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Dr. Johannes Kratz is a thoracic surgeon who specializes in treating disorders of the trachea, chest wall, lung, esophagus and mediastinum (the space between the lungs containing the heart and other structures). He directs UCSF's program for advanced minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Kratz's research interests include robotic surgery outcomes, lung and esophageal cancers, biomarkers to personalize lung cancer treatment and immunotherapies for thoracic tumors. His current research focuses on understanding the molecular and genetic profiles of high-risk tumors in early stages and developing targeted therapies to treat them.

While a surgical research fellow at the UCSF Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Kratz developed a test that more accurately predicts outcomes for patients with early-stage lung cancer. Now available to patients, this test has improved outcomes for those with high-risk lung cancer detected early.

Kratz earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School, graduating magna cum laude. He completed a general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at UCSF. He also has a master's degree in philosophy from Stanford University.

Kratz is a member of the American College of Surgeons, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Massachusetts Medical Society and American Society of Clinical Oncology. In 2017, he received a UCSF Health Exceptional Physician Award. He is the Van Auken Endowed Chair in Thoracic Oncology at UCSF.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, 2019

    American Board of Surgery, Surgery, 2015

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2017

    University of Alabama School of Medicine, 2016

  • Residencies

    Massachusetts General Hospital, General Surgery, 2014

  • Internship

    Massachusetts General Hospital, General Surgery, 2007

  • Education

    Harvard Medical School, 2006

  • Languages

    English

Helping others is at the core of everything I am passionate about.

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    105 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 01, 2025
    Excellent
    Feb 28, 2025
    Definitely would recommend UCSF surgery.
    Feb 21, 2025
    Dr. Kratz was very informative and easy to talk to. I've learned so much from him and was very impressed the way the other team members were there also.
    Feb 05, 2025
    I was very impressed by both of them very easy to talk to I feel like I finally found the right hospital
    Jan 20, 2025
    Dr. Kratz, well as his staff in the past have always been so nice, listening to any concerns I may have. I feel safe and well taken care of with Dr. Kratz is my surgeon and follow up physician
    Jan 16, 2025
    Dr Kratz and his team are so nice, responsive and supportive.
    Jan 09, 2025
    Wow Doctor Kratz the real deal. Smart, warm, personable, encouraging
    Oct 27, 2024
    Good
    Oct 17, 2024
    Dr Katz and his team have been amazing
    Sep 07, 2024
    As usual I had more questions after the visit. I found his option of a more conservative approach a possible game changer to other diagnoses I had received. I appreciated the fact that questions I submitted on MyChart were responded to that same day.
    Aug 31, 2024
    I would recommend Dr. Johannes Kratz to anyone I know going through a similar illness, he has been the first provider to listen to my concerns and make a plan of action to take care of it. It was so easy to schedule for my procedure and I am so happy with this process.
    Aug 29, 2024
    It was a great experience. I would highly recommend!
    May 09, 2024
    Dr very helpful he explained if we live far ,the Dr can help by order the medicine and can treat at the place close to home ,we so appreciate it ,
    Apr 12, 2024
    Excellent, clear, engaged feedback from the doctor
    Dec 27, 2023
    Dr Kratz is willing to help my complicated medical condition. While I am nervous, he has a very reassuring way. He listened to me and provided honest feedback to my questions.
    Oct 14, 2023
    UCSF has the Absolute Best Practitioners on the planet!
    Aug 17, 2023
    Dr Kratz is part of my health care team & we could not be more pleased with my care.
    Jul 13, 2023
    Dr Kratz makes me feel I'm in excellent hands

    My work

    Improving patient outcomes

    Dr. Kratz explains why robot-assisted surgery is being used for more types of procedures and how it speeds up recovery.

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