Craig J. Baker, MD

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Areas of Treatment:

Specialties:

  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Lung Cancer
  • Thoracic Surgery

Title:

  • Associate

Department:

Locations:

Sub-specialties:

  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Cardiac Transplantation
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
  • Valve Repair and Replacement
  • Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery

Background:

Dr. Baker received his medical degree from Georgetown University followed by seven years of general surgery training at the University of Southern California. While at USC, Dr. Baker spent two years in the cardiothoracic research laboratory. He has co-authored numerous papers on reperfusion injury, lung transplantation, beating heart surgery, living lobar lung transplantation, and pediatric cardiac surgery.

After a three year cardiothoracic residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Baker subsequently accepted a fellowship in pediatric cardiac surgery at the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. While at Childrens Hospital, Dr. Baker had the privilege of working under the direction of renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Vaughn Starnes. The following year Dr. Baker accepted a position in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine. In addition to clinical responsibilities, Dr. Baker remains involved in cardiovascular research and directs the residents teaching curriculum. Dr. Baker has ongoing interest in pediatric and adult congenital heart disease, cardiac transplantation, coronary artery bypass grafting and valve repair and replacement.

Education:

  • Tulane University College of Arts and Sciences, B.S. Biology, New Orleans, LA, 1991
  • Doctor of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C., 1991

Internships:

  • University of Southern California School of Medicine, 1995 - 1996

Residencies:

  • General Surgery (USC School of Medicine), 1996 - 1998
  • Research Fellow (USC School of Medicine), 1998 - 2000
  • General Surgery (USC Department of Surgery), 2000 - 2001
  • Chief Resident (USC Department of Surgery), 2000 - 2002
  • Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (USC) 2002 - 2005

Fellowships:

  • Congenital Fellow, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery (CHLA), 2005 - 2006

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Surgery
  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Society of Thoracic Surgeons, 2007

Awards:

  • Tulane University College of Arts and Sciences: Phi Beta Kappa, 1991; Magna Cum Laude, 1991; Departmental Honors in Biology, 1991
  • Georgetown University School of Medicine: Alpha Omega Alpha, 1995
  • University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine: Recognition of Outstanding Teaching As A House Officer, Sept. 1999; Jeanine Chalabian, M.D. Most Innovative Teaching Award, 2002 - 2003

Languages:

  • English