Kemp Kernstine

Kemp Kernstine, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor and Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, holding the Robert Tucker Hayes Foundation Distinguished Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery. He completed undergraduate and medical training at Duke University, residency at the University of Minnesota, and further training in thoracic surgery at Harvard Medical School.

His research focuses on minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques, lung and esophageal cancers, mesothelioma, thymic cancers, and benign esophageal diseases such as achalasia and hiatal hernia. He has pioneered studies on thymectomy for myasthenia gravis and tumor biomarkers.

Dr. Kernstine has secured National Cancer Institute grants and authored numerous publications on thoracic oncology and surgical innovation. His leadership roles include membership in major organizations like the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Clinically, he specializes in robotic lung and esophageal resections, emphasizing patient outcomes and surgical advancements.

• Labs/Teams: Active in UT Southwestern's Thoracic Oncology Program and robotic surgery development initiatives.