Craig J. Baker

Craig J. Baker, MD, is a Clinical Professor and Chief of the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He holds the Alfred E. Mann Chair in Cardiac Surgery and serves as President of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association. Dr. Baker specializes in complex adult cardiac surgery, mitral valve repair, aortic surgery, and congenital heart disease. His research focuses on surgical education, including simulation-based training and curriculum development.

He earned his MD from Georgetown University and completed general surgery training and cardiothoracic research at USC. Post-residency, he undertook a pediatric cardiac surgery fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles under Dr. Vaughn Starnes. Dr. Baker has pioneered educational programs, such as structured simulation curricula, and led initiatives to improve surgical training outcomes.

His clinical expertise spans advanced techniques like the Ross procedure, pulmonary autograft inclusion, and minimally invasive approaches. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, emphasizing outcomes in valve surgery, congenital heart defects, and surgical innovation. Dr. Baker’s leadership roles include directing the Thoracic Surgery residency program and advocating for cardiothoracic surgical standards.