Yahya Alwatari, MD

Dr. Yahya Alwatari specializes in minimally invasive surgery for conditions affecting the lungs, airway, esophagus, diaphragm, and chest wall. He uses advanced surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery and complex endoscopy, when appropriate, to help patients experience less pain, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.

Conditions treated

• Lung and esophageal cancer
• Tumors of the thymus and chest
• Severe acid reflux and hiatal hernias
• Achalasia and other swallowing disorders
• Tracheal tumors and tracheal stenosis
• Conditions affecting the diaphragm that cause breathing difficulties
• Other complex conditions of the lungs, esophagus and chest

Approach to care
"I believe every patient deserves access to the highest standard of surgical care, delivered with clarity, hope and a treatment plan they fully trust. A thoracic diagnosis can be overwhelming, so I take the time to ensure that my patients and their families understand their options. By pairing advanced surgical precision with honest, open communication, I aim to empower patients to feel confident and supported at every stage of their care. I approach every case with a commitment to safety, precision and the least invasive technique possible.

I also believe the best outcomes happen when care is never delivered in isolation. My practice is deeply integrated with multidisciplinary teams across pulmonology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology and thoracic radiology. Before making major treatment decisions, especially for complex cancers or esophageal motility disorders, we bring these specialists together to review cases, evaluate the latest evidence and develop a unified treatment plan. This collaborative approach ensures that every patient benefits from the expertise of a full team, receiving seamless, highly individualized care from diagnosis through recovery."

Education and experience
Inspired by his training and experience at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Alwatari is committed to delivering cutting-edge, evidence-based care while ensuring that the needs of each patient always come first. His research focuses on improving surgical safety, enhancing recovery and optimizing patient outcomes.

He has received multiple national and international scholarships and awards. His commitment to education has earned him the VCU Teacher of the Year Award, the Chief Resident Education Award and the RCSI Alumni Inspiring Excellence Award. He was also a finalist for the American College of Surgeons National Award for Exemplary Teaching.