Fellows

Jock Thacker, MD

Hometown: Birmingham, AL
College: Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Why surgery: I always enjoyed being able to intervene, change patient outcomes, and develop long lasting patient relationships in the process.
Surgical and professional interest: Thoracic Oncology & Cardiovascular surgery.
Hobbies: Hiking, snowboarding, travel.
Fun fact about CLE: Cleveland has great metro parks for outdoor activities Any important thoughts: The patient will lead you to the problem if you take the time to listen to them.

Samuel Creden, MD

Hometown: Chicago, IL
College: The University of Alabama
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Why Surgery: To me, surgery represents the union of eternal curiosity, careful judgment, technical precision, and devotion to others. How could I stay away?
Surgical and Professional Interest: multidisciplinary thoracic surgical oncology, foregut & esophageal surgery, airway & tracheal surgery, surgical education
Hobbies: food photography, hiking, reading, anything on the water
Fun Fact About CLE: Cleveland's got a rich history and culture - the Playhouse Square is the second largest theater district in the country outside of NYC, and the Museum of Art is one of the most-visited in the world.
Any important thoughts: There's something to learn from everyone; stay humble, and keep an open mind.

Our Alumni

2025: Mamadi Papus Keita, MD
Current Position: Super Fellowship at Duke University Durham, NC

2024: Minyoung Kwak, MD
Current Position: Thoracic Surgeon at Rochester Regional Health in Rochester, NY

2023: Boxiang Jiang. MD
Current Position: Thoracic Surgeon at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

2022: Matthew Janko, MD
Current Position: Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Baptist Health in Lexington, KY.

2021: Kelsey Gray, MD
Current Position: Cardiac Surgeon at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

2020: Craig Jarrett, MD, MBA
Current Position: Post-graduate advanced fellowship in structural heart disease at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center