Kaiser Permanente Northern California Oakland Medical Center
General Thoracic
Member Since: 2024
Biography:
Dr. Velotta attended medical school at George Washington University and general surgery residency at UCLA Medical Center. During this time, Dr. Velotta also completed his postdoctoral research in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. Following this, he completed his training in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Velotta’s clinical and research interests involve innovative techniques and regionalization pathways for lung and esophageal cancer as well as pleural mesothelioma. In addition, his most recent research efforts involve improving lung cancer screening uptake in Asian Americans and identifying key factors in the rising incidence of lung cancer in non-smoking Asian women.
What Does the AATS Mean To You:
The AATS is the preeminent cardiothoracic surgical society in the world. It allows me to interact, network, and ultimately learn from the leaders in the field who are always so gracious and truly supportive. I like to consider myself a "sponge" and take in as much knowledge and experience as I can from these leaders in the field.
My First Experience with AATS:
My first experience at AATS was when I presented an oral presentation as a junior general surgery research resident in San Diego, CA in 2008 on lung transplant chronic allograft rejection. I remember practicing a million times prior to my oral presentation because it was my first experience at the AATS ever and Dr. Duane Davis was my discussant, so I wanted to be super prepared for his questions. He was really great and supportive.
Why I became an AATS member:
I wanted to learn and gain experience on how to be a true leader in CT surgery from my mentors and other leaders in the field, and the AATS was the best avenue for me to accomplish those goals.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
By far for me, it was Dr. Sugarbaker's presidential address in Toronto in 2014. Having trained under his great mentorship and confidence led me to being a better surgeon and striving for the best in myself. The "Pledge" brought back Friday morning memories.
The first presentation I gave is:
My first presentation was a basic science oral presentation at Experimental Biology in Orlando, FL in 2001, the year I entered medical school. Back then, we used powerpoint presentations on a slide projector!!
The first paper I had published is:
My first paper I published as a first author was in Transplantation in 2009 on the role of Jak-3 inhibitors attenuating chronic airway allograft rejection.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
The key to being involved is to never say "no" to anything and to join all the committees that you are truly passionate about, and most importantly ACTIVELY participate in all the committee meetings and proceedings.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
By far for me, it was Dr. Sugarbaker's presidential address in Toronto in 2014. Having trained under his great mentorship and confidence led me to being a better surgeon and striving for the best in myself. The "Pledge" brought back Friday morning memories."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
My father eventually died of cardiac complications and had multiple open cardiac operations since he was a teenager. My grandfather died of lung cancer and had multiple cardiac operations as well as lung operations. So you can say I was exposed to the field of cardiothoracic surgery from a young age and constantly.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
Operating on young women, my age or younger, with lung cancer and various other rare tumors made me realize how precious life is and motivated me to do more than just stand on the sidelines and allowed me to be more innovative and forward thinking in my career path.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
They taught me to be confident, work hard, and be dedicated to the task at hand always.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
You have to think outside of the box and be truly innovative in how you treat patients in our field. In addition, every patient is unique and you cannot treat each patient with the same condition the same. Everyone deserves a chance.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
Financial limitations and the business of the medicine will always be our kryptonite. The key is to be able to adapt and try and make the systems we work in better.
Advice for Trainees:
Work hard, don't be lazy, and respond to your colleagues, mentors, and patients in a timely manner.