Dr. Joshua R. Sonett

Dr. Joshua R. Sonett, MD, is a renowned thoracic surgeon and a leading authority in minimally invasive chest surgery and lung transplantation. He serves as Chief of General Thoracic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and holds the Edward C. and Anne K. Weiskopf Professorship of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Sonett earned his medical degree from East Carolina University School of Medicine and completed his general and cardiothoracic surgery training at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Pittsburgh, respectively. With over three decades of clinical excellence, he is widely recognized for treating complex conditions including lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, and tracheal disorders with a focus on minimally invasive techniques.

Dr. Sonett is celebrated for his pioneering advancements in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), robotic-assisted procedures, and innovative approaches to airway and esophageal reconstruction. Under his leadership, Columbia’s thoracic surgery program has become a destination center for complex thoracic procedures and one of the nation’s premier lung transplant programs. He has helped drive survival outcomes well above national averages and is known for refining surgical protocols that prioritize both longevity and quality of life for patients. His clinical interests also include thymoma, myasthenia gravis, and surgical treatment of high-risk mediastinal masses.

In addition to his surgical expertise, Dr. Sonett is a committed educator and mentor, training the next generation of thoracic surgeons through Columbia’s rigorous academic programs. He is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on topics spanning thoracic oncology, transplantation, and surgical innovation. Recognized consistently by patients and peers alike, Dr. Sonett has been honored as one of America’s Top Doctors and is known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach. His enduring contributions continue to shape the future of thoracic surgery.