Siva Raja, MD, PhD
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.445.6860
- Desk:
- 216.444.4063
- Fax:
- 216.636.6996
Treatment & Services
- Abdominal Surgery
- Bronchial Biopsy
- Bronchoscopy
- Bronchus Surgery
- Cancer Center
- Chest Surgery
- Claggetts Window
- Complex Abdominal Hernia Repair
- Decortication
- Diaphragm Surgery
- Diverticulectomy
- Epigastric Hernia Repair
- Esophageal Dilation
- Esophageal Surgery
- Esophagectomy
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- Esophagus Endoscopy
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- GERD Surgery
- Heller Myotomy
- High Risk Reoperation Surgery
- Hyperhidrosis
- Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery
- Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
- Lobectomy, VATS Lobectomy
- Lung Biopsy
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Lung Lesion Surgery
- Lung Surgery
- Mediastinal Biopsy Surgery
- Mediastinal Masses Surgery
- Mediastinal surgery
- Mediastinum Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgeries
- Nodulectomy
- Pericardial Window
- Pericardium Surgery
- Pleurectomy
- Pneumonectomy
- Removal of Part or Whole Lung
- Robotic Esophagectomy
- Robotic Surgery
- Robotic Thoracic Surgery
- Robotically Assisted Thoracic Surgery
- Robotically Assisted Thymectomy
- Sleeve Lobectomy
- Stomach Surgery
- Surgical Biopsy of Thoracic Lymph Nodes
- Surgical Treatment of Lung Nodules
- Thoracentesis
- Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Section
- Thoracic Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery Department
- Thoracoscopic Surgery
- Thymectomy
- Thymus Gland Surgery
- Tracheostomy
- Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)
- Wedge Resection
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Abdominal Abscess
- Abdominal Hernia
- Achalasia: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Angiosarcomas
- Barrett's Esophagus
- Cancer
- Collapsed Lung
- Collis Nissen/Nissen
- Diaphragm Hernia
- Epiphrenic Diverticulum
- Esophageal Cancer
- Esophageal Diseases
- Esophageal Perforation
- Esophageal Stricture
- Esophagitis
- Esophagus Disease
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
- Hiatal Hernia
- Hyperhidrosis
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Lung Abscess
- Lung Cancer
- Lung Nodules
- Lungs
- Mediastinal Tumor
- Pericardial Effusion
- Pleural Effusion
- Pneumothorax
- Pulmonary Nodules
- Rare Cancer and Blood Disease Program
- Stomach Cancer
- Swallowing Disorders
- Thoracic Cancer
- Thymic Tumors
- Thymoma
- Tracheoesophageal Fistula
- Windpipe Injury
- Zenker's Diverticulum
Insurance
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View All PlansAbout Siva Raja, MD, PhD
Siva Raja, MD, PhD, is Surgical Director of the Center for Esophageal Diseases and a staff thoracic surgeon in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic. He is board certified in surgery.
Specialty interests: Achalasia, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, Hiatal hernia, cancers and tumors of the chest and chest wall, minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery and procedures. POEM surgery, general thoracic surgery, robotic surgery, reflux, esophageal failure.
Number of Procedures Performed: Cleveland Clinic performs more than 1,700 thoracic procedures each year. All Cleveland Clinic thoracic surgeons complete between 350-450 thoracic cases per year. Dr. Raja specializes in esophageal surgeries including Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy, POEM which is an incision-less technique to treat achalasia.
Success rates: Cleveland Clinic thoracic surgeons perform a wide range of conditions, including lung, esophageal, chest wall, pleural, tracheal, mediastinal, foregut and diaphragm disease. Cleveland Clinic contributes to the Society of Thoracic Surgery Database in order to maintain the highest possible standards. Our outcomes include the lowest risk-adjusted mortality rate for lobectomy and esophagectomy in the nation. Success rates for specific procedures are available at http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/about-heart-vascular-institute/treatment-outcomes.aspx
Education and Training: Dr. Raja earned his medical degree and a PhD in molecular and cellular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine, Pa. During his medical school career, Dr. Raja completed one-year research fellowships in thoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and with the National Institute for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases at Vanderbilt University, NasHVTIlle, Tenn. Dr. Raja completed a general surgery residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, where he was named Chief Resident in his final year of training. He came to Cleveland Clinic in 2009 as a fellow in cardiothoracic surgery and was appointed to the medical staff in 2012.
