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Scott M. Atay , MD
Dr. Atay is a thoracic surgeon specializing in malignant diseases of the chest, including esophageal and gastric cancers. His practice also encompasses complex aerodigestive pathologies such as tracheoesophageal fistulas and other benign conditions requiring advanced surgical intervention. He has developed a special focus on the surgical management of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer and metastatic germ cell tumors. His surgical capabilities extend beyond standard thoracic operations to include airway and vascular reconstructions for extensive malignancies. He currently utilizes minimally invasive approaches for the majority of his cases, both robotic and thoracoscopic (VATS). As Surgical Director of the USC Lung Transplant Program, he has led the team to consistently achieve outcomes that exceed national benchmarks. His proficiency in managing challenging cases has made him a trusted referral destination for patients whose surgical complexity has led other centers to decline intervention.
Dr. Atay completed his surgical training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, followed by a thoracic surgery fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He also completed a clinical research fellowship in surgical oncology at the National Cancer Institute's Surgery Branch, focusing on genetic alterations in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Dr. Atay's approach centers on comprehensive, multimodality care for patients with both early and advanced-stage thoracic malignancies, integrating surgery with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. He believes that exceptional cancer outcomes require true collaboration across specialties, bringing together diverse expertise to create individualized treatment plans for each patient.
As part of USC/Norris Cancer Center, Dr. Atay's patients benefit from access to leading clinicians, innovative research opportunities including clinical trials, and comprehensive support services—all dedicated to delivering the highest standard of cancer care.
Watch Dr. Atay’s talks:
NSCLC Tumor Board Discussion: Considerations for Oligometastatic Disease
Advanced Surgical Approaches in Lung Cancer Management
Lung surgery for colorectal cancer metastasis: Dr. Atay (2023)
Thoracic malignancies, Esophageal surgery, Robot-assisted surgery, Minimally invasive surgery, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Foregut Surgery, Thymoma
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