Craig A. Thompson, MD

I was motivated to become a cardiologist as a teenager, when my father had open coronary bypass surgery. I recognized the value cardiac surgeons bring to patients’ lives, often in challenging circumstances. However, the impact invasive procedures can have on people’s health became apparent. This led me to study interventional cardiology, then in its relative infancy, to help patients in a less invasive manner.

As an interventional cardiologist, I treat people who have advanced complex coronary disease. Often, I work with patients with conditions that were previously undertreated or undiagnosed, or who have been told they have poor or no options. I collaborate with other cardiac specialists who are experts in various areas of cardiovascular illness. Collectively, we strive to offer best-in-class care across the spectrum of illness that our patients may have.

I am the director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at NYU Langone and oversee all cardiac catheterization laboratories in our various locations. I am delighted to lead a dedicated and accomplished assembly of clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals across our hospital system. We work to improve the lives of people who have various forms of cardiovascular disease. Our team applies best-practice models and attempts to solve clinical challenges with the individual patient in mind.

I listen to my patients to understand the nuance and complexity of their individual needs and concerns. Only then am I able to apply experience, science, and best practice to create a customized patient experience and optimal outcomes. My job is to solve any technical challenge or clinical riddle to produce successful results for my patients. I believe there is a responsibility to give back, be it through innovation, education, or policy, to improve peoples’ lives at hospital, health system, national, and global levels.