Cardiothoracic Surgery
Expert heart and lung care for all of Kern County
The field of cardiothoracic surgery encompasses two of the body’s main organs — the heart and the lungs — as well as the structures that surround and connect those organs. At Adventist Health, cardiothoracic surgery is one aspect of our comprehensive cardiac care services. Our world-class physicians and surgeons, along with our expert cardiac care support team, are here to care for you with our unique blend of compassion and expertise.
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An exciting enhancement to our history of care
For more than 40 years, the cardiac care professionals at Adventist Health have been helping to keep the hearts of Kern County residents healthy and strong. Now we’re enhancing those services with the addition of a cardiothoracic surgery team who possess the combined skills and expertise to offer a range of surgical options, from tried-and-true techniques to the latest innovations in technology. This includes a new program for lung cancer surgery.
With you every step of the way
If surgery becomes the best option for care, our cardiothoracic surgeons work closely with cardiologists, our cardiac cath lab and other professionals — as well as patients and their family members — to ensure the best possible experience and outcome.
You can count on our team to help you successfully navigate the process of diagnosis, pre-surgery testing and education, surgery, recovery and post-surgical care, including cardiac rehabilitation.
Conditions we treat
The cardiothoracic surgery program at Adventist Health in Kern County covers a wide range of diagnoses. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:
- Aortic, mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation
- Ascending and descending aortic dissection
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Lung cancer
- Pulmonary infection
- Valley fever
Cardiothoracic surgery services
With advanced education, specialized training and years of experience, our team of cardiothoracic surgeons are skilled in many surgical techniques, including:
- Coronary artery bypass graft surgery
- Heart valve repair and replacement
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) evaluation
- Lung biopsy
- Lung nodule removal
- Repair of ascending and descending aortic aneurysm
- Robotic lung surgery
- Thoracic aortic surgeries
- Video-assisted thoracoscopy and thoracotomy
Meet our cardiothoracic surgeons
Our world-class cardiothoracic surgeons are all board certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery and have received training and education in some of the best cardiac care centers in America. Beyond their skills and expertise, however, is their passion for helping patients regain their health and add years of enjoyment to their lives.
Shamsuddin Khwaja, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
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John C. Lin, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
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Robert Douglas Stewart, MD, FACS
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
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Nicole Lynch, FNP
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Adventist Health Physicians Network
2701 Chester Avenue, Suite 102
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 241-6700
