertiary Academic Medical Center --NIH Funded Researcher (>150 peer reviewed journal articles) --International Leader in ECMO/Critical Care --Authored Multiple Guidelines in ECMO/Critical Care --Previous ICU Medical Director --Section Head of Critical Care --Medical Director of ECMO --Expert Witness since 2014 --Authored multiple reports/depositions. Effective reports, honest/direct assessments, rapid turn around, repeat clients. Dr. Joseph E Tonna, MD, MS, FCCM, FACEP, FAAEM, is a clinically active attending physician with dual board certification in both Emergency Medicine and in Critical Care Medicine, and is a leading international expert in the use and management of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and life support, with 150 peer reviewed publications on PubMed. He has particular expertise in emergency medicine, ECMO, mechanical circul...
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Keith Pelletier, PhD, MBA, MHS, CCP

Medical malpractice in Cardiovascular Perfusion

Healthcare Consulting Firm

Chesterfield , Virginia
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical Management - Wrongful death, healthcare administration, policies, cardiovascular, surgery, perfusion
My name is Dr. Keith J. Pelletier PhD, MBA, MHS, CCP, LP. I have been working in the healthcare industry for about 15 years in both clinical and administration roles. I have developed and led educational and simulation programs to educate and train new employees and students. I was awarded the “Top 100 Healthcare Leaders” award for the work and research that I do in healthcare. I have written many articles in medical journals and contributed writing chapters for medical textbooks too. I have consulted many companies and organizations regarding a wide variety of healthcare fields, and I have also served as an Expert Witness for court cases as well. I also am an educator and have been involved in teaching for over 20 years, and I am a Professor at a university where I teach courses, develop courses, serve on dissertation committees, mentor students, and serve on the social media marketing committee. I am available to serve as a consultant or Expert Witness in such fields as healthcare...
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Melissa S skoff, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC

Cardiac ICU & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Healthcare Hustle, LLC.

Spooner, Wisconsin
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nurse Practitioner - Cardiovascular Surgery, Cardiac ICU Critical Care, ECMO LVAD Cardiac Surgery, Acute Care NP, Family NP, Obesity Medicine, Medical Malpractice Review, LNC, Life Care Planning, NP Scope of Practice, Telehealth NP, Multi-State NP Licensure, Hospitalist NP, Wrongful Death Cardiac Cases, Personal Injury, Board of Nursing Compliance
Dr. Melissa Skoff, DNP, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC, CCRN-CSC-CMC, CNE is a doctoral-prepared, dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner with extensive clinical and academic experience across cardiovascular surgery, critical care, acute care, family practice, hospitalist medicine, obesity medicine, and telehealth. Dr. Skoff holds dual board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) — a rare combination that provides credible expert witness coverage across both primary and acute care cases. She additionally holds three critical care certifications: CCRN, CSC (Cardiovascular Surgery Certified), and CMC (Cardiac Medicine Certified). Her clinical background includes direct practice in cardiovascular surgery ICU at Mayo Clinic, with hands-on experience in ECMO, LVAD, and cardiac transplant patient management — among the most complex and high-acuity cases in medicine. Additional clinical experience spans hospitalist medicine,...
You can also find Cardiothoracic Surgery Expert Witnesses in:
Arkansas, California, District Of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin