Biography
Dr. Elliott is a thoracic surgeon and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. She provides the complete spectrum of surgical care for lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, and more through the Stanford Health Care Thoracic Cancer Program. She specializes in minimally invasive, including robotic, approaches to thoracic surgery.
Dr. Elliott received fellowship training from Stanford University. She completed her residency at UCLA Medical Center.
Her research has received support from the National Institutes of Health. She has investigated cancer cell response to replication stress, outcomes in patients undergoing hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) for mesothelioma, complications after esophageal surgery, lymph node involvement in patients with carcinoid tumors of the lung, advanced techniques in robotic surgery, and other topics.
She has authored articles that have appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Annals of Thoracic Surgery, JAMA Surgery, and other peer-reviewed publications. She also has contributed to textbooks including the content on social disparities in lung cancer for the book Social Disparities in Thoracic Surgery.
Dr. Elliott has made presentations to her peers at meetings of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Society of Surgical Oncology, Western Thoracic Surgical Association, and other organizations. Presentations focused on surgical treatment of patients with carcinoid tumor of the lung, improvement of mesothelioma patient survival, complications of esophageal surgery, novel targets for cancer treatment, and more.
Dr. Elliott received fellowship training from Stanford University. She completed her residency at UCLA Medical Center.
Her research has received support from the National Institutes of Health. She has investigated cancer cell response to replication stress, outcomes in patients undergoing hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) for mesothelioma, complications after esophageal surgery, lymph node involvement in patients with carcinoid tumors of the lung, advanced techniques in robotic surgery, and other topics.
She has authored articles that have appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Annals of Thoracic Surgery, JAMA Surgery, and other peer-reviewed publications. She also has contributed to textbooks including the content on social disparities in lung cancer for the book Social Disparities in Thoracic Surgery.
Dr. Elliott has made presentations to her peers at meetings of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Society of Surgical Oncology, Western Thoracic Surgical Association, and other organizations. Presentations focused on surgical treatment of patients with carcinoid tumor of the lung, improvement of mesothelioma patient survival, complications of esophageal surgery, novel targets for cancer treatment, and more.
View Full Biography
Professional Summary
Education & Certifications
- Board Certification: American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery (2023)
- Fellowship: Stanford University Thoracic Surgery Fellowship (2022) CA
- Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, General Surgery (2021)
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- Residency: UCLA General Surgery Residency (2020) CA
- MD, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (2013)
Publications
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Chemotherapy-Induced Inflammatory Gene Signature and Protumorigenic Phenotype in Pancreatic CAFs via Stress-Associated MAPK
Toste, P. A., Nguyen, A. H., Kadera, B. E., Duong, M., Wu, N., Gawlas, I., … Donahue, T. R. (2016). Chemotherapy-Induced Inflammatory Gene Signature and Protumorigenic Phenotype in Pancreatic CAFs via Stress-Associated MAPK. MOLECULAR CANCER RESEARCH, 14(5), 437–47. -
Smooth Muscle Operator: Robotic-Assisted Enucleation of an Esophageal Leiomyoma.
Elliott, I. A., Forgó, E., & Lui, N. S. (2021). Smooth Muscle Operator: Robotic-Assisted Enucleation of an Esophageal Leiomyoma. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. -
Resection of a Giant Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma Arising from the Superior Vena Cava.
Elliott, I. A., Kasinpila, P., Guenthart, B. A., MacArthur, J. W., & Berry, M. F. (2021). Resection of a Giant Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma Arising from the Superior Vena Cava. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. -
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First lung and kidney multi-organ transplant following COVID-19 Infection.
Guenthart, B. A., Krishnan, A., Alassar, A., Madhok, J., Kakol, M., Miller, S., … Woo, Y. J. (2021). First lung and kidney multi-organ transplant following COVID-19 Infection. The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation : the Official Publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation. -
Commentary: An innovative, minimally-invasive approach to post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula Comment
Elliott, I. A., Bedi, H. S., & Lui, N. S. (2020). Commentary: An innovative, minimally-invasive approach to post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula Comment. JTCVS TECHNIQUES, 4, 351–352. -
Commentary: An innovative, minimally-invasive approach to post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula.
