Mohammed Jawad Latif, MD

Dr. M. Jawad Latif is a board-certified thoracic surgeon who serves as the Regional Chief of Esophageal Surgery for Hackensack Meridian Health’s Central Region and the Site Chief of Thoracic Surgery at JFK University Medical Center.

His surgical practice is dedicated to the comprehensive treatment of diseases of the chest, with a special focus on esophageal cancer and esophageal pathologies. His expertise also includes the surgical management of lung cancer, mediastinal tumors, and diaphragm disorders. As a leader in the Advanced Lung and Airway Center at JFK, he is committed to providing the most advanced, minimally invasive care.

Dr. Latif is board certified with both the American Board of Surgeons and American Board of Cardiothoracic Surgeons. He is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He completed a research fellowship in minimally invasive and thoracic surgery at Columbia University in Manhattan prior to pursuing residency training in general surgery at Mount Sinai, Icahn School of Medicine. 

He then completed cardiothoracic surgical training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he received focused training in the surgical management of complex esophageal diseases. He then pursued an advanced fellowship in Thoracic Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery at the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. 

As an Assistant Professor at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Dr. Latif is dedicated to advancing the field and training the next generation of surgeons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is robotic thoracic surgery?
It's a type of "keyhole" surgery for operations inside the chest. I use a console to control robotic arms, which lets me be very precise through tiny cuts. This usually means less pain and a faster recovery for you.

2. What is an esophagectomy?
This is the surgery to remove all or part of the esophagus, usually to treat esophageal cancer. Using the robot for this major operation can make recovery easier and safer for patients.

3. How is surgery used to treat lung cancer?
The main goal of surgery is to completely remove the cancer. We routinely use minimally invasive robotic surgery to take out the tumor, which helps you recover faster and get back to your life sooner.

4. What is recovery like after minimally invasive thoracic surgery?
Recovery is much faster than with traditional open surgery. Most patients have less pain, spend less time in the hospital, and can get back to their normal daily activities sooner.

5. How can I schedule an appointment with Dr. Latif?
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Latif by calling one of his Advanced Lung and Airway Centers in Middlesex or Monmouth counties.

• 80 James Street, Floor 2, Edison
  732-635-9300
• 254 Easton Avenue, MOB Office 4th Floor, New Brunswick
  732-635-9300
• 733 North Beers Street, Holmdel
  732-635-9300
• 2 Hospital Plaza, 3rd floor, Old Bridge
  732-635-9300