Vijay Patel

Vijay Patel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the College of Nursing’s Department of Biobehavioral Nursing. His clinical and academic work focuses on cardiothoracic surgery, with a strong emphasis on adult cardiac, thoracic, and transplant surgery.

Education:

• MD, Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, 1991
• BS, Pharmacy, University of Houston, 1985
• General Surgery Residency, University of Texas Health Science Center, 1991–1998
• Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, 1998–2000
• Cardiopulmonary Transplant and Devices Fellowship, Duke University Medical Center, 2000–2001
• Robotic Surgery Fellowship, Duke University, 2002
• Advanced training in VATS, robotic ablation, and TMR at Emory, Cedars-Sinai, Tulane, and other leading centers

Dr. Patel’s research and clinical interests span adult cardiac surgery, minimally invasive and robotic techniques, atrial fibrillation surgery, cardiac transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support including ECMO. He has contributed to innovations in TMR and minimally invasive ablation. His recent publications highlight complex perioperative management in critical care settings, particularly involving ECMO and high-risk surgical interventions.

His recent scholarly work demonstrates a consistent focus on improving outcomes in ECMO patients, managing complex cardiothoracic conditions, and addressing rare clinical phenomena such as pleural endometriosis and paradoxical emboli. The integration of critical care, surgical innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration is a hallmark of his research trajectory.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• PHA Quality and Patient Safety Award (2016)
• PHA Quality and Patient Safety Award, Georgia Hospital Association (2014)
• Guide to America's Top Surgeons (2003, 2002)
• Leo M. Davifoff Society, Outstanding Achievement in Teaching of Medical Students (2000)

Dr. Patel is actively involved in medical education, teaching courses such as Surgery Clerkship (SURG 5000), Sub-I in Cardiothoracic Surgery (SURG 5007), and Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery Externship (SURG 5325). He serves on multiple institutional committees including the ECMO Committee, Adult OR Committee, CT-SICU Quality Council, and the Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Program. He regularly contributes lectures on pulmonary nodules and pleural effusion. While no formal grant information is listed, his extensive service and leadership in quality and safety councils suggest active involvement in clinical improvement initiatives.

He is a member of several professional societies, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, and the American Heart Association, reflecting his broad impact in the cardiothoracic field.