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Dr. Brian Mitzman is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute, focusing on non-cardiac General Thoracic Surgery.
Dr. Mitzman completed formal cardiothoracic surgery training at the University of Chicago. His clinical interests concentrate on Thoracic Surgical Oncology, and specifically the application of robotics for complex tumors. He previously completed all the requirements for certification under the American Association of Thoracic Surgery Robotics Fellowship.
As a Huntsman Cancer Institute Investigator, Dr. Mitzman’s research interests focus on clinical outcomes and optimizing treatment approach for lung and esophageal cancer. His research has been presented at both the Society for Thoracic Surgeons and American Association of Thoracic Surgery annual meetings. He has also been an invited author on numerous textbook chapters utilized by both trainees and practicing thoracic surgeons.
Along with his research interests, Dr. Mitzman has a passion for surgical education and has held numerous national positions, including participating on the American College of Surgeons Operative Decision Making Workforce, the ACGME Milestones 2.0 Committee, and the STS Communications Taskforce. He currently serves as an editorial board member for the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, and as an Associate Editor of CTSNet (http://www.ctsnet.org). In addition, he serves as a peer-reviewer for other numerous high impact journals, including the Journal for Surgical Research and Innovations.
Clinical Locations
Clinic 1A, Thoracic
801-587-4470
Fax: (801) 585-7902
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Veterans Administration Medical Center
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Assistant Professor (Clinical) |
Academic Divisions | Cardiothoracic Surgery |
Board Certification | American Board of Surgery American Board of Thoracic Surgery (Thoracic Surg) |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
5.0/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
5.0/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.9/ 5

Wait time at clinic
4.7/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.9/ 5

Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
October 10, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
September 26, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr mitzman is very caring and makes me feel like he wants to help me. I never feel rushed.
UofU Patient
September 19, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
All of the care providers who saw me during my visit were very professional and very kind. Dr. Mitzman was very knowledgeable and so thorough in his preparation for seeing me and explaining all my scans to me. He was also very reassuring and kind in letting me know that he would be available at any time to answer any questions or if I had any concerns. Dr. Gold, the resident, was also very kind and well prepared for the visit having reviewed my scans prior.
UofU Patient
September 12, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr Mitzman provided excellent information and shared his experience and expertise which was vital in our decision making.
UofU Patient
September 12, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Cant say enough good about Huntsman
UofU Patient
September 12, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
I felt confident that Dr. Mitzman had my best interest at heart and would help in every way possible.
UofU Patient
August 30, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Mitzman was/is great. Just the waiting was disappointing without any real explanation. I left the examination room and he came out and met me in the hall and came in and saved the day.
UofU Patient
August 10, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr Mitzman and staff afforded all the time and attention required to listen to our questions and provide responsive and comprehensive answers.
UofU Patient
July 26, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
So compassionate, thank you.
UofU Patient
July 18, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good experience.
UofU Patient
July 15, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
July 14, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Friendly atmosphere, excellent communication technical knowledge and advice. Had problems afterward that the staff was very efficient and friendly in getting resolved. Have great confidence in this team.
UofU Patient
June 22, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Doctor was great. Showed he cared and was going to take care of me. Showed me images and explained everything. Really like Dr. Mitzman
UofU Patient
June 18, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Good
UofU Patient
June 13, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Mitzman and all those that attended us on this visit and all our visits have been exceptional and just a very personable and enjoyable relationship. I will recommend them to anyone who would be in need of their type of service. Thanks to each one.
UofU Patient
June 06, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Mitzman is probably the best communicator I have ever had from the medical field.
UofU Patient
May 30, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
All staff explained every concern or questions I might have. They never made me feel like they were in a hurry. They always took the time to make sure I was fully informed.
UofU Patient
May 23, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Only highest praise
UofU Patient
May 17, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Cole and Dr. Mitzman are awesome
UofU Patient
April 04, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou.
UofU Patient
March 28, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr Mitzman is so kind and caring. Very thorough wirh explaining condition and follow-up.
UofU Patient
March 15, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Mitzman was so thorough, direct and reassuring. Truly cares about the well-being of his patients and their family!
UofU Patient
February 22, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
What can I say everything was great.
UofU Patient
February 04, 2022
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Excellent personnel - knowledgeable, helpful, efficient and compassionate.
UofU Patient
December 20, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
This was one of the best doctor / patient experiences I've ever had. Dr. Mitzman was excellent: complete and thorough descriptions and explanations - giving me total confidence in his handling my case.
UofU Patient
December 08, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Mitzman was able to take away the anxiety I was feeling about the whole situation. He made me feel like I was important and what I was saying mattered.
UofU Patient
November 09, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
All staff members were kind and directed me thru each proceduce.
UofU Patient
October 18, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Outstanding experience, very helpful
UofU Patient
September 17, 2021
HUNTSMAN CANCER CENTER
Dr. Mitzman was wonderful, as was the entire staff.
Dr. Brian Mitzman is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute, focusing on non-cardiac General Thoracic Surgery.
