Matthew Skovgard, MD

Dr. Matt Skovgard is a thoracic surgeon who specializes in treating cancers and complex diseases of the chest, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mesothelioma, thymic tumors, chest wall sarcoma and benign disorders. He has expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, with a focus on combining surgical precision with compassionate care that is centered on the patient's needs and goals.

In research, Skovgard focuses on developing surgical approaches to help cure cancer and improve quality of life, as well as advancing new treatments for thoracic cancers. He also studies immunotherapy and cellular therapies. His work on CAR T-cell therapies for lung cancer and mesothelioma was featured on the cover of Cancer Immunology Research and will be tested in clinical trials.

Skovgard earned his medical degree at Tulane University, graduating summa cum laude with recognition for leadership, academic achievement and humanism in patient care.

He completed a residency in general surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, during which he also completed a two-year, NIH-funded research program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He also completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, specializing in thoracic surgical oncology. He has additional training in cardiac surgery through NewYork-Presbyterian and Cornell University and lung transplantation through NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia University.

A native Californian, Skovgard spent much of his childhood overseas, living in Venezuela, China and South Korea before returning to the United States for college.