Robert J. Cerfolio, MD is Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham. Dr. Cerfolio earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Rochester in New York, remaining in the area for medical school and earning his MD at the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1988. The following year, he served an internship at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, also in the Rochester area. Dr, Cerfolio completed his residencies at both Cornell University School of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic. He remained at the Mayo Clinic for a fellowship from 1993 to 1996.

The main focus of Dr. Cerfolio's practice is thoracic-related cancer surgery, particularly esophageal and lung cancer, but also cancers like mesothelioma, which invade the chest wall. He has performed procedures on patients with tumors that invade the ribs and diaphragm and those who have a rare cancer of the thymus gland.

Procedures regularly performed by Dr. Cerfolio include thymectomies for myasthenia gravis, tracheal reconstruction surgery, repair of bronchopleural fistula, video assisted thoracoscopy, chest wall resection and reconstruction, resection of mediastinal masses and video-assisted thoracoscopic procedures for patients with hyperhydrosis (sweating hands and feet).

Dr. Cerfolio has done extensive research into finding ways to make recovery quicker and lessen pain after operations. His innovative procedures, such as the development of ways to open and close the chest which cause less pain and hasten a patients' return to work and other activities, have succeeded in shortening hospital stays and reducing patient trauma. Developing techniques for surgery for the elderly population has also been a concern for Dr. Cerfolio, as he recognizes the special needs of older surgical candidates.

Dr. Cerfolio is a member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgeons, the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network, the General Thoracic Surgical Club, the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

In addition, Dr. Cerfolio has written many articles for professional journals and has presented papers at many prestigious medical conferences and other events. Specific topics include use of positron emission tomography (PET scans) in patients with lung cancer and esophageal cancer, surgery and post-operative care in elderly patients, and the treatment of air leaks.

As a tribute to his knowledge and his cutting-edge research, Dr. Cerfolio has continuously been rated one of America's top doctors by committees of his peers, particularly in the field of thoracic surgery.

Contact Information:
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
703 19th Street
Birmingham, Alabama 35294
Phone: 205.934.5937

Doctor Match Program

One of the most important factors in improving a mesothelioma patient's life expectancy is their selection of doctor and treatment facility. Asbestos.com's Doctor Match Program is now helping patients get matched with top mesothelioma specialists around the country. If you wish to take advantage of this free service please call us at (800) 549-0544 or click here visit our doctor match page.

Two must read books for anyone who has or who is caring for someone with mesothelioma.

Get a Free Copy of Lean on Me or 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma.

Asbestos.com has experienced navy veterans on staff to assist veterans in answering questions about applying for asbestos-related VA Claims and other benefits.

*Asbestos.com is not affiliated with the
U.S. Department. of Veterans Affairs.

Naval Ships Index
Search through our extensive list of ships that used asbestos-containing products.
(e.g. USS Alabama BB 60)

Get matched with the top mesothelioma specialists in your area.

Learn what foods to eat, which to avoid, and the best supplements for the fight against cancer and chemotherapy recovery.

Pleural Mesothelioma May Have New Biomarker
09/01/2010 - In a recent article published in the online publication Modern Pathology, researchers may have found a new biomarker for malignant pleural mesotheliom..
Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos May be Banned in Taiwan
08/31/2010 - According to a news report, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of asbestos within the next decade. Lin C..
Mesothelioma Risk in Schools Can Be Managed
08/30/2010 - Seven schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia built between 1956 and 1974 have been found to contain a small amount of asbestos in sealants applied to the..