Kelly Nagasawa, M.D., specializes in cardiovascular and thoracic (CVT) surgery at Oklahoma Heart Institute. His professional areas of interest include robotic thoracic lung surgery, single anesthetic pulmonary procedures (i.e. diagnosis of cancer and curative resection under one anesthesia) and minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Dr. Nagasawa’s inspiration to pursue a career as a doctor formed during the mid-1990s while watching the popular TV series, “Chicago Hope.” The TV drama outlined the working dynamics of patients, medical administrators and doctors in and outside of the hospital.
While watching the show, Dr. Nagasawa grew to admire the role that Mandy Patinkin played as a cardiothoracic surgeon. He said, “I was fascinated by the 'heart surgery' on the show and felt that was something I could do,” said Dr. Nagasawa.
And that is just what he did.
Since 2013, Dr. Nagasawa has been working as a heart surgeon, bringing to life the inspiration he pictured himself doing for his career.
As Dr. Nagasawa continues his passion, he also continues to build relationships and new connections with patients. He does so on a foundation built on trust, listening to concerns and explaining diagnosis & treatment options in an understandable manner. He reassures and wants his patients to know that, “We will take good care of you.”
When Dr. Nagasawa isn’t working, he can be found enjoying time with his family, fishing and exercising.
Dr. Nagasawa’s education and career experience include:
• Fellow in minimally invasive thoracic surgery at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, 2013
• Fellow in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 2013
• Served as chief resident in general surgery at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 2011
• Residency in general surgery at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 2010
• Internship in general surgery at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 2007
• Medical degree (M.D.) at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, 2006
• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1999
Dr. Nagasawa’s awards and major accomplishments include:
• Received the Legacy Award – Excellence in Surgery from the University of Hawaii, 2011
• Received Outstanding Vascular Surgery Resident Award from the University of Hawaii, 2010
• Received the Frank and Mary McDowell Award – Outstanding Surgical Medical Student from the University of Hawaii, 2006
He welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans at the following location:
Oklahoma Heart Institute
1265 S. Utica Ave., suite 105
Tulsa, OK 74104
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 918-749-6400. To send a fax, dial 918-592-1021.