Elliott, I. A., Bedi, H. S., & Lui, N. S. (2020). Commentary: An innovative, minimally-invasive approach to post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula. JTCVS Techniques, 4, 351–352. -
Social Disparities in Lung Cancer.
Elliott, I., Gonzalez, C., Backhus, L., & Lui, N. (2022). Social Disparities in Lung Cancer. Thoracic Surgery Clinics, 32(1), 33–42. -
Half of Anastomotic Leaks after Esophagectomy are Undetected on Initial Postoperative Esophagram.
Elliott, I. A., Berry, M. F., Trope, W., Lui, N. S., Guenthart, B. A., Liou, D. Z., … Shrager, J. B. (2022). Half of Anastomotic Leaks after Esophagectomy are Undetected on Initial Postoperative Esophagram. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. -
Impact of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) during resection of pleural mesothelioma on patient survival
Elliott, I. A., He, H., Lui, N. S., Liou, D. Z., Guenthart, B. A., Shrager, J. B., … Backhus, L. M. (2023). Impact of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) during resection of pleural mesothelioma on patient survival. JOURNAL OF THORACIC DISEASE. -
Outcomes of a Failed Observation Approach for Paraesophageal Hernia
Wong, L.-yeng, Leipzig, M., Elliott, I. A., Lui, N., Liou, D., Backhus, L. M., … Berry, M. (2023). Outcomes of a Failed Observation Approach for Paraesophageal Hernia. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. -
Outcomes of a Failed Observation Approach for Paraesophageal Hernia
Wong, L.-yeng, Leipzig, M., Elliott, I. A., Lui, N., Liou, D., Backhus, L. M., … Berry, M. (2023). Outcomes of a Failed Observation Approach for Paraesophageal Hernia. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. -
Impact of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) during resection of pleural mesothelioma on patient survival.
Elliott, I. A., He, H., Lui, N. S., Liou, D. Z., Guenthart, B. A., Shrager, J. B., … Backhus, L. M. (2023). Impact of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) during resection of pleural mesothelioma on patient survival. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 15(11), 6140–6150. -
Risk of developing subsequent primary lung cancer after receiving radiation for breast cancer.
Wong, L.-Y., Kapula, N., He, H., Guenthart, B. A., Vitzthum, L. K., Horst, K., … Elliott, I. A. (2023). Risk of developing subsequent primary lung cancer after receiving radiation for breast cancer. JTCVS Open, 16, 919–928. -
The impact of refusing esophagectomy for treatment of locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Wong, L.-Y., Elliott, I. A., Liou, D. Z., Backhus, L. M., Lui, N. S., Shrager, J. B., & Berry, M. F. (2023). The impact of refusing esophagectomy for treatment of locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma. JTCVS Open, 16, 987–995. -
Comparison of failure to rescue in younger versus elderly patients following lung cancer resection.
Wang, Y., Kapula, N., Yang, C.-F. J., Manapat, P., Elliott, I. A., Guenthart, B. A., … Liou, D. Z. (2023). Comparison of failure to rescue in younger versus elderly patients following lung cancer resection. JTCVS Open, 16, 855–872. -
Outcomes of surgery for catastrophic hiatal hernia presentations.
Wong, L.-Y., Leipzig, M., Elliott, I. A., Liou, D. Z., Backhus, L. M., Shrager, J. B., & Berry, M. F. (2024). Outcomes of surgery for catastrophic hiatal hernia presentations. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery : Official Journal of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, 28(3), 285–286. -
Lepidic-Type Lung Adenocarcinomas: Is It Safe to Observe for Growth Prior to Treating?
Wong, L.-Y. Y., Elliott, I. A., Liou, D. Z., Backhus, L. M., Lui, N. S., Shrager, J. B., & Berry, M. F. (2024). Lepidic-Type Lung Adenocarcinomas: Is It Safe to Observe for Growth Prior to Treating? The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. -
The Impact of Immunotherapy Use in Stage IIIA (T1-2N2) NSCLC: A Nationwide Analysis.
