Ascension Saint Thomas Expands Thoracic Oncology Services in Williamson County, Bringing Advanced Chest and Lung Care Closer to Home

Residents of Williamson County now have expanded access to advanced chest and lung care, as Ascension Saint Thomas grows its Chest and Lung Center and Thoracic Oncology Program locally. With Dr. John F. Lazar, a board-certified thoracic surgeon with national leadership experience in complex thoracic surgery, now accepting patients at Williamson Medical Center, residents no longer need to travel outside the county for expert surgical care. This growth brings earlier diagnosis, more timely treatment, and improved outcomes for patients facing lung and thoracic diseases across the region.

Dr. Lazar serves as chief of thoracic surgery and thoracic oncology for Ascension Saint Thomas. He specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the lungs, esophagus, airway and chest wall, including benign and cancerous diseases.

The Ascension Saint Thomas Chest and Lung Center and Thoracic Oncology Program emphasize advanced, minimally invasive approaches, including robotic-assisted surgery and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, as well as traditional open procedures when clinically appropriate. These techniques support greater precision, shorter recovery times and improved patient outcomes.

Dr. Lazar is among the first fellowship-trained thoracic robotic surgeons in the world. His surgical expertise includes robotic esophagectomy, lung resections, mediastinal tumor removal, hiatal hernia repair and complex airway reconstruction.

"I am excited to expand advanced thoracic surgical care for Williamson County," Dr. Lazar said. "Patients facing complex thoracic conditions involving the lungs, esophagus, airway or chest wall deserve access to the latest surgical innovations without traveling far from home. By combining minimally invasive and robotic techniques with a personalized, patient-centered approach, our goal is to deliver safer surgeries, faster recovery and the best possible outcomes for every patient."

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lazar remains active in research and education, contributing to ongoing advancements in thoracic surgery and oncology. He is board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and is a member of several national professional organizations. Dr. Lazar has also been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, an honor awarded to approximately 7% of practicing physicians nationwide based on peer nomination and professional achievement.

For more information, to request an appointment or for patient referrals and scheduling, call .