“Serendipitously, I started working with lymph node imaging of the chest and sought Dr. Yolanda Colson and Dr. Michael Jaklitsch for advice. Suddenly, everything fell into place. I remember Dr. Cohn saying, “What the F—! Now we’re doing lung cancer?” But, he still supported me. For many years I avoided the pain of a lung cancer diagnosis, a lung cancer surgery. Now, as a thoracic surgeon, I embrace it every day and guide other families through this difficult time. 

With the support of trusted mentors, I have a robust clinical practice, unique research and meaningful teaching opportunities. I am thrilled to have a growing community of mentors, mentees and colleagues who share in making thoracic surgery progressive and inclusive. I am forever indebted to my extraordinary husband, son and daughter for supporting me to live my passion.”

Cherie Erkmen MD is a Thoracic Surgeon and Professor of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery and Temple University.  She was named as a Philadelphia Top Doctor in 2019.  She is also the Director of the Lung Screening Program and the Thoracic Residency Program, and she carries the additional title of Professor in the Center for Asian Health. She has experience with the surgical treatment of lung cancer, chest wall tumors, gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers, and other lung and pleural diseases, with expertise in minimally invasive surgery.