Dr Craig Baker, MD, ranks among America’s top 50 doctors in heart surgery. He practices in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Baker focuses his career on heart surgery, kids’ heart care, and surgeon training. His skills cover tough heart operations, fresh research, and guiding new surgeons.
Contact & Appointment Information
USC Surgery Clinic at:
- Address: 1520 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Phone: (800) USC-CARE
Department: Cardiac Surgery
About Dr Craig Baker, MD
Dr Craig Baker leads the Cardiac Surgery Division at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He also serves as Vice Chair of Surgical Education. He has changed his heart surgery training. He keeps top patient care. His work in chest surgery, kids’ heart surgery, and teaching wins praise across the U.S. and abroad.
Early Life and Education
Dr Craig Baker started in medicine with strong school work and a love for science. He got his MD from Georgetown University, a top school. There, he built skills in patient care and analysis for his surgical path.
After med school, Dr. Baker did seven years of general surgery training at USC. He spent two years in the chest research lab. He co-wrote key papers on these topics:
- Reperfusion injury
- Lung transplants
- Beating heart surgery
- Living lobar lung transplants
- Kids’ heart surgery
This lab work gave him a solid base in hands-on and lab heart surgery. It shaped his career in surgery skills and new ideas.
Residency and Fellowship Training
Dr Craig Baker then did a three-year chest residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He sharpened his heart and lung surgery skills. He handled many tough cases like artery bypass, valve fixes, and chest work.
Next, he finished a fellowship in kids’ heart surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. He learned from top surgeon Vaughn Starnes, MD. He gained skills in birth heart defects, kids’ heart operations, and advanced chest procedures.
This mix of adult and kids’ training makes Dr. Baker a skilled heart surgeon for all ages.
Career and Professional Achievements
Dr Craig Baker joined the Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He soon became a leader in heart surgery. Today, he holds these roles:
- Chief of Cardiac Surgery at USC
- Vice Chair of Surgical Education
- Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery Training Program
His team draws top students, residents, and fellows from across the nation.
Contributions to Surgical Education
Dr Craig Baker leads in heart surgery teaching. He built a full training plan for hands-on and skill work. His programs cover:
- Practice simulations for tough operations in safe settings
- Talks and case studies that mix facts with real surgery
- Mentor plans for young surgeons’ growth
He lifts chest surgery training standards. He earns national awards for teaching.
Research Contributions
Dr Craig Baker adds much to chest research. His work helps improve surgery results and patient safety. Key areas include:
- Reperfusion injury to aid heart surgery patients
- Lung transplant methods for better survival
- Beating heart surgery to cut risks
- Kids’ heart surgery advances for birth defects
He publishes in top journals. He shares at U.S. and world meetings. His work pushes heart surgery forward and helps patients everywhere.
Clinical Expertise and Specializations
Dr Craig Baker handles many heart procedures, such as:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Heart valve repair and replacement
- Birth heart defect surgery
- Kids’ heart surgery
- Chest surgery for the lungs and esophagus
- Minimally invasive heart techniques
He stresses accuracy, safety, and personal care. He uses new methods with smart prep and follow-up for the best results.
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Dr. Baker stands out in kids’ heart surgery. He does tough fixes for heart issues. His time at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles taught him cases like:
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Transposition of the great arteries
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Kids’ valve repair
His skills save many kids’ lives. He builds trust as a top kids’ heart surgeon.
Innovations in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr Craig Baker drives changes in chest surgery. He focuses on:
- Simulation training to boost resident skills and safety
- Beating heart methods to lower risks and shorten healing time
- New kids’ surgery ways for hard birth cases
- Research-based fixes in daily practice
These steps show his drive for better care and teaching.
Leadership in Cardiac Surgery
As Chief of Cardiac Surgery at USC, Dr. Baker guides skilled surgeons, teachers, and researchers. His style stresses:
- Mentor work to train future heart surgeons
- Top patient care standards
- Research used for proven changes
- Teamwork with heart doctors, anesthesia, and ICU staff
USC now ranks high nationwide for heart surgery and training.
Patient-Centered Philosophy
Dr Craig Baker puts patients first in all choices. His method covers:
- Full assessments and custom surgery plans
- Open talks with patients and families on steps, risks, and results
- Follow-up care after surgery for optimal healing and life quality
His kind style pairs with sharp surgical skills. Patients and families stay informed, supported, and assured during care.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Baker earned many honors for heart surgery, research, and teaching. Key ones include:
- National praise for leading chest and heart surgery training
- Research awards for blood flow harm and kids’ heart work
- Honors for fresh ideas in low-cut heart procedures
These awards highlight his drive, talent, and strong mark on heart surgery.
Commitment to Education and Mentorship
Dr Craig Baker serves as Vice Chair of Surgical Education at USC. He works on:
- Training residents and fellows in top surgery skills
- Simulation programs to build key abilities
- Full training paths for heart and chest surgery learners
- Guidance for students and new surgeons in school and patient care
His actions prepare future heart surgeons for strong patient care worldwide.
Community Involvement and Outreach
Dr. Baker gives time to the community. He joins efforts to boost heart health knowledge. His roles cover:
- Public drives to prevent heart disease
- Classes for medical students and residents
- Programs to expand access to advanced heart care
These steps prove heart surgery reaches past the operating room. It builds teaching, support, and community links.
FAQs
Q1. What conditions does Dr. Baker treat?
Coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, and thoracic issues.
Q2. Does he have national recognition?
Yes, for surgery skills and education leadership.
Q3. Does Dr. Baker offer follow-up care?
Yes, with long-term checks and rehab help.
Q4. Does his education program include simulation training?
Yes, structured sim training for residents and fellows.
Q5. What sets Dr. Baker apart?
His mix of top surgical skills, pediatric know-how, research work, and education drives.
