- Specialty Pleural Mesothelioma
-
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Address:2002 Holcombe Blvd
5B-170E
Houston, TX 77030
Telephone: (713) 794-8040 - Procedure Surgery
Dr. Lorraine Cornwell
Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Lorraine D. Cornwell is Section Head of General Thoracic Surgery at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. She has over 20 years of experience in treating veterans with mesothelioma. Dr. Cornwell speaks English and Spanish. Learn more about Dr. Cornwell and get help connecting with her today.
or call (866) 608-8933
Overview
About Dr. Lorraine D. Cornwell
Lorraine Cornwell is a highly respected thoracic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma and other chest-related cancers.
She works extensively with veterans affected by mesothelioma at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.
“I’m very familiar with how the VA works — what we’re able to offer for veterans and how we can optimize their treatment plans, considering they’re veterans first and foremost.”
– Dr. Lorraine D. Cornwell
Her work has focused on how mesothelioma uniquely impacts military veterans, bringing attention to their specific needs and challenges.
Use our Free Doctor Match service to connect with Dr. Cornwell and other top mesothelioma specialists.
Dr. Lorraine D. Cornwell’s Mesothelioma Treatment Approach
Dr. Cornwell focuses on using minimally invasive surgery to treat pleural mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer that develops in the lung lining.
She is experienced in using video-assisted and robotic surgeries, including a tool called the DaVinci robot, to perform more accurate surgeries. She believes these advanced methods help patients recover faster with fewer complications.
Dr. Cornwell works as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes other doctors who specialize in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. This approach ensures each patient gets the right combination of treatments for their diagnosis.
Dr. Cornwell’s Medical Background
Dr. Cornwell received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in 1996. She remained there for her first residency in general surgery until 2001.
In 2003, she completed a cardiothoracic surgery residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill-Cornell Medical College, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
She began seeing patients at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in 2009.
Work Experience
During her years of experience in practicing medicine, Dr. Cornwell has spent most of her time at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center treating military veterans.
In addition to her role at the VA, she serves as an associate professor of surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Cornwell is highly reviewed with a 5-star rating on multiple platforms and is currently accepting new patients.
“She saved my life and is an incredible doctor.”
– Patient of Dr. Lorraine D. Cornwell
Medical Specializations
While she has numerous medical specializations, Dr. Cornwell’s professional interests are mainly in thoracic oncology, cardiothoracic surgery, and heart valve surgery.
Dr. Cornwell’s medical specialties include treatment of the following diseases and cancers:
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mediastinal tumors (abnormal growths in the space between the lungs)
- Pericardial mesothelioma (cancer of the heart lining)
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Thymoma (a rare tumor in the thymus, a small organ behind the breastbone)
Did You Know?
Dr. Cornwell helped start a program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center that uses a less invasive method to replace heart valves, showing her commitment to using innovative treatments to improve patient care.
She also specializes in the following procedures:
- Cardiac surgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- General surgery
- Heart valve surgery
- Mitral valve surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
Get answers about your diagnosis and treatment plan during your next appointment by downloading our Free Questions to Ask Your Doctor Checklist.
Highlights of Dr. Cornwell’s Medical Career
Dr. Cornwell has an extensive medical career during which she has made a name for herself as a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon.
Awards and Accolades
Recently Dr. Cornwell has been the recipient of various awards from both her medical peers and from patients regarding her excellent care.
Dr. Cornwell’s awards and accolades include:
- 2021 Women of Excellence, Baylor College of Medicine
- 2020 Top Doctor: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Houstonia Magazine
- STAR Faculty Award for Excellence in Patient Care, Baylor College of Medicine
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Cornwell also holds board certifications, memberships, and licenses related to oncology and mesothelioma.
These affiliations include:
- American Association for Thoracic Surgery
- American College of Surgeons (Fellow)American Medical Association
- American Women’s Medical Association
- Association of Veterans Affairs Surgeons
- Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- Women in Thoracic Surgery
Call (866) 608-8933 for help connecting with Dr. Cornwell. Our registered nurses are standing by to assist you in any way they can.
Dr. Cornwell’s Research and Published Works
Dr. Cornwell’s research on mesothelioma and lung cancer has been published in several respected publications.
Some of her published works include:
- “Centralized Quality Assurance of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program Study Number 2005: A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Lung Cancer Surgery or Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Operable Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (VALOR).” Published in Practical Radiation Oncology, September 2024.
- “Unplanned Readmissions, Community Socioeconomic Factors, and Their Effects on Long-Term Survival After Complex Thoracic Aortic Surgery.” Published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, February 2024.
- “Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Era of Immunotherapy.” Published in Seminars in Oncology, July 2022.
- “Diagnostic Laparoscopy Improves Staging of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma With Routine Positron Emission Tomography Imaging.” Published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, November 2021.
Use our Free Doctor Match service to connect with mesothelioma specialists like Dr. Cornwell in your area.
Dr. Cornwell’s Work in Cancer Treatment & Research
Dr. Cornwell’s work in cancer treatment and research has primarily focused on the clinical outcomes of cardiothoracic surgeries.
Specifically, her research has focused on minimally invasive procedures and their outcomes, including those involving valve repair, off-pump CABG, and VATS lobectomy.
Dr. Cornwell also participates in clinical trials that allow patients to access new and innovative treatments for mesothelioma.
Get Connected to Dr. Lorraine D. Cornwell
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be daunting, but seeking medical care from an experienced mesothelioma doctor can make a big difference.
Dr. Lorraine D. Cornwell is accepting new patients with pleural mesothelioma and can help you or a loved one access life-changing treatment.
Call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Cornwell and other top mesothelioma specialists.
Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Lorraine Cornwell. Any contact information listed is for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Lorraine Cornwell directly.
Written by:Jenna Tozzi, RNJenna Tozzi, RN, is the Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.
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