Dr. Jonathan D’Cunha, a prominent figure in the world of cardiothoracic surgery, is currently the Chair of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Mayo Clinic Arizona and a Professor of Surgery at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. With a distinguished career that spans decades, Dr. Jonathan D’Cunha has made many contributions to medicine, which are underscored by his work in lung transplantation, minimally invasive thoracic surgery, and thoracic oncology.
He completed his MD/PhD with a focus on microbiology and immunology, leading groundbreaking research in immunotherapy. His illustrious career has included key roles at the University of Minnesota and the University of Pittsburgh before leading the departments at Mayo Clinic Arizona. This exclusive interview takes a closer look at his journey, his philosophies on patient care, and his vision for the future of healthcare.
How do you describe your patients? What are their key healthcare needs, and how do you address them?
The best way I can describe my patients is having their needs come first. This is the core value of how we approach patient care at the Mayo Clinic and it’s been true for myself throughout my career. You have to understand that when a patient is coming to us whether they are in the inpatient or outpatient setting, they and their family healthcare need to be met in a timely fashion especially when it comes to the kind of patients that we deal with, whether it’s their oncologic needs or their cardiopulmonary needs that are causing systemic illness. I address them on an individualized basis starting with the comfort of hope no matter how complex and difficult their situation may be in that moment. I also provide confidence based on the experience of decades of specialty care. One of the wonderful things about working at Mayo Clinic is that there is such a collaborative approach to patient care with expertise that always humbles me. I have great medical and surgical colleagues who can help support the patient no matter what challenges are in front of us.
What do you see as the greatest opportunities for your healthcare practice in the future?
The greatest opportunities are as follows: 1) The use of technology to advance care. We are on the cusp of something amazing in terms of diagnostics and therapeutics. Soon it will be like in Star Trek with Dr. McCoy with bedside diagnostics and therapeutics in the palms of our hands. When I think back to what the iPhone did to transform the way we function in the world, I see healthcare near that breakout point. 2) The opportunities to skillfully employ artificial intelligence are remarkable. Whether it is in the diagnostic arena, predictors of illness, or making the medical record more efficient so healthcare providers can focus more on the patient and family will be transformative. 3) Surgical practice will transform through more advanced technologies that not only combine the best of the above but advances in robotics, which will once again transform the way we approach surgical disease.
How does your practice stay motivated and inspired to maintain high-quality patient care during difficult times?
In our practice, it is part of our culture to stay motivated and make sure we offer all the latest and greatest options for patients. It is also our duty to ensure that we carefully evaluate and study newer medications and technologies such that we can consistently deliver the highest quality in patient care. We motivate each other in our Department and practice. It is also an expectation and inherent in our Departmental Vision of being Bold. Forward. Preeminent.
How do you approach strategic planning for long-term success in healthcare?
I have prepared and studied for years on how to lead. It starts with our Mission, Vision, and Core Values. When I became Chairman in 2020, I spent several months composing a Vision Statement for the future, which I continually refer to as a roadmap for our success. Everyone to this day can refer to it and understand our Vision: Bold. Forward. Preeminent. That strategic plan is reviewed annually, and the details are adjusted to stay current and be able to pivot in the right direction with opportunities with each Center of Excellence within our practice. I view one of my jobs as Chair to make sure I am constantly learning and listening to make sure we are always evolving.
You’ve accomplished many things in your career. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
It’s hard to pinpoint a single achievement as the greatest because I see my career as a cumulative journey with many milestones. If I had to choose, having the opportunity to lead and shape a department at Mayo Clinic Arizona has been a profound achievement. It’s not just about advancing my own career but about building a team and a vision that can thrive, innovate, and deliver exceptional patient care. The advancements in lung transplantation and minimally invasive surgery that I’ve been fortunate to be a part of are also significant achievements because they directly impact patient lives and the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
What role does research play in your medical practice, especially in relation to your work with immunotherapy?
Research is at the heart of what we do, and it’s a vital component of our practice at Mayo Clinic. My background in microbiology and immunology has provided a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of the immune system and how we can harness it to improve patient outcomes. In the context of immunotherapy, research allows us to explore new treatments and interventions that may offer hope where traditional methods have failed. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and ensuring that we are always moving forward, integrating the latest scientific discoveries into daily practice.
How has your approach to surgery evolved over the years, particularly with advancements in technology?
The evolution of my surgical approach has been closely tied to technological advances. Over the years, I’ve seen remarkable changes in the way we perform surgeries, thanks to innovations in medical devices, imaging technologies, and robotics. These tools have enhanced precision and safety, allowing us to perform minimally invasive procedures with greater success. I believe that embracing these advancements not only improves outcomes but also expands the possibilities for what we can achieve in the operating room. Technology is a powerful ally in our mission to provide the best care possible.
What advice would you give to young medical professionals who aspire to reach your level of success in the field of cardiothoracic surgery?
For young professionals, I would emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability. Medicine is always evolving, and there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a new technique, technology, or treatment methodology. It’s also crucial to maintain a patient-centered focus; remember that every decision and action should ultimately serve the patient’s best interest. Building strong collaborative relationships with colleagues is key, as medicine is a team sport. Finally, I would encourage them to pursue what genuinely inspires them and to stay curious and passionate about their work.
Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in the field of cardiothoracic surgery?
The biggest challenges will likely revolve around balancing cost with quality care and managing the complexities of an evolving healthcare landscape. However, these challenges come with opportunities. Advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, will revolutionize how we diagnose and treat patients, potentially lowering costs and improving outcomes. The integration of personalized medicine also presents a fantastic opportunity to tailor treatments to individual patient profiles, potentially improving efficacy and reducing side effects. We are on the brink of transformative changes that could redefine our field.
Dr. Jonathan D’Cunha provides valuable insights into the future of healthcare and the ongoing innovations in cardiothoracic surgery. His career stands as a testament to the power of dedication, research, and visionary leadership in advancing medical practice and patient care.
By Chris Bates
