Dr. Renata Ford, MD

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Get to know Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Renata Ford, who serves patients in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Ford is an expert in the realm of cardiothoracic surgery, with a specialization in minimally invasive and robotic procedures. She is currently affiliated with Hearts SA, working with patients in San Antonio, Texas. Beyond her surgical prowess, she emphasizes preoperative optimization, advocating for measures such as weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, and addressing undiagnosed sleep apnea. 

In regards to her educational background, she received her medical degree from the Federal University Espirito Santo in Brazil in 1994, and attended the Cornell University Program at Lincoln Hospital, where she completed her General Surgery Residency. Following this, she honed her skills further at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, undertaking a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship. Her commitment to excellence saw her serve as faculty at UTHSCSA and contribute significantly to the surgical team at the “Audie L. Murphy” VA Hospital.

In 2010, driven by a quest for advanced knowledge and innovation, Dr. Ford embarked on a transformative journey under the mentorship of Dr. Chitwood at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. This fellowship focused on Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, particularly in Mitral Valve and Atrial Fibrillation procedures. Dr. Chitwood, renowned as the Father of Robotic Heart Surgery, imparted invaluable expertise, shaping her into one of only twenty-seven surgeons worldwide and one of five women who underwent this specialized training.

Recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the doctor is board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). The ABS is an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.

In addition, Dr. Ford is board-certified in cardiac surgery by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, which is an American surgical organization devoted to surgery of the chest.

Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in the surgical treatment of organs inside the thorax. Cardiothoracic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgical procedures inside the thorax, which may involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. Alongside performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs.

As a testament to her success, in 2006 she received accolades for her pioneering efforts in Double Transplantation via Sternotomy, a testament to her innovative approach and surgical prowess. Her expertise was further recognized with an invitation to present at the Texas Lung Transplant Club, where she shared insights and advancements in the field, inspiring fellow professionals.

Speaking several languages, Dr. Ford is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and German.

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