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Rasa Zarnegar, MD, General Surgery, New York, NY

RasaZarnegarMD

General Surgery New York, NY

Endocrine, Surgical Oncology (Other than Breast), Minimally Invasive Surgery

Professor of Surgery

Overview of Dr. Zarnegar

As a highly accomplished surgeon, educator, and healthcare innovator, I am dedicated to advancing minimally invasive and robotic surgery, clinical excellence, and surgical education. Currently serving as Director of Robotic Surgery and Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, I have successfully led high-impact initiatives in robotic and foregut surgery, metabolic and bariatric surgery, and advanced gastrointestinal procedures.

Throughout my career, I have developed and optimized high-performing surgical programs, emphasizing precision, efficiency, and patient-centered care. I am deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of surgeons, fostering innovation, and driving research in surgical robotics, gastroesophageal disease, and quality improvement. My contributions include extensive research publications, leadership in national and international surgical societies, and collaboration on cutting-edge healthcare technologies.

🔹 Key Expertise:
✅ Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery (Foregut, Bariatric, Hernia)
✅ Surgical Program Development & Leadership
✅ Healthcare Innovation & Cost Optimization
✅ Medical Education & Fellowship Training
✅ Value-Based Care & Population Health Initiatives

Beyond the operating room, I have served as Chief Medical Officer for healthcare technology startups, guiding disruptive innovations in surgical diagnostics and medical devices. My passion extends to global surgery initiatives, where I contribute to expanding access to advanced surgical techniques and education worldwide.

I am always open to collaborations, speaking engagements, and leadership opportunities that align with my mission to advance surgical care, education, and healthcare innovation. Let’s connect and explore ways to transform patient outcomes together!

Education & Training

  • Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
    Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterResidency, Surgery, 2003 - 2005
  • University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago (Mount Sinai)
    University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago (Mount Sinai)Residency, Surgery, 2002 - 2003
  • Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
    Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and ScienceClass of 1999
  • San Jose State University
    San Jose State UniversityB.S., 1989 - 1994

Certifications & Licensure

  • CA State Medical License
    CA State Medical License 2005 - Present
  • NY State Medical License
    NY State Medical License 2007 - 2027
  • NJ State Medical License
    NJ State Medical License 2023 - 2025
  • IL State Medical License
    IL State Medical License 1999 - 2005
  • OH State Medical License
    OH State Medical License 2003 - 2005
  • Surgery
    American Board of Surgery Surgery

Awards, Honors, & Recognition

  • Co-PI Targeted Therapy for Solid Tumors NIH
  • Frank Glenn Scholar of Surgery Weill Cornell Medical College, 2017
  • CMS Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification EpicCare Ambulatory EMR, Epic Systems Corporation, 2011-2013
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Clinical Trials

Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Journal Articles

  • Association of Adrenal Venous Sampling with Outcomes in Primary Aldosteronism for Unilateral Adenomas  
    Toni Beninato, Brendan M Finnerty, Thomas J Fahey, Rasa Zarnegar, JAMA Surgery
  • Thyroidectomy for Multinodular Goiter in the Elderly: Age Is Just a Number  
    Brendan M Finnerty, Katherine D Gray, Rasa Zarnegar, Thomas J Fahey, Toni Beninato, Journal of The American College of Surgeons
  • Less Is More: The Impact of Multidisciplinary Thyroid Conference on the Treatment of Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma  
    Aaron Schulman, Vivian R Sobel, Theresa Scognamiglio, Rasa Zarnegar, James R Hurley, World Journal of Surgery
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Books/Book Chapters

Abstracts/Posters

  • Endorectal advancement flaps for anorectal fistula in Crohn’s Disease in the era of immune therapy.
    Eisenstein S, New York Society of Colorectal Surgeons Residents’ Night, 1/1/2014
  • Endorectal advancement flaps for anorectal fistula in Crohn’s Disease in the era of immune therapy.
    Eisenstein S, Annual Meeting of the American Society of Colorectal Surgeons, 1/1/2014
  • PIRB controls the suppressive function of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in vivo via a Stat3-dependant mechanism.
    Eisenstein S, Mount Sinai Graduate Medical Education Day, 1/1/2010
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Lectures

  • Fetal chest mass. 
    Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA - 1/1/2012
  • Laparoscopic Myomectomy 
    Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD - 1/1/2012
  • How to Suture and Tie Knots: Demonstration of Intracorporeal, Extracorporeal, and New Methods. 
    The Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD - 1/1/2010
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Other

  • High-Altitude Hydration System. 
    Parazynski, Scott E., Evelyne Orndoff, Grant C. Bue, Mark E. Schaefbauer, and Kase Urban, US Patent 8,839,996
    1/23/2014
  • The Use of Adjuvants in Vaccine Development. Master's Thesis 
    Risi GF
    The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine - 1/1/2011
  • Modular Lifestyle Intervention Tool (MLIT), Pocket PC version 
    Strayer SM, Copyright University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    1/1/2005

Authored Content

  • Thyroidectomy for Multinodular Goiter in the Elderly: Age Is Just a NumberOctober 2018

Press Mentions

  • Robot Surgeon Successfully Performs Pig Intestine Surgery by Itself: What This Means for the Future
    Robot Surgeon Successfully Performs Pig Intestine Surgery by Itself: What This Means for the FutureMay 5th, 2016

Grant Support

  • Targeted Therapy for Solid TumorsNIH2013–2018

Professional Memberships

Other Languages

  • Spanish, Farsi

Industry Relationships

  • Co-Founder/Scientific Advisor, EndovorDevelop Medical Devices for patient interaction improvement and refluxDisclosure: None2017 - Present

Insurance Accepted

  • Aetna Choice POS II
    Aetna HMO
    BCBS Blue Card PPO
    BCBS Illinois PPO
    CIGNA HMO
    CIGNA Open Access
    CIGNA PPO
    Empire BCBS HMO
    Empire BCBS PPO
    GHI PPO
    Great West PPO
    HIP of New York - Select PPO
    Humana ChoiceCare Network PPO
    Medical Mutual of Ohio SuperMed Plus
    Medical Mutual of Ohio SuperMed POS
    MVP Healthcare PPO
    Oxford Health Freedom
    Oxford Health Liberty
    United Healthcare - Direct Choice Plus POS
    United Healthcare - Direct Options PPO
  • Please verify your coverage with the provider's office directly when scheduling an appointment