Publications and Speaking: Since 2000, Dr. Raja has authored more than two dozen articles in leading surgery journals on esophageal cancer, lung cancer and other thoracic diseases, and he has contributed chapters to five medical textbooks. Dr. Raja has given presentations at meetings of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and other professional organizations.
About Dr. Raja: “Thoracic surgery has become an integral part of my life. It’s what I live and breathe on a daily basis and that’s what makes me a better doctor.”
Leisure activities: Golf, spending time with family
Education & Professional Highlights
Appointed
2012
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cleveland,
OH USA
2012
Residency - Brigham & Women's Hospital
General Surgery
Boston,
MA USA
2009
Graduate School - University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh,
PA USA
2004
Medical Education - University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Pittsburgh,
PA USA
2000
Undergraduate - Muhlenberg College
Allentown,
PA USA
1996
Certifications
- Surgery - General Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery - Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery
Specialty Interests
Achalasia, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, Hiatal hernia, cancers and tumors of the chest and chest wall, minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery and procedures. POEM surgery, general thoracic surgery, robotic surgery, reflux, esophageal failure.
Awards & Honors
- Charles H Bryan Clinical Excellence in Residency Award.
- 2012Thoracic Surgery In-service achievement award. 2010.
- Allegheny Medical Society Student Award. 2004.
Research & Publications
See publications for Siva Raja, MD, PhD.
(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.
To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.
As of 4/7/2022, Dr. Raja has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Royalty Payments. Dr. Raja receives or has the right to receive royalty payments for inventions or discoveries commercialized through the companies shown below:
- ChromaCode, Inc.
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
177 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.
| Overall | Star Ratings | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.9 | |
| Listens | 4.9 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.9 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 5 |
42 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on Apr 20, 2022
I am so pleased with the care I have had with Dr Raja and his team
Reviewed on Apr 20, 2022
Dr Raja is amazing and answered all my questions
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2022
Dr Raja's nurse Paula is excellent. She always returns calls and answers questions with great explanations.
Reviewed on Apr 13, 2022
Dr. Siva Raja is intelligent, experienced, confident, thorough and an excellent active listener. I could see that the clinic was very busy, yet, during my surgical consult I felt as if I was the only patient he was seeing on the day of my appointment. His ability to educate, support and provide his objective opinion is phenomenal. I was struck by his kind and humble demeanor.
Reviewed on Apr 13, 2022
Dr. Raja has been an incredible physician to me. I absolutely trust Dr. Raja with my life and he has 110% done so already!
Reviewed on Apr 4, 2022
Dr.Raja has my ultimate respect. This Doctor answered every question and never rushed me.
Reviewed on Dec 29, 2021
The Fellow and Dr. Raja were very attentive five, listens to what I was saying, repeated it back to me, and offered options. Their actions should be followed by all clinicians. I'm sure they had similar stressors as anyone, but they made me, the patient, feel like they truly put "Patients First."
Reviewed on Dec 29, 2021
I have always been pleased with Dr Raja he is very caring, informative and easy to talk to. I touched the above responses but I do not think my answers were recorded.
Reviewed on Dec 20, 2021
I felt very confident with Dr Raja
Reviewed on Dec 1, 2021
Dr Raja and all the thoracic staff have been exceptional in all aspects, in all my visits and procedures.
Reviewed on Dec 1, 2021
Doctor Raja is an excellent doctor and surgeon. Dr. Raja makes sure you understand everything by explaining it very well to you. When you ask questions he makes sure to answer everything and also explain it all to you. Very nice and excellent listener to our patients needs. Highly recommend.
Reviewed on Nov 24, 2021
*Dr. Raja is the best both medically & personally.
Reviewed on Nov 3, 2021
Dr. Raja is always excellent.
Reviewed on Nov 3, 2021
Excellent physician and nursing staff.
Reviewed on Oct 27, 2021
I feel that Dr. Raja and his staff are the best in the world and that is why I am still living today.
Reviewed on Oct 26, 2021
*Dr. Raja and his team were amazing!
Reviewed on Oct 20, 2021
Dr Raja is amazing. Listened and took his time answering my questions. No hesitation in recommending him.