Wong, L.-Y. Y., Liou, D. Z., Roy, M., Elliott, I. A., Backhus, L. M., Lui, N. S., … Berry, M. F. (2024). The Impact of Immunotherapy Use in Stage IIIA (T1-2N2) NSCLC: A Nationwide Analysis. JTO Clinical and Research Reports, 5(3), 100654. -
Randomized controlled trials in lung cancer surgery: How are we doing?
Wong, L.-Y. Y., Li, Y., Elliott, I. A., Backhus, L. M., Berry, M. F., Shrager, J. B., & Oh, D. S. (2024). Randomized controlled trials in lung cancer surgery: How are we doing? JTCVS Open, 18, 234–252. -
What is an Adequate Margin During Sublobar Resection of =3cm N0 Subsolid Lung Adenocarcinomas?
Kamtam, D. N., Berry, M. F., Lui, N. S., Satoyoshi, M., Elliott, I. A., Liou, D. Z., … Shrager, J. B. (2024). What is an Adequate Margin During Sublobar Resection of =3cm N0 Subsolid Lung Adenocarcinomas? The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. -
Barriers to Completing Low Dose Computed Tomography Scan for Lung Cancer Screening.
Wong, L.-Y. Y., Choudhary, S., Kapula, N., Lin, M., Elliott, I. A., Guenthart, B. A., … Lui, N. S. (2024). Barriers to Completing Low Dose Computed Tomography Scan for Lung Cancer Screening. Clinical Lung Cancer. -
Impacts of Positive Margins and Surgical Extent on Outcomes after Early-Stage Lung Cancer Resection.
Wong, L.-Y. Y., Dale, R., Kapula, N., Elliott, I. A., Liou, D. Z., Backhus, L. M., … Berry, M. F. (2024). Impacts of Positive Margins and Surgical Extent on Outcomes after Early-Stage Lung Cancer Resection. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. -
JAK inhibition with tofacitinib rapidly increases contractile force in human skeletal muscle.
Shrager, J. B., Randle, R., Lee, M., Ahmed, S. S., Trope, W., Lui, N., … Tang, H. (2024). JAK inhibition with tofacitinib rapidly increases contractile force in human skeletal muscle. Life Science Alliance, 7(11). -
The Role of Primary Care Providers in Lung Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Survey.
Wong, L.-Y. Y., Kapula, N., Kang, A., Phadke, A. J., Schechtman, A. D., Elliott, I. A., … Lui, N. S. (2024). The Role of Primary Care Providers in Lung Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Clinical Lung Cancer. -
Segmentectomy vs Lobectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The Impact of Tumor Location.
Wong, L.-Y. Y., Kapula, N., Elliott, I. A., Liou, D. Z., Backhus, L. M., Lui, N. S., … Berry, M. F. (2024). Segmentectomy vs Lobectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The Impact of Tumor Location. Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports, 2(3), 458–463. -
The Impact of Tumor Size on Node Involvement in Typical Lung Carcinoids.
Elliott, I. A., Liou, D. Z., Lui, N. S., Backhus, L. M., Shrager, J. B., Myall, N., & Berry, M. F. (2023). The Impact of Tumor Size on Node Involvement in Typical Lung Carcinoids. Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports, 1(4), 543–547. -
The association of chylothorax with aggressiveness of lymph node management during pulmonary resection.
Kamtam, D. N., Berry, M. F., Lin, N., Kapula, N., Kim, J. J., Wallen, B., … Shrager, J. B. (2025). The association of chylothorax with aggressiveness of lymph node management during pulmonary resection. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. -
The impact of extent of nodal involvement on stage IIIA (N2) non-small cell lung cancer outcomes
Wong, L.-Y., Tsai, L. L., He, H., Elliott, I. A., & Berry, M. F. (2025). The impact of extent of nodal involvement on stage IIIA (N2) non-small cell lung cancer outcomes. JTCVS OPEN, 23, 256–265. -
The impact of extent of nodal involvement on stage IIIA (N2) non-small cell lung cancer outcomes.
Wong, L.-Y. Y., Tsai, L. L., He, H., Elliott, I. A., & Berry, M. F. (2025). The impact of extent of nodal involvement on stage IIIA (N2) non-small cell lung cancer outcomes. JTCVS Open, 23, 256–265. -
Novel Robotic Esophagogastric Anastomosis Simulation Model for Skill Development and Training.
