Overview of Department & Mentor
Harmik J. Soukiasian, MD, is an expert thoracic surgeon, specializing in minimally invasive approaches to treating lung cancer, investigating new approaches to lung disease, and treating esophageal conditions. He is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Program Director in the Thoracic Surgery Residency Program at Cedars-Sinai's Department of Surgery. He is a leading expert in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including robotic surgery for lung cancer and other lung diseases. He is also a top surgeon, using video-assisted thoracic surgery, or VATS, an approach developed at Cedars-Sinai to operate on the lungs through small incisions, avoiding damage to the chest wall and allowing for quicker recovery time for patients. In addition to his expertise in treating lung conditions, he is also an expert in both open and minimally invasive approaches to esophageal cancer as well as benign esophageal and foregut diseases, such as reflux, hiatal hernia, and achalasia.

Role Summary & Objectives
 Dr. Yu, a thoracic surgeon interested in expanding his Thoracic knowledge as a research visitor, is interested in joining Cedars Sinai and participating in outgoing research projects related to Robotic surgery and other topics currently being led by Dr. Harmik Soukiasian and his team. This visit would be invaluable to his professional development and help him incorporate new techniques into his practice back home. 

Role Activities & Timeline
Assistant Professor Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Ajou University School of Medicine reason for the visit is to observe the advancement of surgeries utilizing the robot as his home hospital back in Armenia does not yet offer robotic surgeries; they are still utilizing the VATS mechanisms, He chose to observe Dr. Soukiasian as he is the leading robotic surgeon within the United States.

Required Education & Experience
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a HS Diploma or GED.
• Must reside in the greater Los Angeles area or surrounding cities while conducting all activities related to the intern or visitor appointment.
• INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.
• VISITORS: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).
Preferred Education & Experience
Assistant Professor
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Ajou University School of Medicine

Working Title: Visiting Postdoc (Externally Funded)
Department: Home Dept - Gewertz
Business Entity: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Job Category: Academic/Research
Job Specialty: Postdoctoral
Position Type: Full-time
Shift Length: 8 hour shift
Shift Type: Day
Base Pay:$0.00 - $0.00