Walter J Scott, MD, FACS

Philadelphia Magazine
Top Doctors 2008
Thoracic Surgery

I believe in treating patients in the same way that I would want a member of my family to be treated. By listening to each patient, and after a thorough discussion of all the available treatments, I strive to develop an individually-tailored treatment plan--one that offers the best chance for cure but also recognizes the importance of quality of life.

To achieve that goal, I use my experience in performing minimally invasive (video-assisted or VATS) techniques, such as VATS lobectomy, to remove malignant lung tumors. Patients benefit with a significant decrease in pain and more rapid return to normal activities.

We can offer potentially curative surgery to patients who might not have qualified in the past. I am the first surgeon in the Delaware Valley to investigate the use of ultrasound bronchoscopy (endobronchial ultrasound) to evaluate lymph nodes in the chest, a procedure that can potentially reduce the need for invasive surgery. I also offer robotic surgery for chest tumors.

I have dedicated my surgical career to treating cancers that involve the chest. Lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, Pancoast tumors and tumors of the chest wall and other thoracic cancers are best treated by a team of physicians. Fox Chase Cancer Center pioneered this team approach and that is one of the reasons why I joined the Center in 2001.

I have been the principal investigator or co-investigator of a number of national and international clinical trials. I have authored and co-authored numerous scientific articles, presentations and a book for patients and families.

My research is based on working with patients; thus, it is called clinical research. Before a new treatment can be widely offered, it must be closely studied and compared with the current standard treatments. Designing these studies requires the latest medical and scientific knowledge, sensitivity to the best needs of the patient and strong ethical principles. Patients benefit from my involvement in research, because I am aware of and able to offer the latest treatment approaches.

Video

Introductory Video of Dr. Scott

Surgical Oncology

Chief, Thoracic Surgery

The Gloria and Edmund M. Dunn Endowed Chair in Thoracic Surgical Oncology

Meet other members of the lung cancer treatment team.

Meet other members of the gastrointestinal cancer treatment team.

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497

To make an appointment, call:
215-728-2570.

For general information, call:
1-888-FOX CHASE.
An oncology certified nurse will assist you.

Clinical Expertise:

Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer;
Lung Cancer Staging with PET Scanning;
Video-Assisted (VATS) Surgery for Lung Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Mediastinal Tumors and Other Thoracic Cancers;
Robotic Surgery for Thoracic Cancers

Medical Education:

University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill., 1981

Residency:

General Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.

Fellowships:

Research in Cardiovascular Physiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.;

Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.

Certifications:

American Board of Surgery;
American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Professional Societies:

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons;
American College of Surgeons;
American Society of Clinical Oncology

Scientific Report:

Surgical Oncology
(This link requires Adobe® Acrobat Reader to view.)

Research Interests:

Quality of Life After Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Cancers;

The Utility of Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy to Replace Open Surgical Biopsy;

Advanced VATS Surgery and Robotic Surgery;

Genetic Polymorphisms and Lung Cancer Susceptibility;

PET Detection of Small Lung Cancers