Dr. Mitzman completed formal cardiothoracic surgery training at the University of Chicago. His clinical interests concentrate on Thoracic Surgical Oncology, and specifically the application of robotics for complex tumors. He previously completed all the requirements for certification under the American Association of Thoracic Surgery Robotics Fellowship.
As a Huntsman Cancer Institute Investigator, Dr. Mitzman’s research interests focus on clinical outcomes and optimizing treatment approach for lung and esophageal cancer. His research has been presented at both the Society for Thoracic Surgeons and American Association of Thoracic Surgery annual meetings. He has also been an invited author on numerous textbook chapters utilized by both trainees and practicing thoracic surgeons.
Along with his research interests, Dr. Mitzman has a passion for surgical education and has held numerous national positions, including participating on the American College of Surgeons Operative Decision Making Workforce, the ACGME Milestones 2.0 Committee, and the STS Communications Taskforce. He currently serves as an editorial board member for the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, and as an Associate Editor of CTSNet (http://www.ctsnet.org). In addition, he serves as a peer-reviewer for other numerous high impact journals, including the Journal for Surgical Research and Innovations.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Assistant Professor (Clinical) |
Academic Divisions | Cardiothoracic Surgery |
Board Certification | American Board of Surgery American Board of Thoracic Surgery (Thoracic Surg) |
Education History
Fellowship | University of Chicago Medicine Cardiothoracic Surgery, Thoracic Track Fellow, 2018 |
Residency | Lenox Hill Hospital General Surgery Administrative Chief Resident, 2015 |
Residency | Lenox Hill Hospital General Surgery Resident, 2014 |
Professional Medical | University at Buffalo School of Medicine Medicine M.D., 2010 |
Undergraduate | University at Buffalo Major: Biomedical Sciences; Minor: Biochemical Pharmacology B.S., 2006 |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Kent MS, Hartwig MG, Vallires E, Abbas AE, Cerfolio RJ, Dylewski MR, Fabian T, Herrera LJ, Jett KG, Lazzaro RS, Meyers B, Mitzman BA, Reddy RM, Reed MF, Rice DC, Ross P, Sarkaria IS, Schumacher LY, Tisol WB, Wigle DA, Zervos M (2021). Pulmonary Open, Robotic and Thoracoscopic Lobectomy (PORTaL) Study: An Analysis of 5,721 Cases. Ann Surg.
- Mitzman B (2021). Similar Yet Different: The COVID-19 Pneumothorax. Ann Thorac Surg.
- Angel LF, Amoroso NE, Rafeq S, Mitzman B, Goldenberg R, Shekar SP, Troxel AB, Zhang Y, Chang SH, Kwak P, Amin MR, Sureau K, Nafday HB, Thomas S, Kon Z, Sommer PM, Segal LN, Moore WH, Cerfolio R (2021). Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation. Crit Care Med, 49, 1058-1067.
- Antonoff MB, Mitzman B, Backhus L, Bradbury ST, Chatterjee S, Cooke DT, Crestanello J, Goldstone AB, Kim KM, Nguyen TC, Romano JC, Vaporciyan AA, Varghese TK Jr (2020). The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Virtual Conference Taskforce: Recommendations for Hosting a Virtual Surgical Meeting. Ann Thorac Surg, 111(1), 16-23.
- Brownlee AR, Mitzman B, Cyzman R, Ferguson MK (2020). Outpatient Thoracoscopic Mediastinal Biopsy: A Safe and Cost-Effective Approach. Ann Thorac Surg, 110(5), 1726-1729.
- Angel L, Kon ZN, Chang SH, Rafeq S, Palasamudram Shekar S, Mitzman B, Amoroso N, Goldenberg R, Sureau K, Smith DE, Cerfolio RJ (2020). Novel Percutaneous Tracheostomy for Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19. Ann Thorac Surg, 110(3), 1006-1011.
- Geraci TC, Ferrari-Light D, Wang S, Mitzman B, Chang SH, Kent A, Pass HI, Bizekis C, Zervos M, Cerfolio RJ (2020). Robotic Sleeve Resection of the Airway: Outcomes and Technical Conduct Using Video Vignettes. Ann Thorac Surg, 110(1), 236-240.
- Balkhy HH, Kitahara H, Mitzman B, Nisivaco S (2019). Robotic totally endoscopic beating-heart bypass to the right coronary artery: first worldwide experience. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg, 57(3), 529-534.
- Ferguson MK, Mitzman B, Derstine B, Lee SM, Pienta MJ, Wang SC, Lin J (2019). A Morphomic Index Is an Independent Predictor of Survival After Lung Cancer Resection. Ann Thorac Surg, 109(3), 873-878.
- Mitzman B, Schipper PH, Edwards MA, Kim S, Ferguson MK (2018). Complications After Esophagectomy Are Associated With Extremes of Body Mass Index. Ann Thorac Surg, 106(4), 973-980.
- Krantz SB, Mitzman B, Lutfi W, Kuchta K, Wang CH, Howington JA, Kim KW (2018). Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Shows No Survival Advantage to Chemotherapy Alone in Stage IIIA Patients. Ann Thorac Surg, 105(4), 1008-1016.
