Welcome to Cardiothoracic Surgery
The VCU Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery encompasses several specialty areas, including heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, aortic surgery, heart transplant, minimally invasive surgery, general thoracic surgery and surgery for congenital heart disease.
We have long been on the forefront of the evolution of cardiac surgery. In 1968, our transplant team performed its first heart transplant procedure. Our distinguished transplant program is the longest running on the East Coast and the second oldest in the United States. We continue to pioneer improvements in mechanical assist devices and valve surgery.
Message From the Chair
![[VCUSOM Message from the Dean] - chair msg](/media/surgery-dev/images/_JVM6606_copy.jpg)
Research
Our goal is to develop evidence-based clinical and basic science research programs supported through extramural funding that enhance our ability to care for patients with cardiovascular and thoracic diseases.
Thoracic Surgery Fellowship
Our Thoracic Surgery Residency Program provides extensive clinical experience in the evaluation and management of adult and pediatric cardiothoracic conditions.
Thoracic Surgery Fellowship
Anthony D. Cassano, MD, MSHA
Professor
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Josue "Josh" Chery, MD
Assistant Professor
Z. A. Hashmi, MD
Assistant Professor
Walker Julliard, MD
Assistant Professor
Vigneshwar Kasirajan, MD, FACS
Professor
Surgery Department Chair
Vigneshwar Kasirajan, MD, FACS
Professor
Surgery Department Chair
Department of Surgery
Brian Kogon, MD
Professor
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Brian Kogon, MD
Professor
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Department of Surgery
Email: brian.kogon@vcuhealth.org
Patricia Nicolato, DO
Associate Professor
Patricia Nicolato, DO
Associate Professor
Department of Surgery
Carlos Puig Gilbert, MD
Assistant Professor
Carlos Puig Gilbert, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Surgery
Mohammed Quader, MD
Professor
Rachit Shah, MD, FACS
Professor
Advanced Practice Providers
Andrew L Yale, PA
Carleigh Conroy, NP
Carly Wytas, PA
Courtney Drissi, NP
Daniel C Raible, PA
David Starling, NP
Erin MacMillan, PA
Hailey Spinapont, PA
Jennifer Cox, NP
Katherine Rodman, NP
Lenore Roach, NP
Lindsey Elliott, NP
Lisa L Capps, NP
Pedro Jovel, PA
Randa Abouzaki, NP
Rachael Newman, NP
Stephen Holman, NP
Contact Us
Patricia Nicolato, DO
Interim Chair, Cardiothoracic Surgery
patricia.nicolato@vcuhealth.org
Angel Medina, RN
Associate Administrator
angel.medina@vcuhealth.org
Christine Mahnken
Division Supervisor
christine.mahnken@vcuhealth.org
(804) 828-4620
Cynthia Leimberger
Administrative Assistant, Sr.
cynthia.collins@vcuhealth.org
804-828-4628
Office Location
West Hospital
Seventh Floor, South Wing
Mailing Address
Box 980068
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0068
Phone: (804) 828-4620
Fax: (804) 628-0537