Wong, L.-Y., Kamtam, D., Kim, J., Wallen, B., Elliott, I. A., Guenthart, B. A., … Lui, N. S. (2025). Novel Robotic Esophagogastric Anastomosis Simulation Model for Skill Development and Training. Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports, 3(1), 206–211. -
Utility of PET for Nodal Staging in Subsolid Clinical Stage IA (T1 N0) Lung Adenocarcinoma.
Kamtam, D. N., Shrager, J. B., Elliott, I. A., Guo, H. H., Guenthart, B. A., Liou, D. Z., … Berry, M. F. (2025). Utility of PET for Nodal Staging in Subsolid Clinical Stage IA (T1 N0) Lung Adenocarcinoma. Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports, 3(1), 118–122. -
Community Awareness of Lung Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Survey.
Ryan, L. C., Choudhary, S., Kapula, N., Kang, A., Shula, L. G., Elliott, I. A., … Lui, N. S. (2025). Community Awareness of Lung Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports, 3(1), 113–117. -
Factors and outcomes associated with successful minimally invasive pneumonectomy.
Trope, W. L., Kapula, N., Elliott, I. A., Guenthart, B. A., Lui, N. S., Backhus, L. M., … Liou, D. Z. (2025). Factors and outcomes associated with successful minimally invasive pneumonectomy. JTCVS Open, 24, 423–437. -
Modern Preoperative Evaluation for Lung Cancer Treatment.
Tsai, L. L., & Elliott, I. A. (2025). Modern Preoperative Evaluation for Lung Cancer Treatment. Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America, 34(4), 501–512. -
Accuracy of DOTATATE-positron emission tomography for preoperative nodal staging of carcinoid tumors of the lung.
Tsai, L. L., Bommakanti, S., Sridharan, S., Myall, N. J., Guenthart, B. A., Liou, D. Z., … Elliott, I. A. (2025). Accuracy of DOTATATE-positron emission tomography for preoperative nodal staging of carcinoid tumors of the lung. JTCVS Open, 27, 157–163. -
Assessment of Postoperative Chylothorax Volume Threshold Associated with Failed Conservative Management.
Lin, N., Kapula, N., Wallen, B., Kim, J., Manapat, P., Kamtam, D., … Liou, D. Z. (2025). Assessment of Postoperative Chylothorax Volume Threshold Associated with Failed Conservative Management. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. -
The Association of Short-Term Outcomes and Long-Term Survival After Lung Cancer Resection.
Woodson, D. R., Kapula, N., Liou, D. Z., Elliott, I. A., Shrager, J. B., & Berry, M. F. (2025). The Association of Short-Term Outcomes and Long-Term Survival After Lung Cancer Resection. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. -
A novel robotic-assisted lung lobectomy simulation model
Chang, C. C., Kapula, N., Kim, J. J., Choi, A., Elliott, I. A., Liou, D. Z., … Lui, N. S. (2025). A novel robotic-assisted lung lobectomy simulation model. JTCVS OPEN, 28, 593–602. -
A novel robotic-assisted lung lobectomy simulation model.
Chang, C. C., Kapula, N., Kim, J. J., Choi, A., Elliott, I. A., Liou, D. Z., … Lui, N. S. (2025). A novel robotic-assisted lung lobectomy simulation model. JTCVS Open, 28, 593–602. -
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Management of Chylothorax.
Monroe, E. J., Kim, C. Y., Ahmed, O., Cline, B., Elliott, I. A., Hirasaki, K., … Fidelman, N. (2026). ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Management of Chylothorax. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR. -
Endoscopic findings predictive of pathologic upstaging in T2N0 esophageal cancer
Tsai, L. L., Bommakanti, S., Kapula, N., Satoyoshi, M., Aboujudom, C., Elliott, I. A., … Berry, M. F. (2026). Endoscopic findings predictive of pathologic upstaging in T2N0 esophageal cancer. JTCVS OPEN, 29.
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First lung and kidney multi-organ transplant following COVID-19 Infection.
