Biography
Dr. Raja Flores is the Chair of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City and one of the world's leading advocates for lung-sparing surgery in mesothelioma treatment. His landmark research comparing pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) to extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) helped shift the field toward less radical surgical approaches. Dr. Flores has performed hundreds of mesothelioma surgeries and has trained the next generation of thoracic surgeons in mesothelioma care.
Education & Training
- Medical Degree — Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Medicine)
- Residency — Columbia University Medical Center (General Surgery)
- Fellowship — Brigham and Women's Hospital (Cardiothoracic Surgery)
Specialties & Procedures
Clinical Specialties
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Surgical Procedures
Board Certifications
- American Board of Thoracic Surgery
- American Board of Surgery
Research Focus
Lung-sparing surgery for mesothelioma, comparison of EPP vs. P/D outcomes, and quality of life after mesothelioma surgery.
Notable Publications
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy versus pleurectomy/decortication in the surgical management of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2008.
Treatment Center
Dr. Raja Flores practices at Mount Sinai Health System in New York, NY.
Legal Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims. Over $30 billion remains available in trust funds nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Dr. Flores prefer P/D over EPP?
Dr. Flores's published research demonstrated that pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) — a lung-sparing approach — achieves comparable or better survival outcomes with fewer complications and better quality of life compared to the more radical extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).
How many mesothelioma surgeries has Dr. Flores performed?
Dr. Flores has performed hundreds of mesothelioma surgeries over his career at Mount Sinai and is recognized as one of the world's highest-volume mesothelioma surgeons.