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Tom C. Nguyen

MD FACS FACC

Chief, Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiac surgeon
Minimally invasive and robotic heart surgeon

Dr. Tom C. Nguyen is an internationally recognized minimally invasive and robotic heart surgeon with expertise in performing complex heart operations through the smallest possible incision. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive mitral, aortic, atrial septal defect (ASD) closures, septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and robotic heart surgery. He is also an expert in transcatheter procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and MitraClip, performing more than 2,400 implants. He serves as chief of cardiothoracic surgery at UCSF.

Nguyen strives every day to deserve the privilege of practicing medicine and is committed to treating patients like family. Born to immigrant parents during the Vietnam War, he developed perseverance and empathy, and brings these qualities as well as patient advocacy to his practice. Undergoing cardiac surgery can be daunting, but he wants to assure patients regarding his availability, commitment to excellence, communication and quality care.

Nguyen leads research trials on treatments for valvular heart disease, including minimally invasive and transcatheter approaches. He has been principal investigator or co-investigator on landmark trials exploring transcatheter aortic and mitral valve replacements. His other research interests include structural heart disease and surgical education.

Nguyen earned his medical degree at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. During his general surgery training at Stanford University, he was selected as intern of the year. He completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Columbia University as well as a fellowship in TAVR at Emory University School of Medicine.

Teaching is Nguyen's passion and he has received teaching awards from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, American College of Surgeons and Benjy Brooks Foundation for Children. He has made a lifelong commitment to service and education at home and abroad. He regularly teaches and volunteers as a surgeon in Africa, Europe and Asia. While at Stanford, he volunteered as a surgeon for six weeks in Asmara, Eritrea. He serves as an examiner for the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) and as section editor for an online educational tool called Self-Education, Self-Assessment in Thoracic Surgery (SESATS). He is the Helen and Charles Schwab Distinguished Professor of Surgery in the UCSF Department of Surgery.

Nguyen serves on the editorial board for four academic journals and is editor of several textbooks on surgery. He has presented more than 200 abstracts at professional meetings and published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles. Before turning 40, he received the Houston Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award as well as its Healthcare Heroes Award. He also was awarded first place in the American College of Cardiology's Section Awards for his work in co-editing a handbook on transcatheter therapies. He appreciates that success is not his own doing, but comes in large part from the support of countless mentors and advocates, and serendipity. He aspires to do the same for others.

Nguyen is married to Dr. Gina Landinez, an interventional radiologist at UCSF, and is the proud dad of two beautiful daughters.

To contact Nguyen directly, call (415) 353-8195.

  • Education

    Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, 2002

  • Residencies

    Stanford University, General Surgery, 2010

  • Fellowships

    Columbia University, Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2012

    Emory University, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, 2013

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Small incisions. Big difference. My philosophy is treating patients like family and making sure they have the best operation possible, with the fastest recovery.

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    139 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 04, 2023
    All members of the cardiac surgery unit and support staff were excellent to engage with. They represent the very best of medical professionals.
    Jan 24, 2023
    Dr is easy to talk with
    Nov 15, 2022
    The Best.
    Nov 15, 2022
    I would highly recommend Dr Nguyen his Team and UCSF.
    Nov 14, 2022
    Dr. Nguyen was outstanding: a careful and thoughtful listener-and clear about next steps.
    Oct 17, 2022
    Excellent!!!
    Oct 15, 2022
    Dr.was wonderful went home with such a great impression!
    Sep 17, 2022
    My experience was nothing but delightful
    Aug 03, 2022
    Dr Nguyen is beyond words amazing. I will always be grateful for his care and for his ability to correct my heart valve
    Apr 24, 2022
    Great experience as a first timer with Dr. Tom Nguyen. Dr. Nguyen really took the time to explain my conditions with me as well as my treatments. Had a great consultation and the doctor's demeanor has really put me at ease.
    Apr 05, 2022
    Nothing was or is being done.
    Apr 02, 2022
    Appt was 3 weeks after major surgery. Would like to have been seen sooner. Questions on daily texts never answered.
    Feb 08, 2022
    I feel in good hands with Tom Nguyen!
    Jan 28, 2022
    As mentioned earlier Dr. Nguyen is an exceptional surgeon who also provided the best support and kindness to me in my recent surgery. His entire Care Team reflects his outstanding leadership.
    Jan 13, 2022
    Good
    Nov 27, 2021
    Dr. Nguyen was fantastic. I feel so happy about him doing my upcoming surgery. I am in excellent hands!
    Sep 30, 2021
    Dr. Nguyen told me that followup care would be provided by my cardiologist. He asked if I had an appointment scheduled.
    Sep 21, 2021
    Dr. Tom Nguyen was fantastic. Can't wait to meet him in person. Surgery is scheduled.
    Aug 26, 2021
    Good
    Aug 20, 2021
    He was extremely courteous and friendly. More than willing to answer all questions.
    Jun 19, 2021
    Provider was excellent at explaining what he was doing what might need to be done and the path forward.
    Jun 04, 2021
    GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    May 29, 2021
    Dr. Tom Nguyen is a dream doctor right out of central casting from his impressive resume to his consummate skill. He could not have been more kind empathetic or inclusive as he completely informed us of all options listened to our fears and explained the pros of the his desired path to ideal treatment. We are so grateful.

    My work

    Mitral valve regurgitation

    Learn more from Dr. Nguyen about the condition, including its subtypes and the treatment options we offer at UCSF Health.

    Aortic stenosis

    Learn more from Dr. Nguyen about the condition, its symptoms and the treatment options available at UCSF Health.

    A day in the life of a UCSF heart surgeon

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