Kalpaj R. Parekh, MBBS
Dr. Kalpaj R. Parekh is an experienced and accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, as well as the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. While his primary interest is in lung transplantation, his clinical efforts and expertise include surgical care of lung cancer and esophageal cancer patients. His technical skills include lung transplant, thoracic robotic surgery, and thymectomy.[1]
Education and Career
Dr. Parekh began his medical education at the Seth G.S. Medical College at the University of Mumbai, in Mumbai, India, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
After coming to the United States he pursued multiple fellowships and residencies, starting with a fellowship in Research and Thoracic Surgery at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; a residency in Categorical General Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital; a fellowship in Research and Cardiothoracic Surgery and a fellowship in Lung Transplant at Washington University School of Medicine; a fellowship in General Thoracic Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; and a residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.[1]
Dr. Parekh is the Departmental Executive Officer and Chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, a Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Surgical Director of the Lung Transplant Program, and the Nicholas P. Rossi Professor in Cardiothoracic Surgery. He sees patients at the Medical Center University in Iowa City, Iowa.[2]
Dr. Parekh specializes in lung transplantation and treating thoracic cancers, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. He is also skilled in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Dr. Parekh’s licenses and certifications include:[1]
- American Board of Thoracic Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery
- UNOS Certified (Lung Transplant).
- Iowa Medical License, Iowa Board of Medicine, Iowa
- Board Certified, American Board of Surgery, American Board of Surgery
- ECFMG certification, ECFMG
- Certified (Lung Transplant), UNOS
In addition to his many surgical roles at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Dr. Parekh is also affiliated with the Carver College of Medicine’s graduate program in Cell and Developmental Biology.
Research
Dr. Parekh’s primary research focus is on the development of obliterative bronchiolitis in patients who have undergone lung transplantation. He is also engaged in research into the care of patients with lung cancer and the aftermath of surgery for thoracic cancers like malignant mesothelioma.