Reviewed on Oct 16, 2021
*Dr. Raja was very kind in scheduling me as soon as possible & as the 1st surgery of the day.
Reviewed on Oct 13, 2021
Access has been and continues to be excellent, both to Dr. Raja's staff (Specifically his Nurse manager, Paula Stepnick. RN,) communications with Scheduling, and with the Endoscopy dept.)
Reviewed on Oct 13, 2021
Dr. Raja took the time to explain everything and answer all of my question and was compassionate and honest in doing so, always consdering my insights and feeelings in his suggestions, explanations, and responses.
Reviewed on Sep 29, 2021
*Dr. Raja was great very knowledgeable about my problem and cared about how I felt about the decision he had.
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2021
Dr. Raja was extremely patient and very thorough with his explanations for an upcoming procedure.
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2021
The doctor was very personable and did not hurry though our discussion of my problem
Reviewed on Aug 23, 2021
Dr. Raja is phenomenal. He is extremely kind. He talked to me on my level. He did not talk down to me. He explained everything in such a way that made sense. He also listened to my concerns and actually took my concerns into consideration. He also made it clear that the option of treatment, is all 100% my call. I feel so cared for by Dr. Raja. It was also clear that he had studied my case extensively before even meeting me. I have confidence in him.
Reviewed on Jul 7, 2021
Dr. Raja gave me much information about my condition and the procedures available to correct it. His explanations were easy to understand.
Reviewed on Jul 2, 2021
Excellent provider would highly recommend to family and friends. Showed respect and professional attitude towards us
Reviewed on Jun 30, 2021
I am very grateful and extremely impressed with the knowledge, skill, kindness, and care I received at the clinic.Dr. Raja and his team went above and beyond to accommodate me as I traveled from out of town.
Reviewed on Jun 30, 2021
Dr. Raja explained all my options and was open and accommodating. I'm very grateful for his service.
Reviewed on Jun 24, 2021
Dr. Raja was totally competent and caring. the entire experience at The Cleveland Clinic amazing. everyone is not only extremely capable but also they all put the patient's needs and concerns first.
Reviewed on Jun 23, 2021
Dr. Roja was terrific. He explained very well about any upcoming issues in the future. I will be coming back if any issues arrive. Thank you so much.
Reviewed on Jun 21, 2021
Compared to the same type of virtual consultation with a doctor from a different practice, I was impressed by the thoroughness of detail provided included sharing visually and highlighting portions of my test results during explanations.
Reviewed on Jun 16, 2021
I am always impressed by Dr. Raja. He thoroughly explained my condition and his thoughts on our next direction for care.
Reviewed on Jun 14, 2021
Dr. Raja has excellent bedside manner. He took his time to explain the procedure and answer any questions.
Reviewed on Jun 10, 2021
once we could get in contact with our provider, the care was excellent
Reviewed on Jun 9, 2021
dr. raja was wonderful
Reviewed on May 26, 2021
Dr. Raja is an outstanding physician. I have a complicated case which he is assessing in a thorough, professional, knowledgeable and comprehensive, manner. I trust his judgment and abilities implicitly above all other physicians. He is honest and compassionate and I cannot speak highly enough about his experience and abilities or his concern for my well-being. I feel very fortunate to be a patient of his.
Reviewed on May 26, 2021
Doctor Raja was wonderful and his nurse Paula Stepnick was equally great... In both scheduling and rescheduling My appointment.
Reviewed on May 24, 2021
For the first time in a really long time, Dr. Siva allowed me to feel "heard." He has given me hope that I won't have to live this way the rest of my life.
Reviewed on May 24, 2021
I felt a lot of confidence in Dr Raja and Cleveland Clinic but communication paths are definitely set up to "protect" the providers and offices, not provide caring attention to patients in difficult medical circumstances - even though every person I had to keep pushing to go to was very kind
Reviewed on May 19, 2021
Dr Raja is a wonderful surgeon
Reviewed on May 12, 2021
I was very impressed how the clinic stayed on schedule. But clinic duties for Dr. Raja I did have to wait a awhile and once I had to reschedule. Dr. Raja was awesome at me feel at ease with my upcoming surgery and I knew it would help me with my problem
Reviewed on May 12, 2021
fantastic dr and nurses recommend to everyone.