Dr. Jacob A. Klapper

A significant portion of my practice involves advanced minimally invasive techniques in thoracic surgery to treat diseases such as lung or esophageal cancer. Another part of my clinical practice is spent taking care of patients with severe lung disease, especially those needing lung transplantation. Patients from all over the world come to Duke for lung transplantation. Research demonstrates that experience is very important in taking care of complex medical problems, both on the surgical side and on the medical side. We have one of the largest transplant centers in the world with excellent survival statistics, as well as the shortest wait list time. Instead of the national average which may be four to six months, our patients wait an average of about two weeks. One of the best aspects of being a patient or working at Duke is the people who work here. No matter how challenging the medical problems may be or what problems may arise, I know there’s a world’s expert a phone call away who can help intervene and I know that my patients will be cared for by committed Duke staff from across the hospital. Dr. Hartwig is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Emphysema. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Hiatal Hernia, Thymic Epithelial Tumor, Endoscopy, and Heart Transplant.

"I feel very honored to be involved in the journey and care of patients that have undergone or may be considering lung transplant. Lung transplant is considered when a patient's lungs fail despite other therapies and options. Lung transplant can afford patients a better quality of life and seeing this ""second chance"" at life is absolutely incredible and fuels my passion for the field. I am humbled to be working with an amazing multidisciplinary team at Duke Health that focuses on each individual patient's needs are met for the best possible experience. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy spending time hiking and camping with my husband and our dog Eddie.". Dr. Young is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Emphysema. Her top areas of expertise are Pseudomonas Stutzeri Infections, Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), COVID-19, and Lung Transplant.

I graduated from Harvard University (BA) and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University (MD). I received training in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery at Duke University Medical Center. After completing a Fellowship in Thoracic Surgical Oncology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, I joined the faculty at Duke University Medical Center. I am currently Professor and Vice Chairman of Surgery, Chief of the Section of General Thoracic Surgery, Director of the Training Program in Thoracic Surgery, and Chief Medical Officer of the Duke Cancer Institute. I specialize in the surgical management of lung cancer and esophageal cancer, with a focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery. As Vice Chair of Surgery, I am responsible for the development of technology and innovation in the Department. As Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program of the Duke Cancer Institute, I supervise the clinical and research programs in lung cancer and esophageal cancer. I am also involved in improving safety and quality in cancer care, as a member of the Duke Safety and Quality Committee. Dr. D'amico is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Emphysema. His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, Lung Adenocarcinoma, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.