Christopher Wigfield, M.D., FRCS
Dr. Christopher Wigfield is a thoracic surgeon who practices at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine. He specializes in robotic thoracic surgery for the treatment of lung cancer, mediastinal and pleural conditions including malignant pleural mesothelioma, chest wall tumors and defects, and lung transplantation.[1]
He is dedicated to advancing innovations in thoracic surgery.
Education and Career
Dr. Wigfield received his medical education at the University of Newcastle in England and Freie Universitat in Berlin, Germany. He completed a residency at Freeman Hospital National Health Service and Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust in England and completed fellowships in Cardiothoracic and General Surgery from the University of Newcastle and the University of Wisconsin. He is board-certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England.[1]
Following completion of his medical education and training, Dr. Wigfield joined the faculty as surgical director of Lung Transplantation at Loyola University and was then recruited to lead the lung transplant team at the University of Chicago. He moved on to practice at Advocate Christ Medical Center before accepting a position at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at Altoona. He joined Northern Light Cardiothoracic Surgery in Bangor, Maine in 2023.[1]
Professional Memberships and Activities
Dr. Wigfield has contributed many peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on lung transplantation and other topics and has dedicated himself to mentoring and medical education of medical students, residents, and post-doctoral students. He has been invited to present his work at national and international conferences focused on lung transplantation, thoracic surgery, and lung cancer.[2]
He is also active in several professional organizations, including serving as Director for Educational Affairs at the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation and membership in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network, the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland, and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
Research
Dr. Wigfield’s research interests include surgery for lung cancer and benign lung disease, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, and lung transplantation. He has also studied the impact of donor and procurement-related topics in lung transplantation and regenerative tissue support in thoracic surgery.[2]
His most recent publications include:[3]
ISHLT Consensus Statement on adult and pediatric airway complications after lung transplantation: Definitions, grading system, and therapeutics. Maria M. Crespo, Daniel P. McCarthy, Peter Hopkins, Stephen Clark, Marie Budev, Christian A. Bermudez, Christian Benden, Pirooz Eghtesady, Erika D. Lease, Lorriana E. …>; The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. 2018 May 1
Patient factors associated with lung transplant referral and waitlist for patients with cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Yuan Liu, Monica B. Vela, Tanya M Rudakevych, Christopher H. Wigfield, Edward R. Garrity, Milda R. Saunders>; The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. 2017 Mar 1
“Age” in lung transplantation: factors related to outcomes and other considerations. Christopher H. Wigfield, Vanessa Buie, David Onsager>; Current Pulmonology Reports. 2016 Aug 13
