Raymond C. Lee

Raymond C. Lee, MD, serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and Director of Mechanical Surgery Support at Keck Medicine of USC. Specializing in adult cardiac surgery, he possesses expertise in mechanical circulatory support, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), complex valve repair, and heart transplantation.

Dr. Lee earned his MD from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, completed general surgery residency at Keck School of Medicine of USC, and pursued cardiothoracic surgery fellowship with advanced training in mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation at Columbia University-New York Presbyterian Hospital. He previously served as surgical director of mechanical support for Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center before returning to Keck Medicine.

His research focuses on mechanical circulatory support systems and ECMO applications for critical cardiac/respiratory conditions, with recent work analyzing ECMO outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Earlier nanotechnology research explored gold nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Dr. Lee emphasizes innovative solutions for optimal patient recovery and quality of life, speaking both English and Cantonese to serve diverse patients.

Publication trends reveal a clinical research trajectory shifting from nanomedicine (2014-2015) toward cardiothoracic critical care, particularly ECMO optimization for viral respiratory failure. His multi-institutional 2023 study on COVID-19/ECMO outcomes demonstrates methodological rigor in large-scale clinical analysis, while maintaining foundational interest in targeted therapeutic delivery systems.

As Director of Mechanical Surgery Support, Dr. Lee leads specialized clinical teams managing ventricular assist devices and ECMO systems across Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital. His patient-centered approach is reflected in 4.7/5 ratings for communication, respect, and time spent during consultations, with telehealth services expanding accessibility for cardiac surgery evaluations.