Julissa Jurado, MD, joined Northwell Health in 2017 and specializes in thoracic surgery. She is also assistant professor of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Jurado became interested in surgery as a specialty while attending Drexel University College of Medicine. She completed residencies and fellowships at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, Rutgers University Medical School, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Thoracic surgery involves operations on all parts of the chest to treat conditions such as lung cancer and issues with the esophagus. Dr. Jurado performs procedures that range from advanced laparoscopy to robotic surgery. She chose thoracic surgery specifically because it would give her an opportunity to connect with patients for long-term care. “While I appreciate the fast pace of surgery and advances like robotics, what I love most is being able to help patients navigate through their diagnoses and treatment,” she says. “I make sure patients know I have their best interests at heart, and that they can reach out to me when they have a concern. Their wellbeing matters to me more than anything.” Her approach is to treat patients like they’re members of her own family, which allows her to have a deeper and more meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones. In 2019, she was one of five physicians at Northwell to be presented with the health system’s first ever Truly Awards, which recognizes the impact doctors have made on patients, families, communities and fellow team members. Based on colleague nominations, Dr. Jurado received the Truly Award for Road Traveled, acknowledging perseverance and inner strength in achieving extraordinary accomplishments despite personal hardships — highlighting her challenges in being the first physician in her family. Dr. Jurado was also recognized with a Northwell Health video about women in surgery, which she says showcases the expertise and breadth of the health system’s surgical teams. “It’s a huge benefit to work in a place that is so collaborative and that also appreciates what each team member brings to patient care,” she says. “This is such a supportive environment where all physicians can grow and continue to expand their expertise.”