Gary M. Hochheiser, MD
Dr. Gary M. Hochheiser is the Director of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology at Maine Medical Center and the Medical Director for the facility’s Lung Screening Program. He specializes in the use of minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, and esophageal cancer, as well as benign thoracic diseases. He is especially skilled in robotic surgery and video-assisted surgeries in which small incisions are made between the patient’s ribs: a tiny video camera is inserted in one of these incisions and surgical tools in the others, allowing Dr. Hochheiser to view what he is doing on video screens. The advantage of this type of surgery is that the patient experiences much less pain and can return home much more quickly.[1]
Dr. Hochheiser works as part of a multidisciplinary team at Maine Medical Center and uses these innovative techniques to treat pleural effusions and to perform lung-sparing cancer surgery. He is also interested in the treatment of patients with hiatal hernia, gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease, and hiatal hernia.
Education and Career
Dr. Hochheiser is board-certified in General Surgery and Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery. He earned his medical degree at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, then completed his internship and residency in General Surgery at Maine Medical Center. He completed a fellowship in Thoracic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.[1]
Dr. Hochheiser served as Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts before assuming his role at Maine Medical Center.
Professional Memberships and Activities
Dr. Hochheiser is a member of several professional medical associations, including:
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- American College of Chest Physicians
- Society of Thoracic Surgeons
