Every summer, patients throughout New York and all over the country look to the ‘Top Doctors’ issue of New York Magazine to find the best quality health care available. Castle Connolly’s Top Doctor Directory lists specialists and subspecialists by state and region, condition and treatment so that you can find the best doctor for your needs.
Physicians in the Department of Surgery top the regional list across a wide variety of surgical specialties each year, exemplifying the exceptional quality of care at the Best Hospital in New York.
This year, 35 Columbia surgeons made the Top Doctors list from Castle Connolly in 2021; several also made the ‘Best of New York’ regional list (noted with an *)
- Michael Argenziano, MD | Cardiac Surgery
- Tracey Arnell, MD | General Surgery*
- Jeffrey Ascherman, MD | Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery*
- Emile Bacha, MD | Pediatric Cardiac Surgery*
- Danielle Bajakian, MD | Vascular Surgery*
- Marc Bessler, MD | Bariatric Surgery*
- John A. Chabot, MD | Pancreatic Surgery*
- James M. Church, MD | Colorectal Surgery
- Lorna Dove, MD | Liver Surgery*
- Frank D'Ovidio, MD | Thoracic Surgery*
- Michael I. Ebright, MD | Thoracic Surgery
- Jean C. Emond, MD | Liver Surgery*
- Alyson Nicole Fox, MD | Liver Surgery*
- Mark E. Ginsburg, MD | Thoracic Surgery*
- Zachary L. Gleit, MD | General Surgery
- Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD | Thoracic Surgery*
- Robert T. Grant, MD | Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Tomoaki Kato, MD | Liver Surgery*
- P. Ravi Kiran, MD | Colorectal Surgery*
- Michael D. Kluger, MD | Pancreatic Surgery
- James A. Lee, MD | Endocrine Surgery*
- Steven Lee-Kong, MD | Colorectal Surgery
- William Middlesworth, MD | Pediatric Surgery
- Yuri Novitsky, MD | Hernia Surgery*
- Lloyd E. Ratner, MD | Kidney Surgery
- Christine Hsu Rohde, MD | Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery*
- Beth Schrope, MD | Pancreatic Surgery*
- Miguel R. Silva, MD | General Surgery*
- Craig R. Smith, MD | Cardiac Surgery*
- Joshua R. Sonett, MD | Thoracic Surgery*
- Steven Stylianos, MD | Pediatric Surgery*
- Bret Taback, MD | Melanoma Surgery
- Hiroo Takayama, MD, PhD | Cardiac Surgery*
- Lisa S. Wiechmann, MD | Breast Surgery
- Jeffrey L. Zitsman, MD | Pediatric Surgery
What is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor?
Each physician who is listed in the national and regional Castle Connolly Top Doctor directory has been selected by their medical peers for outstanding quality of care. Every year, Castle Connolly surveys tens of thousands of practicing physicians across the country to ensure their nomination list always reflects the latest in quality care. After a doctor is nominated, our physician-led research team begins their work to screen each doctor and confirm whether they meet the directory’s high standards. Professional qualifications, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation, and disciplinary history are among the criteria for the selection process. The nomination team considers not only the training and clinical skills of the physicians they nominate, but also interpersonal skills such as listening and communicating effectively, demonstrating empathy, and instilling trust and confidence.
Why Should You Consider a Castle Connolly Top Doctor?
Castle Connolly has over 25 years of experience in researching, reviewing, and selecting the best doctors in each region. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Research, Castle Connolly’s peer-reviewed directory was much more reliable than review sites when it comes to identifying quality care.
Virtual Care 24/7
Did you know that you can see many of the doctors at Columbia, including this year’s Top Doctors, through our virtual visit program? Check to see if you’re able to have your first consult from the comfort of home.