Scott Atay

Scott M. Atay, MD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, specializing in thoracic surgery with a focus on malignant diseases of the chest, including esophageal cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. He completed surgical training at Harvard Medical School and thoracic fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center, with additional clinical research training at the NIH/NCI Surgery Branch.

• Expertise: Robotic surgery, minimally invasive techniques (VATS), multimodality cancer treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation)
• Research Themes: Genetic alterations in mesothelioma, healthcare disparities in cancer care, postoperative outcome optimization

His 2024-2025 publications highlight innovations in thoracic surgery, including ex vivo lung perfusion economics, comorbidity index validation, and multimodality treatment for lung and esophageal cancers. Recent work also explores thrombolysis applications, discharge planning, and psychiatric comorbidity impacts on surgical outcomes.

Dr. Atay practices at Keck Medicine of USC and USC Norris Cancer Center, advancing evidence-based, compassionate care through multidisciplinary collaboration. His clinical approach integrates cutting-edge research with patient-centered outcomes, emphasizing timely interventions and trimodality therapy for complex thoracic malignancies.