Dr. Raed Alnajjar

About Dr. Raed M. Alnajjar

Dr. Raed Alnajjar, MD, is a board-certified thoracic surgeon with experience treating pleural mesothelioma and other cancers of the chest. His goal is to provide expert surgical care while helping patients understand their options throughout treatment.

As part of his work at Henry Ford Health, Dr. Alnajjar collaborates with surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists to build personalized treatment plans for his patients. Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, those plans may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments.

Dr. Raed Alnajjar believes every patient deserves care that fits their unique needs. Connect with him by using our Free Doctor Match to decide if he’s the right specialist for you.

What Health Conditions Does Dr. Raed Alnajjar Treat?

Dr. Alnajjar treats pleural mesothelioma and many other diseases affecting the chest.

His primary areas of care include:

• Pleural mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer that develops in the pleura (the lining surrounding the lungs) and is caused by asbestos exposure.
• Thoracic cancers: An umbrella term for cancers occurring anywhere in the chest cavity, including the lungs, esophagus, pleura, and mediastinum (the middle of the chest).
• Chest wall tumors: Growths that arise in the bones, cartilage, muscles, or soft tissue of the chest wall itself, rather than in the internal organs.
• Mediastinal tumors: Tumors that develop in the mediastinum, the area of the chest between the lungs.

Because so many of these conditions require care from multiple specialists, Dr. Alnajjar works closely with other members of a patient’s treatment team to build personalized care plans for them.

Dr. Raed Alnajjar’s Mesothelioma Treatment Approach

As a thoracic surgeon, Dr. Alnajjar focuses on procedures that remove tumors and cancerous tissues. However, his patients often need a range of treatments in addition to surgery to address mesothelioma.

When developing a mesothelioma treatment plan, he considers options like: 

• Advanced thoracic surgery: Removes tumors while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Chemotherapy: Uses medications to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth.
• Clinical trials: Provide access to promising new treatment approaches.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Lung resection: Removes part or all of a lung when appropriate.
• Multidisciplinary care: Brings surgeons, medical oncologists, and other specialists together to coordinate treatment.
• Radiation therapy: May be used before or after surgery or to help relieve symptoms.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient and adjusted as their needs change.

Use our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to talk with your specialist about the best surgical options for your mesothelioma.

Dr. Raed Alnajjar’s Medical Background

Dr. Raed M. Alnajjar, MD, has dedicated his career to treating diseases affecting the lungs and chest through advanced thoracic surgery.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Jordan Medical School in 1997, then completed a general surgery residency at Trinity Health Oakland and a thoracic surgery fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Alnajjar practices at Henry Ford Health, where he cares for patients with pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other thoracic conditions. Along with treating patients, he serves in leadership, education, and training roles that help advance cardiothoracic surgery.

Work Experience

Dr. Raed Alnajjar has completed extensive training in general surgery and thoracic surgery.

His experience includes these professional titles:

• Thoracic surgeon at Henry Ford Health System
• Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital
• Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University
• Core faculty member for the Henry Ford Macomb General Surgery Residency Program

His experience in minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery allows him to offer advanced surgical options for his patients.

Highlights of Dr. Raed Alnajjar’s Medical Career

Dr. Alnajjar has built his career around advancing thoracic cancer surgery and improving care for patients with diseases affecting the lungs and chest.

He specializes in the surgical treatment of pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic malignancies, educates future surgeons, and contributes to advancements in thoracic surgery.

Awards and Accolades

Dr. Raed Alnajjar has earned recognition for his expertise in thoracic surgery, leadership, and medical education.

His accolades and awards include:

• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
• Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC)
• Being the host of Medtronic’s National Training Meeting
• Four patient awards and one “expert” accolade from U.S. News & World Report

While awards make specialists stand out among mesothelioma doctors, patient reviews are also crucial to finding the right surgeon.

Patients frequently praise Dr. Alnajjar for his professionalism, knowledge, and clear communication. He has consistently received near 5-star ratings from hundreds of former patients and earned a Patient’s Top Choice award from U.S. News & World Report.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Raed M. Alnajjar combines advanced surgical expertise with a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to treatment. His extensive career has honed his surgical skills, helping him provide top-quality patient care.

His career highlights include:

• Board certification in Surgery through the American Board of Surgery
• Board certification in Thoracic Surgery through the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital
• Clinical Assistant Professor at Michigan State University
• Fellowships and leadership roles in thoracic surgery and surgical education

Dr. Alnajjar has the experience needed to work closely with patients, explain their diagnosis, answer questions, and develop treatment plans that fit their individual needs.

Dr. Raed Alnajjar’s Work in Mesothelioma Treatment

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Raed Alnajjar continues to support advances in thoracic surgery through leadership, education, and innovation.

His work includes:

• Expanding the use of minimally invasive thoracic surgery
• Advancing robotic techniques for chest procedures
• Training surgeons in modern cardiothoracic procedures
• Improving access to advanced surgical care for thoracic diseases

These efforts make Dr. Alnajjar a leader in treating cancers like mesothelioma through advanced thoracic surgery.

Our Free Doctor Match tool can connect you with specialists like Dr. Alnajjar and help you determine the next steps after getting a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Dr. Raed M. Alnajjar’s Cancer Research and Published Works

Dr. Alnajjar has participated in numerous studies throughout his career. His research helps improve cardiothoracic, vascular, and general surgery care for patients and surgeons.

His recent publications include:

• Statewide Quality Collaborative As a Forum for Change: Promoting Adoption of Multiarterial Grafting in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery. Published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, April 2026.
• Adequate Lung Cancer Surgery Lymphadenectomy Within a Statewide Quality Collaborative: Quality Improvement in Action. Published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, July 2023.
• Tension Pneumopericardium Causing Cardiogenic Shock due to Blunt Injury to the Chest. Published in The American Surgeon, May 2023.
• Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Using Transcaval Aortic Access Technique. Published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports, March 2023.
• Early Detection of a Cavopulmonary Tumor Embolus with the Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography. Published in The Texas Heart Institute Journal, February 2015.
• Renal Cell Carcinoma Extending into the Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava. Published in The Texas Heart Institute Journal, December 2014.
• Total Arch Replacement With Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique. Published in The Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery, June 2013.

These studies may help improve patient outcomes and find more effective ways to treat pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers.

Get Connected With Dr. Raed Alnajjar

Choosing an experienced thoracic surgeon is an important step when exploring treatment options for pleural mesothelioma. Working with a specialist can help patients better understand their diagnosis and determine whether surgery may be part of their treatment plan.

Dr. Raed M. Alnajjar is recognized for his expertise in thoracic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and the treatment of pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers. If you or a loved one is searching for an experienced specialist, our Patient Advocates are here to help.

Call our team at (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to find specialists, treatment centers, and support resources near you.