- Mitzman B, Lutfi W, Wang CH, Krantz S, Howington JA, Kim KW (2017). Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Provides Equivalent Survival to Open Esophagectomy: An Analysis of the National Cancer Database. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 29(2), 244-253.
- Mitzman B, Cottam D, Goriparthi R, Cottam S, Zaveri H, Surve A, Roslin MS (2016). Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing (SIPS) Surgery for Morbid Obesity: Retrospective Analyses of Our Preliminary Experience. Obes Surg, 26(9), 2098-2104.
- Roslin MS, Gagner M, Goriparthi R, Mitzman B (2014). The rationale for a duodenal switch as the primary surgical treatment of advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic disease. Surg Obes Relat Dis, 11(3), 704-10.
- Mitzman B, Caronia J, Mina B, Stavropoulos C (2015). Incidental tracheal diverticulum discovered 30 years after tracheo-esophageal fistula repair. J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol, 22(1), 73-5.
- Brownlee A, Mitzman B, Ferguson MK (). Discharge Without a Chest Tube: A Safe and Cost Effective Approach to Mediastinal Biopsy. (Epub ahead of print) Ann Thorac Surg.
Book Chapter
- Mitzman B, Ferguson MK (2020). Resection of Benign Tumors of the Esophagus. In Sugarbaker DJ, Bueno R, Burt BM, Groth SS, Loor G, Wolf AS, Williams M, Adams A (Eds.), Sugarbaker’s Adult Chest Surgery (3 edition). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Mitzman B, Ferguson MK (2020). Selection and Placement of Conduits. In Pearson’s Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery (4th edition). Available: Https://sts.gitbooks.io/pearsons-thoracic/: Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
- Mitzman B (). VATS vs Open Decortication for Pleural Empyema. In Ferguson M (Ed.), Difficult Decisions in Thoracic Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach (4th edition). London: Springer.
Case Report
- Mirzai S, Yang B, Mitzman B, Torregrossa G, Balkhy HH (2020). Robotic Repair of Adult Left-Sided Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection. Ann Thorac Surg, 111(2), e77-e79.
- Daskalaki D, Hakmi H, Stright A, Mitzman B, Mair ER, Joseph DK, Baltazar GA (2020). Bullet embolization to the heart: A rare and confounding penetrating cardiac injury case report. Int J Surg Case Rep, 73, 35-38.
- Balaney B, Mitzman B, Fung J, Paul JD (2018). Diagnosis and management of rare inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma guided by a novel minimally invasive vascular biopsy technique. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv, 92(4), 752-756.
Editorial
- Mitzman B (2021). Commentary: Battle of the bulge. JTCVS Tech, 10, 538-539.
- Mitzman B (2021). Commentary: A new "lost" generation. JTCVS Open, 7, 411-412.
- Mitzman B (2021). Commentary: Matters of the Heart: Understanding the Unusual. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.
- Mitzman B (2021). Commentary: Rise of the machines. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.
- Mitzman B, Beller JP, Edgar L (2020). Thoracic surgery milestones 2.0: Rationale and revision. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 160(5), 1399-1404.
- Mitzman B (2020). Commentary: Time to take ownership of the first rib. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 162, 1308-1309.
- Mitzman B (2019). Commentary: Taking matters into your own hands: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for controlled reperfusion during lung transplantation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 160(1), 330-331.
- Mitzman B (2020). Commentary: Knowing when to accept and when to change: 30-day mortality is good enough. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.
- Mitzman B (2020). Commentary: A call-to-arms: Shifting culture in cardiothoracic surgery. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.
- Mitzman B (2020). Commentary: Resecting the Inoperable - Pushing the Boundaries for Individualized Treatment. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 32(4), 1138-1139.
Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast
- Mitzman B (2020). Transitioning to the OR at Your New Insitution [Web]. Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
- Antonoff M, Mitzman B, Maddaus M, Mehran RJ (2020). Managing Crises: Surviving the Pandemic and Resilience Beyond [Live Stream] [Web]. CTSNet.
- Nguyen TC, Chikwe J, Mitzman B (2020). Global COVID Grand Rounds [Live Stream] [Web]. CTSNet.
- Antonoff M, Edwards M, Mitzman B, Gillaspie E (2020). Wellness for the Healthcare Professional During the Pandemic [Video]. CTSNet.
- Mitzman B, Yang S, Brownlee A, Sudarshan M (2020). The Effect of COVID-19 on Cardiothoracic Surgery Education [Video]. CTSNet.
- Mitzman B, Wood D (2020). Definition of Necessary Surgery in the Age of COVID-19: An Interview with Douglas E. Wood [Video]. CTSNet.
- Mitzman B, Cheng A, Sihoe A, Gerosa G (2020). COVID-19: An international Perspective [Video]. CTSNet.
- Mitzman B, McCrorey M M, Patel B, Balkhy HH (2018). Anastomotic Techniques for Robotic Beating-Heart Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass [Video]. CTSNet.
- Dunning J, Mitzman B (2018). Interview with Brian Mitzman: Winner of the 2017 CTSNet Resident Video Competition [Video]. https://ctsnet.org/article/interview-brian-mitzman-winner-2017-ctsnet-resident-video-competition: eTSNet.