Starnes Named Thoracic Surgery Division Director at UC College of Medicine

Cincinnati—Sandra Starnes, MD, has been named director of the division of thoracic surgery at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine Department of Surgery, effective July 1, 2010. 

In addition to her role as director of the division of thoracic surgery, she will also serve as interim director of the section of cardiothoracic surgery, which comprises the divisions of thoracic and cardiac surgery.

According to surgery chairman Michael Edwards, MD, Starnes has shown outstanding leadership in advancing a new level of scholarship and innovative translational research in the department since joining the UC faculty in 2005.

"Dr. Starnes is a consummate professional. She has a history of excellence as a surgeon, scholar and leader in her field,” says Edwards. "We are pleased to have her as part of our leadership team.”

As an educator, Starnes has contributed substantially to the training of cardiothoracic and general surgery residents. These efforts led to her winning the UC College of Medicine’s 2008-2009 Outstanding Educator Award, as chosen by the general surgery residents.

An expert in the management of mediastinal tumors, general thoracic surgery and treatment of lung cancer, Starnes is a member of the UC Health team and has been involved in several national and regional clinical studies in lung cancer. Her strong local reputation as a clinician and surgeon led to her being included among the 2008 and 2009 "Cincinnati Top Doctors” by Cincinnati Magazine. 

She is a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, General Thoracic Surgical Club and Association of Academic Surgery. She also serves as reviewer for the journals Chest and Annals of Surgical Oncology.

Starnes will focus on growing the UC Health thoracic surgery division as a comprehensive unit. This includes recruitment of new thoracic surgeons, expanding the surgical service and clinical program and ensuring continued excellence in surgical education and translational research. 

Starnes and her colleagues see patients in Clifton and West Chester. For outpatient appointments in Clifton, call (513) 475-8787. For West Chester, call (513) 475-7450.