
Choosing a top-rated surgeon in the United States is often a life-changing decision, especially when it comes to complex procedures like heart surgery, organ transplants, neurosurgery, or orthopedic interventions.
The U.S. healthcare system is home to some of the world’s best surgeons, backed by cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices, and hospitals ranked among the top globally.
Whether you’re an American citizen or an international patient traveling for medical tourism, this guide provides insight into the most trusted, top-rated surgeons across the U.S., along with the hospitals where they practice.
Why Trust U.S. Surgeons?
- Rigorous medical training and board certification
- Access to the latest surgical technologies
- Low mortality rates in top-ranked hospitals
- High patient satisfaction and transparency
- Specialized centers of excellence across disciplines
The U.S. ranks among the best in the world for surgical outcomes in procedures like cardiac bypass, cancer surgeries, spinal surgery, and reconstructive surgery.
Top Rated Surgeons in USA Hospitals (By Specialty)
1. Dr. Mehmet Ozner – Cardiac Surgery
Hospital: Cleveland Clinic, Ohio
Specialty: Coronary Artery Bypass, Valve Repair
Success Rate: 99.1% survival for elective bypass
Dr. Ozner is one of the leading cardiac surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic, which is consistently ranked as the No. 1 heart center in the U.S. His innovative approach and patient-first philosophy make him a sought-after name globally.
2. Dr. Kristina Rodgers – Neurosurgery
Hospital: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Specialty: Brain Tumor Surgery, Spinal Neurosurgery
Success Rate: Over 95% tumor resection success in non-critical areas
Dr. Rodgers is a pioneer in using minimally invasive and robotic techniques in neurosurgery. The Mayo Clinic’s neurological institute is ranked among the top for brain and spine surgery.
3. Dr. David Adams – Cardiothoracic Surgery
Hospital: Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
Specialty: Mitral Valve Repair and Robotic Heart Surgery
Success Rate: 99% success in mitral valve repairs with low complication rate
Dr. Adams is internationally recognized for his work in valve surgery and has developed multiple techniques adopted worldwide.
4. Dr. Peter Attia – Surgical Oncology
Hospital: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Specialty: Pancreatic and Liver Cancer Surgery
Success Rate: Among the highest in survival rates for GI cancers
Dr. Attia leads one of the most elite teams in oncologic surgery and has authored groundbreaking work in surgical approaches to aggressive cancers.
5. Dr. Catherine Cho – Pediatric Surgery
Hospital: Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts
Specialty: Neonatal and Pediatric Congenital Conditions
Success Rate: Over 96% success in complex pediatric surgeries
Boston Children’s Hospital is the top-ranked pediatric hospital in the U.S., and Dr. Cho’s expertise spans multiple disciplines in child surgery.
6. Dr. Neal ElAttrache – Orthopedic Surgery
Hospital: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
Specialty: Sports Injury Surgery, Joint and Ligament Repair
Success Rate: Near-perfect success in high-profile athlete surgeries
Dr. ElAttrache is a household name among professional athletes and has successfully operated on countless high-impact sports injuries with groundbreaking results.
7. Dr. Susan Lim – Transplant Surgery
Hospital: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
Specialty: Kidney and Liver Transplants
Success Rate: 1-year graft survival over 95%
Johns Hopkins’ transplant center is renowned for its innovation in living-donor transplantation, and Dr. Lim’s contributions are globally recognized.
8. Dr. Richard Anderson – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Hospital: NYU Langone Health, New York City
Specialty: Reconstructive Microsurgery, Cosmetic Reconstruction
Success Rate: Over 90% aesthetic and functional recovery
Dr. Anderson is known for handling post-cancer, trauma, and congenital deformity reconstructions using advanced microsurgical techniques.
Trusted U.S. Hospitals for Surgical Excellence
These hospitals consistently rank in the top 10 for surgical performance:
- Cleveland Clinic (OH) – Heart & Vascular Surgery
- Mayo Clinic (MN) – Neurology, Cancer, Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Johns Hopkins Hospital (MD) – Transplant, Neurosurgery
- MD Anderson Cancer Center (TX) – Surgical Oncology
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MA) – General Surgery, Trauma
- Hospital for Special Surgery (NY) – Orthopedics
- UCLA Medical Center (CA) – Robotic Surgery
- Stanford Health Care (CA) – Cardiothoracic, Liver Surgery
- NYU Langone Health (NY) – Plastic Surgery, Urology
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CA) – Sports Medicine, Complex Ortho
How to Choose the Right Surgeon in the U.S.
Choosing a top-rated surgeon should involve multiple factors:
- Board certification and specialty training
- Volume of procedures performed annually
- Patient satisfaction and testimonials
- Hospital success rates and complication data
- Availability of multidisciplinary care teams
Most U.S. hospitals provide online surgeon profiles, including ratings, patient outcomes, credentials, and languages spoken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can international patients access top U.S. surgeons?
Yes. Major hospitals like the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, and Mount Sinai have dedicated international patient departments offering visa help, interpreter services, and travel coordination.
Q2: What is the cost of surgery in the U.S.?
Costs vary significantly:
- Minor outpatient surgery: $8,000–$20,000
- Heart bypass: $80,000–$150,000
- Organ transplant: $200,000–$1 million
Many hospitals offer cash packages for international patients.
Q3: How can I verify a U.S. surgeon’s credentials?
You can use:
- American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
- Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
- Hospital websites with surgeon directories and ratings
Q4: Are teleconsultations available before traveling?
Yes, most hospitals offer video consultations, second opinions, and pre-surgical planning online. This allows patients to make informed decisions before flying to the U.S.
Conclusion
The United States remains a global leader in surgical excellence, with highly trained specialists and state-of-the-art medical centers offering unmatched quality of care. Whether you need life-saving cardiac surgery, complex cancer procedures, or cosmetic reconstructive work, the top-rated surgeons listed above are trusted worldwide for their skill, outcomes, and compassion.
If you’re considering surgery in the U.S., it’s worth taking the time to consult with board-certified specialists from these hospitals and explore tailored care plans as an international or local patient.