Internationally Recognized Surgeon Dr. Bernard Park Joins the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center as Co-Division Chief of Thoracic Oncology

HACKENSACK, N.J., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center proudly announced today the addition of Bernard J. Park, F.A.C.S., F.C.C.P. as the Co-Division Chief of Thoracic Oncology.  Beginning in August, Dr. Park joined Co-Division Chief Harry Harper, M.D., creating a division that includes a world-renowned thoracic oncology clinical and research practice with superior surgical expertise.

Dr. Park is one of the world's leaders in robotic video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy, a minimally invasive lung surgery which can decrease recovery time. He published one of the first large studies of robotic lobectomies using the DaVinci™ surgical robot and regularly uses VATS to perform a wide variety of thoracic surgeries, such as lobectomy, segmentecomy, thymectomy and metastasectomy.  

"Dr. Park will undoubtedly be a huge asset to the Division of Thoracic Oncology," said Harry Harper, M.D., Co-Chief, Thoracic Oncology, The John Theurer Cancer Center. "He boasts unparalleled expertise in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, enabling us to provide our patients with the highest level of treatment."

Dr. Park is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon specializing in general thoracic surgery. He brings more than 17 years of experience in thoracic oncology, treating lung and esophageal cancers, lung metastases, and mediastinal cancers. Dr. Park previously served as an Attending Thoracic Surgeon at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer in New York and an Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He completed his residency and a fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital at Weill Cornell Medical Center before going on to additional fellowships at the Mayo Clinic and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  

"Dr. Park's extensive experience in thoracic surgery will not only build upon Dr. Harper's expertise in treating thoracic cancers, but also allow us to expand our services in other areas as well," said Andrew L. Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., Chairman and Executive Administrative Director, the John Theurer Cancer Center.  "We are very excited to add another physician of his international caliber to our team. His appointment is another important milestone that supports our mission to deliver extraordinary care."

Throughout his education and career, Dr. Park has engaged in clinical research related to thoracic oncology. Current projects include "DNA Repair and Genetic Susceptibility to Lung Cancer," "Quality-of-Life and Pain Outcomes Following Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery," "Genetic Susceptibility to Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers," and "Aging and Cancer." His studies have been published in numerous medical journals. He is also a reviewer for the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Chest, Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, and Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

Among his many honors, Dr. Park received the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' Geriatric Patient Care Award and the Merck Award for Outstanding Scholarship. Dr. Park is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Association of Cancer Research, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

The Division of Thoracic Oncology at the John Theurer Cancer Center continually aims to provide extraordinary, personalized care to patients with thoracic cancer. The division's team brings together experts in medical oncology, radiation oncology, thoracic surgery, radiology pulmonology, and nursing.  The division is equipped with the latest, most innovative treatment technologies, such as the DaVinci™ robotic radiology system, in order to provide its patients with the most rapid, precise treatment available.

About the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center

The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancer. The 15 specialized divisions covering the complete spectrum of cancer care have developed a close-knit team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to the John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. Housed within a 775-bed not-for-profit teaching, tertiary care, and research hospital, the John Theurer Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technological advances, compassionate care, research innovations, medical expertise, and a full range of after care services that distinguish the John Theurer Cancer Center from other facilities. For more information please visit to humccancer.org.

SOURCE John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center