At Hackensack University Medical Center, our patients are cared for by a group of specialists who work together as a multidisciplinary team, which include Thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, social workers, respiratory therapists and physical therapists. 

Bernard J. Park, M.D.
Chief of Thoracic Surgery
Co-Chief of Thoracic Oncology, John Theurer Cancer Center

I am a general thoracic surgeon specializing in thoracic cancers, including lung, esophageal, pulmonary metastases, mediastinal tumors, and pleural mesothelioma.  My clinical research interests include multi-modality treatments for lung cancer and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for early stage lung cancer.  I also have a particular interest in the role of robotic assistance for video-assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) lobectomy.

Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional:
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)

The University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine
Philadelphia, PA
Doctorate in Medicine

Internship and Residencies:
New York Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medical Center
New York, NY
Resident, General Surgery
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
Fellow Thoracic Surgery

Research Fellowships:
National Institutes of Health – National Cancer Institute
Bethesda, Maryland
Surgical Oncology

Postdoctoral Appointments:
Military:  Public Health Service
National Institute of Health
Bethesda, Maryland
Lieutenant Commander

Elie M. Elmann, M.D.
CardiacSurgery, Heart and Vascular Hospital
Thoracic Surgery, John Theurer Cancer Center

I am a cardiac and thoracic surgeon with multiple interests in the field of heart and lung surgery. My clinical practice and research involves advanced procedures and innovations in lung cancer, coronary disease, heart failure and valves (VADs and TAVR), with special interests in minimally invasive (VATS) and robotic surgery.

Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional:
CUNY at Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY
Bachelor Science, (Biology)

New York Medical College
Valhalla, NY
Doctorate in Medicine

Internship and Residency:
New York Medical College
Valhalla, NY
Resident, General  Surgery

Research Fellowships:
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn, NY
Research Fellow, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Jenifer Marks, M.D.
Thoracic Surgeon

I am a general thoracic surgeon with an interest in treating patients with thoracic malignancies. This includes lung and esophageal cancer, tumors of the chest wall, and tumors of the thymus gland.  Many times we are able to use minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat these conditions and this allows the patient a quicker recovery with less pain and an earlier return to their life.  Our cancer patients are also cared for in a multidisciplinary setting which includes medical and radiation oncologists so that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment regimen for their specific type of cancer.

Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional:
Drake University
Des Moines, IA
Bachelor Science, (Biology)

University of Colorado School of Medicine
Aurora, Colorado
Doctorate in Medicine

Internship and Residency:
New York Presbyterian -Weill Cornell Medical Center
New York, NY
Resident, General  Surgery

The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas
Fellow, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Research Fellowships:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
Research Fellow, Thoracic Surgery

Team Members

Tammy Russo, RN, APN, MS, CCRN
Advanced Practice Nurse
Cardiac and Thoracic APN

Desiree Sokoli, RN-C, MSN, FNP-BC
Advanced Practice Nurse 
Thoracic Surgery

Elly Delaportas, RN
Cardiothoracic Nurse

MaryEllen Jahnke, RN
Cardiothoracic Nurse