Surgical Director, Thoracic Surgery
Inova Thoracic Oncology Program
As an eight-year-old, Dr. Sandeep Khandhar dreamed of becoming a surgeon. He followed his passion and decided to become a heart surgeon. But during his medical training he developed an interest in lung cancer and shifted his specialty to thoracic oncology.
Dr. Khandhar graduated from Northwestern University and Northwestern University Medical School. He went on to a general surgery residency and cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. While there he became interested in caring for lung cancer patients. To gain more specialized knowledge and technical experience, he completed a minimally invasive thoracic surgery fellowship at Duke University Medical Center.
Today, Dr. Khandhar is one of only a handful of thoracic surgeons in the country who specializes in minimally invasive surgery for lung cancer patients. At Inova, he uses the most advanced treatments and techniques available to help his patients recover more quickly so they can return to their daily lives.
“Cancer is a trying time for patients and families,” he says. “It’s rewarding to be able to help them in an immediate and definitive way, and make a positive impact on their lives.”
Dr. Khandhar is also an enthusiastic teacher and shares his passion for thoracic oncology with medical residents who are still defining their own careers. During his fellowship at the University of Texas, he was named "Resident Teacher of the Year," the first time the award went to a subspecialty fellow.
He is a member of the Thoracic Surgery Residents Association and a candidate member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons
