Thomas J. Watson MD

Thomas J. Watson, MD, is a highly experienced thoracic surgeon who has built a strong reputation of excellence and innovation in his field. His specific interests include endoscopic therapies for early esophageal cancer and minimally invasive surgical approaches to lung and esophageal disease. As Regional Chief of Surgery and Regional Chief of Thoracic Surgery for MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Dr. Watson oversees a large multispecialty and multihospital academic department, including clinical care, research, education, patient satisfaction, quality, outcomes and safety for surgical procedures at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, and MedStar St. Mary's Hospital.

Dr. Watson specializes in the surgical and endoscopic treatment of benign esophageal and foregut conditions, such as GERD and motility disorders including achalasia, as well as cancers involving the esophagus or stomach. In addition, he performs operations for lung cancer, airway conditions, interstitial lung disease and pleural effusions through the use of open and minimally invasive approaches, robotics, and endoscopic modalities. Further interests include surgery for disorders of the thymus, mediastinum and chest wall. During his 20 years with the University of Rochester, Dr. Watson served as Chief of Thoracic Surgery for 11 years and as Program Director of the Surgery residency for 4 years.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Western Thoracic Surgical Association, the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, the General Thoracic Surgical Club, and the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association.