Quick answer. Cardiothoracic surgeons operate on the heart, lungs and chest — performing coronary bypass (CABG) and heart-valve surgery, lung and other chest (thoracic) operations, and heart or lung transplantation. Many now offer minimally invasive and robotic approaches. They are distinct from cardiologists (who treat the heart without open surgery). The Singapore cardiothoracic surgeons below are grouped by focus; patients are referred by a cardiologist, respiratory physician or another specialist.
Cardiothoracic surgery treats conditions of the heart, the great vessels, the lungs and the chest. It spans coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart-valve repair or replacement, surgery for lung cancer and other thoracic disease, and advanced heart-failure care including heart or lung transplantation and mechanical heart-assist devices — increasingly through smaller, minimally invasive or robotic incisions. The directory below groups Singapore cardiothoracic surgeons by their main area of focus.
How we compiled this directory
This is an editorial directory, not a ranking or endorsement. We list cardiothoracic surgeons practising in Singapore, grouped by area of focus, compiled from public hospital and clinic listings. Always verify a doctor’s current registration and specialist accreditation on the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) Register of Specialists, and choose based on your needs, your GP’s referral and your insurance.
Adult cardiac surgery (bypass & valves)
- Adj Assoc Prof Naik Madhava Janardhan — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery)
- Assoc Prof Chao Tar Toong Victor — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Heart Transplant, Cardiac Surgery (Adult))
- Clin Assoc Prof Chua Yeow Leng — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Robotic Surgery, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Cardiac Surgery (Adult)
- Clin Assoc Prof Sin Yoong Kong Kenny — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Cardiac Surgery (Adult), Thoracic and Vascular Surgery)
- Clin Asst Prof Chua Kim Chai — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery)
- Clin Asst Prof Mathew Chakaramakkil Jose — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Cardiac Surgery (Adult))
- Clin Asst Prof Pang Yi Kit Philip — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac Surgery (Adult))
Thoracic (lung) surgery & thoracic oncology
- Clin Asst Prof Chua Yang Chong — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Thoracic Oncology, Lung Transplantation, Thoracic Surgery)
- Clin Asst Prof Ong Boon Hean — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Lung Transplantation, Thoracic Surgery)
- Clin Asst Prof Tan Teing Ee — Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Heart/Lung Transplant, Mechanical Heart Assist Device, Heart Failure)
Cardiothoracic surgeon or cardiologist?
These roles are often confused. A cardiologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats heart conditions without open surgery — including medication, angiograms and stents (angioplasty), pacemakers and other catheter-based procedures. A cardiothoracic surgeon operates on the heart and chest — for example coronary bypass surgery when arteries are severely narrowed, or repairing or replacing a diseased heart valve. The two work closely together: your cardiologist usually investigates the problem first, and refers you to a cardiothoracic surgeon if an operation is the best option, often after discussion in a combined heart team. For lung and chest conditions, referral typically comes from a respiratory physician or after a scan finds something needing surgery.
What a cardiothoracic surgeon treats, and when to see one
A cardiothoracic surgeon treats coronary artery disease needing bypass (CABG), heart-valve disease, diseases of the aorta, lung cancer and other chest tumours, and advanced heart or lung failure — including transplantation and mechanical heart-assist devices. You are usually referred after tests by a cardiologist or respiratory physician, or when a scan finds a condition that needs surgery.
What to look for when choosing a cardiothoracic surgeon in Singapore
Match the surgeon’s focus to your condition — adult cardiac surgery for bypass or valves, a thoracic specialist for lung surgery, or a transplant and mechanical-support specialist for advanced heart failure. Ask about experience with your specific operation and with minimally invasive or robotic options where suitable, and about the hospital’s heart team and intensive-care support. A second opinion is reasonable before major elective surgery.
Public versus private care
Public (restructured) hospitals and private clinics both have experienced cardiothoracic surgeons. Public care is more subsidised and often the route for complex, multidisciplinary cases; private care offers more choice of doctor and shorter waits, at higher cost. Many specialists listed here work in, or trained at, the public institutions. Your GP can refer you either way.
Costs and financing
Cardiothoracic surgery is major surgery. Public (restructured) hospital care is subsidised and means-tested, with MediSave and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield plans applying to eligible surgery and inpatient stays; private surgery costs considerably more with more choice and shorter waits. Get an itemised estimate and check insurance pre-authorisation before planned surgery, and confirm current fees with the clinic.
Common questions
What's the difference between a cardiothoracic surgeon and a cardiologist?
A cardiologist treats heart conditions without open surgery (medication, stents, pacemakers); a cardiothoracic surgeon operates on the heart and chest, such as bypass or valve surgery. They work together, and you usually see a cardiologist first.
When is heart surgery needed instead of a stent?
It depends on the pattern and severity of disease. Bypass surgery is often advised for severe or multi-vessel coronary disease, while stents suit other cases; a heart team weighs the options with you.
Is minimally invasive or robotic heart surgery available in Singapore?
Yes — several surgeons offer minimally invasive and robotic approaches for suitable cases, which can mean smaller incisions and quicker recovery. Whether it is appropriate depends on your condition.
Do cardiothoracic surgeons do lung surgery?
Yes — cardiothoracic (and thoracic) surgeons operate on the lungs and chest, including surgery for lung cancer, as well as the heart. Some sub-specialise more in cardiac and others in thoracic work.
Is the surgery covered by MediSave or insurance?
Eligible surgery and inpatient stays can draw on MediSave and MediShield Life/Integrated Shield plans, subject to limits, with subsidised means-tested public-hospital care. Get an itemised estimate and check insurance before planned surgery.
Related
This directory is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual. Details can change — verify registration on the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) Register of Specialists and confirm specifics with the clinic. See our editorial policy.
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