Practice Locations
Thoracic and Lung Cancer Program in Emeryville Emeryville, CA
Emeryville, CA
Thoracic and Lung Cancer Program in Emeryville
5800 Hollis Street
Emeryville , CA 94608
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information Getting HereThoracic Cancer Program in Palo Alto Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA
Thoracic Cancer Program in Palo Alto
875 Blake Wilbur Dr
Palo Alto , CA 94304
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information Getting HereCancer Center in Emeryville Emeryville, CA
Emeryville, CA
Cancer Center in Emeryville
5800 Hollis Street
Emeryville , CA 94608
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information Getting HereImportant Information about Our Organizations and Physician Affiliation
Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners are each independent nonprofit organizations that are affiliated with but separate from each other and from Stanford University. The physicians who provide care at facilities operated by Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners are faculty, foundation, or community physicians who are not employees, representatives, or agents of Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri- Valley, or Stanford Medicine Partners. Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners do not exercise control over the care provided by such faculty, foundation, and community physicians and are not responsible for their actions.
Review Summary
Dr. Elliott is known for being professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. She takes the time to explain diagnoses and procedures thoroughly, instilling confidence and making patients feel at ease. Many appreciate her compassionate nature and ability to listen and respond thoughtfully.
The summary was created by AI, based on recent patient reviews. Learn more
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Patient Reviews
(39 reviews)
Dr. Elliott is an excellent thoracic specialist. The meeting went extremely well.
I highly recommend Dr. Elliott.
I really like her, trust her and appreciate her clear communication skills.
Dr. Elliott is such a blessing. She is kind, gracious, thoughtful, and thorough. I completely trust her and feel so safe with her.
She is wonderful, empathetic, smart, reassuring.
Thank you for informative call, it provided additional clarity and comfort for the forthcoming surgery
She was clear in explaining my situation and options for treatment. She.answered my questions appropriately. She was very friendly and likable. She seemed very competent and confident.
She was friendly, knowledgeable and answered all my questions
Dr explained everything that i wanted to know she shared the scan , i was very happy with the outcome.
She was mentored by Dr. Shrager, good to know. Enhanced my confidence in Dr. Elliott (even though she looks so young)
I felt she did a great job!!!
Dr.Irmina Elliott was excellent. She explained everything to me. I will connect soon with Dr. Elliott
Dr Elliott was outstanding! Very professional, caring and knowledgeable!
Dr. Elliot is the best. Blessed to have her as our surgeon.
Dr. Elliott is such sunshine. I feel very at ease with her. She makes me smile.
Dr Elliott is wonderful. I enjoyed working with while we did.
She is the doctor everyone would want. Skilled and compassionate. Listens and responds thoughtfully. Very easy to engage with and trust.
She was extremely professional and helpful.
Excellent doctor.
Very kind.
Took her time to explain and made sure I understood what was being said friendly and professional with her taking to me
Dr. Elliot exudes confidence and explains procedures, diagnoses, etc. in thorough and logical manner. She provides understandable explanations and justifications or not for surgery.
Dr Elliot was very friendly and easy to talk about my condition and what she recommended I should do
All my questions were answered without traveling to her office. Time is important to me and if questions can be answered via video visit why spend time to go the her office
She is awesome and I trust her
Very professional, friendly and knowledgeable in her specialty. She helped me feel reassured that answers were coming with more test and that I shouldn’t worry. I feel like that’s exactly what I needed to hear.
Very informative and professional with a friendly visit.she instilled confidence in me about her answers to my questions. Happy to meet her in the video
Very nice and professional
Nice facility; wonderful doctor!
I am a very lucky lady to have Irmina Elliott as my doctor.
Dr. Elliott was fantastic. Patient, thorough, knowledgeable.
I am grateful to Dr Elliot for her help, care, and understanding not my medical problems, only, but me as human been.
Thank you
Excellent provider!
A patient and understanding surgeon
I appreciate the care provided by Dr Irmina Elliott.
She is sincere and a good listener.
Dr Elliott takes time to answer questions and I appreciate that very much.
Just noted in last screen. Dr. Elliott was AMAZING. She was thoughtful, thorough, and considerate. I feel SO much better understanding the issues and plans.
Excellent
Dr. Elliott is an outstanding physician who embodies the qualities that exemplify the ideals of Stanford Health Care. She is extremely knowledgeable, caring, collaborative, approachable, effective physician.
Love this place!
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