People in northeast Georgia who need surgery for lung cancer now have another reason they can count on receiving nationally recognized care without driving to Atlanta or beyond. The lung cancer treatment program at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) has added renowned expert thoracic surgeon Matthew Schuchert, MD, who recently joined Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery to see patients in Gainesville.
Dr. Schuchert joins NGPG after a distinguished career in academic and clinical practice at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he served as a tenured Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and as Program Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery residency and fellowship program. A native of Pittsburgh, he completed his own extensive training at UPMC, including residency and research fellowship in General Surgery, a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Thoracic and Foregut Surgery, and a residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University and received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Yale University.
“Lung cancer remains the number one cause of cancer death worldwide, and the incidence and mortality associated with lung cancer in Georgia are well above national averages,” said Dr. Schuchert. “This highlights the importance of ongoing efforts in screening, diagnosis and therapy. I’m really excited about applying my time and energy to save lives and improve people’s quality of life in this area.”
Dr. Schuchert completed his surgical training during a time of innovation in minimally invasive chest surgery. He specializes in thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approaches, which use “keyhole” incisions that heal more quickly and with less pain than traditional surgery. He has published hundreds of articles, abstracts, reviews, and book chapters about lung and esophageal cancer. He has also been the Principal Investigator in numerous research projects and clinical trials investigating lung cancer immunology and surgical outcomes following surgical resection of early-stage lung cancer.
The NGHS lung cancer surgery program recently achieved top ratings in a survey conducted by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, placing it among an elite tier of thoracic surgery centers in the U.S. Dr. Schuchert hopes to build on the reputation of excellence established under the leadership of fellow NGPG surgeon Karen Gersch, MD, whom he mentored during her training at UPMC.
“Dr. Gersch and the cardiothoracic surgery program here at NGHS have done a very impressive job caring for patients, and the outcomes are outstanding,” said Dr. Schuchert. “Our hope is to further develop the idea of a comprehensive lung program, increasing outreach throughout northeast Georgia to enhance early diagnosis and treatment.”
Dr. Schuchert settled in Hoschton with his wife, Rani Schuchert, MD, who is the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the new University of Georgia School of Medicine. They have three sons who live in Chicago and Pittsburgh. The Schucherts are longtime fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates, but they are looking forward to experiencing their first taste of Georgia Bulldogs football.
“We have heard that the passion around SEC football is just on another level from what we are used to,” said Dr. Schuchert, “and we are really excited to be a part of that.”
For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Schuchert, call 770-219-7099 or visit ngpg.org/schuchert.
About NGPG
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) brings together over 700 talented physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, midwives and other clinical staff at more than 50 locations across north Georgia. As the state’s sixth-largest physician group, we always have a practice nearby to offer you expert care in more than 40 specialties. See the full list of specialties and locations – and meet our providers – at ngpg.org.
NGPG is affiliated with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), a non-profit which serves more than 1 million people in 19 counties. As part of NGHS, patients of NGPG have a direct connection to Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s seven hospitals and dozens of other locations and practices across the region. Learn more at nghs.com.
