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Personal Statement

♦ Virtual Visit: Delivering the same level of world-class care, with exceptional convenience. 

 Professional Profile:

I am the Director of Robotic Surgery and the Director of the Surgical Motility Center at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. My primary areas of expertise include:

1. Foregut Disorders: GERD, hiatal hernia, antireflux surgery, paraesophageal hernia repair, achalasia, gastric cancer, and complex GI disorders.

2. Endocrine Disease: Thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and neuroendocrine tumors.

1. Foregut Disorders: As a specialist in minimally invasive techniques, I focus on single-incision and robotic approaches to treat foregut conditions. I lead a multidisciplinary team at the Weill Cornell Motility Center, enhancing patient care by centralizing treatment for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), achalasia, and other esophageal and gastric motility disorders. My innovations in robotic and endoscopic surgery improve outcomes for hiatal hernia, antireflux, paraesophageal hernia, and complex reoperative surgeries, achieving faster recovery and same-day discharge for most patients. With nearly 3,000 robotic surgeries performed at Weill Cornell, I have been a pioneer in this field.

For gastric tumors and cancers, I perform advanced minimally invasive surgeries, reducing hospital stays and recovery time. My expertise also extends to reoperative surgery, avoiding open procedures whenever possible.

Our team actively conducts outcome studies and employs scarless surgical techniques to improve patient experiences. Supported by NIH funding, my research team explores innovative methods for targeting solid tumors, aiming to enhance patient outcomes.

2. Endocrine Tumors: I perform both conventional and robotic scarless surgeries for thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and neuroendocrine tumors, with each approach tailored to the patient's needs. Leveraging advanced imaging and nerve-preservation techniques, I conduct most endocrine surgeries at our DHK ambulatory surgical center, often on an outpatient basis. Certain cases are performed under mild sedation, allowing for a swift return to daily life. Collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team, I perform over 200 endocrine surgeries annually.

 Research, Publications, and Recognition:

With over 100 peer-reviewed articles and nine book chapters, I am widely published and have presented my work nationally and internationally. I am honored to be repeatedly recognized by Castle Connolly as one of the "Best Doctors" and by New York Magazine as one of New York’s "Best Doctors."

 Professional AffiliationsI am a proud member of several esteemed societies, including:

American Association of Endocrine SurgeonsSociety of Surgical OncologySurgical Society of the Alimentary TractSociety of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic SurgeonsAmerican College of Surgeons For more information, visit

Achalasia

We focus on delivering innovative, patient-centered care with cutting-edge techniques that improve outcomes and quality of life.

For Dr. Zarnegar's publications,  

To schedule an online appointment with Dr. Zarnegar,

Learn more about my Nurse Practitioner/Registered Nurse First Assistant, Annabel Endean, DNP, AGACNP-BC, CRNFA .

Biographical Info

Residency: General Surgery            Case Western Reserve University

Fellowship: Endocrine Surgery.        UC San Francisco

Fellowship: Foregut Surgery.           UC San Francisco

Honors and Awards

2020 "Best Doctors" Award New York Magazine

2019 "Best Doctors" Award New York Magazine

2016 "Best Doctors" Award New York Magazine

2015 "Best Doctors" Award New York Magazine

2012-2016 Dr. Zarnegar was named "Top Doctor in NY Metro Area" by Castle Connolly

2002, Dr. Zarnegar won the Best Resident Research Award at the American Association of Endocrine Surgery meeting.

New York SuperDoctor: an Honor given to 5% of New York physicians 

Board Certifications
American Board of Surgery
Clinical Expertise
Thyroid Surgery
Parathyroid Surgery
Gastrointestinal Surgery
Adrenal Surgery
Robot-Assisted Thyroidectomy
Aldosteronoma
Pheochromocytoma
Cushing's Syndrome
Neuroendocrine Cancer
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Benign Esophageal Disease
Swallowing Disorder
Achalasia
Paraesophageal Hernia
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Repair, Hiatal Hernia, Paraesophageal
Gastroesophageal Reflux Surgery
Repair, Hiatal Hernia, Robot-Assisted
Myotomy
Gastroesophageal Reflux Test
Gastric Cancer
Small Bowel Cancer
Carcinoid Tumor of Stomach
Gastric Stromal Tumor
Stomach and Small Intestine Surgery
Gastric Surgery
Stomach Cancer
Malignant Gastric Stromal Tumor
Gastric Tumor
Surgery For Gastroesophageal Reflux
Surgery, Gastroesophageal Reflux
Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery
GERD Surgery
Languages
English
Farsi
Spanish
Russian
Research
Education 
  • M.D.
    Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
    1999
Appointments 
  • Attending Surgeon
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
  • Frank Glenn Faculty Scholar in Surgery
    Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University
  • Professor of Surgery
    Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University
Videos

Biography - Dr. Rasa Zarnegar

Dr. Rasa Zarnegar - Minimally Invasive Endocrine and Abdominal Surgery

Relationships and collaborations with for-profit and not-for profit organizations are of vital importance to our faculty because these exchanges of scientific information foster innovation. As experts in their fields, WCM physicians and scientists are sought after by many organizations to consult and educate. WCM and its faculty make this information available to the public, thus creating a transparent environment.

No External Relationships Reported