Dr. Robert J. Cerfolio

Dr. Robert J. Cerfolio, MD, MBA, is an internationally recognized thoracic surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted procedures for lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and other complex thoracic conditions. He serves as Chief of Clinical Thoracic Surgery and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NYU Langone Health, in addition to holding a professorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Cerfolio earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester, completed his general surgery and thoracic surgery training at the Mayo Clinic, and pursued additional specialty training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and St. Francis Hospital. He is board-certified in Thoracic Surgery and is globally regarded for his leadership in robotic thoracic innovation.

Dr. Cerfolio is widely known for pioneering the use of four-arm robotic-assisted techniques in thoracic oncology, significantly improving outcomes in lung and esophageal cancer surgery. His research has focused on enhancing surgical precision, reducing complication rates, and establishing new benchmarks for postoperative recovery. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and numerous book chapters, and he regularly serves as an invited speaker and visiting professor at major academic centers around the world. His work has helped redefine minimally invasive thoracic surgery and influenced standards of care across high-volume cancer centers.

In addition to his clinical and academic leadership, Dr. Cerfolio is deeply involved in surgical education and institutional development. He has trained hundreds of thoracic surgeons in advanced robotic techniques and has received multiple teaching awards, including one named in his honor. He is a member of key professional societies, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Through his commitment to surgical excellence, innovation, and health system leadership, Dr. Cerfolio continues to shape the global future of thoracic surgery.