Dr. Jonathan D’Cunha is an accomplished leader in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, currently serving as the Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mayo Clinic Arizona. He has a deep commitment to both patient care and surgical education, reflected in his significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare practices in his field. As a physician-scientist with a strong background in immunology, Dr. D’Cunha's expertise lies not only in surgical procedures but also in the use of cutting-edge medical technology to enhance patient outcomes.
Dr. D’Cunha’s journey into the medical field began with his educational pursuits at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he obtained his MD/PhD. His PhD in microbiology and immunology focused on discovering a novel interferon-induced immunomodulatory cytokine, ISG15, which has the potential to fight viral diseases and augment the immune system to treat malignancies. This foundational work laid the groundwork for his future career, which seamlessly blended scientific discovery with clinical practice.
After completing his medical school training, Dr. D’Cunha continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he specialized in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery. His commitment to education and mentorship shone through during his time as the Associate Program Director for the General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Fellowship Training Programs. His teaching contributions included the development of a novel course designed to ease medical students' transition into residency, which was later adopted by the American College of Surgeons. His efforts in education earned him numerous accolades, including the University of Minnesota's Outstanding Medical School Educator award and the Surgical Educator of the Year award from the Association for Surgical Education in 2011.
Dr. D’Cunha’s career trajectory took him to the University of Pittsburgh, where he became a recognized leader in lung transplantation and lung failure management. His expertise in ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) – a method used to assess the viability of donor lungs – positioned him as one of the first to incorporate EVLP into clinical practice in the United States. This innovative approach significantly improved the success of lung transplants by offering more viable organs for transplantation.
While at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. D’Cunha held several prominent roles, including Surgical Director of Lung Transplantation, Chief of the Division of Lung Transplantation/Lung Failure, and Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. His extensive experience in transplant surgery, ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), and advanced thoracic surgery has provided him with a comprehensive skill set that he now brings to his work at Mayo Clinic Arizona.
As the Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mayo Clinic Arizona, Dr. D’Cunha has been instrumental in expanding and enhancing the department’s services. His vision is to provide patients with the most advanced surgical options, utilizing minimally invasive techniques, robotics, and the latest advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. His leadership has been particularly transformative in the development of the lung transplantation program, which he has spearheaded as part of Mayo Clinic Arizona’s broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
Dr. D’Cunha’s leadership in the lung transplantation program is part of his larger initiative to establish Mayo Clinic Arizona as a leader in cutting-edge thoracic care. The program’s growth includes innovations such as the establishment of a dedicated cardiothoracic intensive care unit designed to provide specialized care to patients undergoing complex procedures. His work in developing a heart transplant program, including a donation-after-circulatory-death (DCD) heart transplant program, underscores his dedication to improving outcomes for patients with severe cardiac conditions.
One of the core values driving Dr. D’Cunha’s practice is the integration of technology into patient care. Dr. D’Cunha sees the potential for breakthroughs in diagnostics and therapeutics that will revolutionize healthcare delivery, much like how the advent of the iPhone transformed communication and daily life. With advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and telemedicine on the horizon, Dr. D’Cunha believes that healthcare is poised for rapid innovation. For example, he envisions a future where physicians will be able to perform bedside diagnostics with devices that resemble the futuristic technology used by Dr. McCoy on Star Trek.
At Mayo Clinic Arizona, Dr. Jonathan D’Cunha leads efforts to incorporate these technologies into patient care. By staying ahead of the curve with new medical technologies, Dr. D’Cunha ensures that his patients receive the most cutting-edge, efficient, and effective care available. He credits the collaborative environment at Mayo Clinic for its role in fostering innovation, where colleagues across specialties work together to offer patients the best possible outcomes.
Dr. D’Cunha’s dedication to education extends beyond his work as a surgical educator. He continues to mentor undergraduates, medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty throughout his career. His leadership philosophy centers on creating opportunities for growth and development in others, ensuring the next generation of surgeons and medical professionals is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to advance patient care.
In addition to his work with trainees, Dr. D’Cunha actively participates in various professional organizations, contributing to ongoing advancements in thoracic surgery and transplant medicine. His involvement in academic research and publication has led to several hundred manuscripts, abstracts, and book chapters, cementing his reputation as an internationally recognized expert in his field.
Lung transplantation, a central aspect of Dr. D’Cunha’s practice, requires a highly specialized and coordinated approach to patient care. For patients suffering from end-stage lung disease or severe respiratory failure, lung transplantation offers the potential for life-saving treatment. However, the procedure involves complex challenges, including the availability of donor organs, the evaluation and preparation of patients for transplantation, and the management of post-surgical care.
At Mayo Clinic Arizona, Dr. D’Cunha is at the forefront of the development of the lung transplant program, which includes utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as EVLP to assess lung viability. This approach increases the number of available lungs for transplant, helping to address the organ shortage that affects many patients. In the future, Dr. D’Cunha envisions expanding the program even further, with the goal of transforming the lung transplantation process and improving outcomes for patients in need of this life-saving procedure.
Dr. D’Cunha’s commitment to transforming thoracic care extends beyond lung transplantation. He is currently working on several initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the care for patients with thoracic cancers, including lung and esophageal cancers. One of his key goals is to make the diagnostic and treatment process more streamlined, so that patients with conditions like lung cancer can be diagnosed and treated in the same visit. This would significantly reduce the time between diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes and reducing anxiety for patients and their families.
In addition to these clinical innovations, Dr. D’Cunha is dedicated to ensuring that Mayo Clinic Arizona remains at the cutting edge of medical research and practice. He continues to guide the department toward adopting new technologies, improving patient care, and maintaining a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Dr. D’Cunha’s leadership at Mayo Clinic Arizona has positioned the institution as a beacon of innovation in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. His vision for the future includes continued collaboration, adoption of advanced technologies, and the expansion of life-saving programs like lung transplantation. He remains dedicated to delivering the highest quality care to patients, ensuring they have the best possible chance at recovery, no matter how complex or challenging their condition may be.
Through his contributions to patient care, education, research, and innovation, Dr. Jonathan D’Cunha is not only shaping the future of Mayo Clinic Arizona but also setting new standards for the field of cardiothoracic surgery. His relentless pursuit of excellence ensures that patients will continue to receive the best care possible for years to come.
