Division Faculty and Physicians
Professor
Dr. Kernstine specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, including dozens of robotic thoracic procedures since he started his practice at UT Southwestern in 2011. He is credited with performing several first robotic chest procedures and techniques, including the first published robotic oncologic esophagectomy in the world. Since the first surgery, he has become one of the highest volume robotic thoracic surgeons in the country with outstanding results. Patient after patient undergoing lobectomies, thymectomies, or esophagectomies appear to experience less pain, faster recovery, and the opportunity to get back to normal activities sooner because of the unique robotic skills offered by Dr. Kernstine. He has lectured worldwide on the different robotic chest techniques and serves as an internationally renowned instructor to surgeons and new surgical programs.
Associate Professor
Minimally invasive thoracic surgeon Scott Reznik, M.D., focuses on surgical treatments for problems of the chest, including benign and malignant diseases of the lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and mediastinum (the area between the lungs). Dr. Reznik has honed his minimally invasive surgery skills with the goal of helping patients recover faster and return to their lives more quickly.
Assistant Professor, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Dr. Waters specializes in minimally invasive thoracic surgery utilizing robotic and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) techniques. His focus is on surgical treatment of diseases of the chest which includes the lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and mediastinum. His goal is to provide exceptional and personalized care to his patients.