Dr. Renata Ford, MD

Media Releases

Get to know Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Renata Ford, who serves patients in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Ford is an expert in the realm of cardiothoracic surgery, with a specialization in minimally invasive and robotic procedures. She is currently affiliated with Hearts SA, working with patients in San Antonio, Texas. Beyond her surgical prowess, she emphasizes preoperative optimization, advocating for measures such as weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, and addressing undiagnosed sleep apnea. 

In regards to her educational background, she received her medical degree from the Federal University Espirito Santo in Brazil in 1994, and attended the Cornell University Program at Lincoln Hospital, where she completed her General Surgery Residency. Following this, she honed her skills further at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, undertaking a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship. Her commitment to excellence saw her serve as faculty at UTHSCSA and contribute significantly to the surgical team at the “Audie L. Murphy” VA Hospital.

In 2010, driven by a quest for advanced knowledge and innovation, Dr. Ford embarked on a transformative journey under the mentorship of Dr. Chitwood at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. This fellowship focused on Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, particularly in Mitral Valve and Atrial Fibrillation procedures. Dr. Chitwood, renowned as the Father of Robotic Heart Surgery, imparted invaluable expertise, shaping her into one of only twenty-seven surgeons worldwide and one of five women who underwent this specialized training.

Recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the doctor is board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). The ABS is an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.

In addition, Dr. Ford is board-certified in cardiac surgery by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, which is an American surgical organization devoted to surgery of the chest.

Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in the surgical treatment of organs inside the thorax. Cardiothoracic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgical procedures inside the thorax, which may involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. Alongside performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs.

As a testament to her success, in 2006 she received accolades for her pioneering efforts in Double Transplantation via Sternotomy, a testament to her innovative approach and surgical prowess. Her expertise was further recognized with an invitation to present at the Texas Lung Transplant Club, where she shared insights and advancements in the field, inspiring fellow professionals.

Speaking several languages, Dr. Ford is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and German.

Recommended Articles

• What to Expect After Gallbladder Surgery

  The Gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that is located below the liver. It is found on the right side of the abdomen. Its primary function is to take and store the fluid that is released from the liver to help in digestion (bile). The surgical procedure that is used to extract a damaged...

• Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis?

  The abdomen is the part of your body below your chest and above the pelvic region, and any pain in this area is referred to as abdominal pain. Almost everybody would have experienced pain in the abdomen one time or another. Most causes are harmless and can be diagnosed and treated easily. However,...

• What are Cataracts: Get the Facts

  Cataract is the blurring of the lens part of the eye that can lead to complications in vision. Aging is the cause of the common form of cataract. It grows slowly and should symptoms develop they should not be ignored as this condition worsens with time. Congenital defects, previous eye surgery,...

• Why Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks of Circumcision?

  Male circumcision has been a highly debated topic with arguments both for and against it. Various religious and traditional practices across the globe favor circumcision. However, there are also large sections of the population in other parts of the world where circumcision is not recommended by...

• Is Pancreatic Cancer Genetic?

  Is Pancreatic Cancer Genetic?Cancer is caused by a change in your genetic sequence. Genes are responsible for designing your body. Any alteration at that level will alter your body patterns.Cancer is an uncontrolled production of abnormal cells. Usually new cells are formed when your body needs...

• Epigastric Hernia: Get the Facts

  A hernia is a condition in which some part of an internal organ grows through an opening and protrudes to some other area, thereby altering its normal location.There are many types of hernia, but the epigastric hernia is the most common form. An epigastric hernia occurs when abdominal tissue...