Johannes Kratz

MD

Thoracic and cancer surgeon
Director, Advanced Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Early-stage lung cancer researcher, avid skier and biker

Dr. Johannes Kratz is a thoracic surgeon who specializes in treating disorders of the trachea, chest wall, lung, esophagus and mediastinum (the space between the lungs containing the heart and other structures). He directs UCSF's program for advanced minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Kratz's research interests include robotic surgery outcomes, lung and esophageal cancers, biomarkers to personalize lung cancer treatment and immunotherapies for thoracic tumors. His current research focuses on understanding the molecular and genetic profiles of high-risk tumors in early stages and developing targeted therapies to treat them.

While a surgical research fellow at the UCSF Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Kratz developed a test that more accurately predicts outcomes for patients with early-stage lung cancer. Now available to patients, this test has improved outcomes for those with high-risk lung cancer detected early.

Kratz earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School, graduating magna cum laude. He completed a general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at UCSF. He also has a master's degree in philosophy from Stanford University.

Kratz is a member of the American College of Surgeons, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Massachusetts Medical Society and American Society of Clinical Oncology. In 2017, he received a UCSF Health Exceptional Physician Award. He is the Van Auken Endowed Chair in Thoracic Oncology at UCSF.

  • Education

    Stanford University, B.A., Philosophy, 1998

    Stanford University, M.A., Philosophy, 2000

    Stanford University, B.S., Biological Sciences, 1998

    Harvard School of Medicine, 2006

  • Residencies

    Massachusetts General Hospital, General Surgery, 2014

  • Fellowships

    American Association for Thoracic Surgery Graham Foundation, Surgical Robotics, 2016

    UCSF Medical Center, Thoracic Surgery, 2017

  • Board Certifications

    Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery

    Surgery, American Board of Surgery

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

Helping others is at the core of everything I am passionate about.

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My work

    Improving patient outcomes

    Dr. Kratz explains why robot-assisted surgery is being used for more types of procedures and how it speeds up recovery.

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    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    87 Ratings
    About our process
    Oct 27, 2024
    Good
    Oct 17, 2024
    Dr Katz and his team have been amazing
    Sep 07, 2024
    As usual I had more questions after the visit. I found his option of a more conservative approach a possible game changer to other diagnoses I had received. I appreciated the fact that questions I submitted on MyChart were responded to that same day.
    Aug 31, 2024
    I would recommend Dr. Johannes Kratz to anyone I know going through a similar illness, he has been the first provider to listen to my concerns and make a plan of action to take care of it. It was so easy to schedule for my procedure and I am so happy with this process.
    Aug 29, 2024
    It was a great experience. I would highly recommend!
    May 09, 2024
    Dr very helpful he explained if we live far ,the Dr can help by order the medicine and can treat at the place close to home ,we so appreciate it ,
    Apr 12, 2024
    Excellent, clear, engaged feedback from the doctor
    Dec 27, 2023
    Dr Kratz is willing to help my complicated medical condition. While I am nervous, he has a very reassuring way. He listened to me and provided honest feedback to my questions.
    Oct 14, 2023
    UCSF has the Absolute Best Practitioners on the planet!
    Aug 17, 2023
    Dr Kratz is part of my health care team & we could not be more pleased with my care.
    Jul 13, 2023
    Dr Kratz makes me feel I'm in excellent hands
    Mar 24, 2023
    At a very trying time I feel lucky to have Dr. Kratz as my doctor.
    Mar 05, 2023
    Dr Krask is kind, informative, reassuring.

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