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Felix G. Fernandez Emory Faculty
Felix G. Fernandez Emory Faculty

Felix G. Fernandez, MD

Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, Surgery, Thoracic Surgery

4.9 - 595 Ratings

Emory Heart & Vascular Center at Clifton Campus

1365 Clifton Road Northeast, Bldg A, Fl 2, Atlanta, GA 30322
Telehealth Visits Available

Booking information not available

(404) 778-3629
Book Online

About

A Board Certified Surgeon and a Board Certified Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Fernandez specializes in esophageal and lung cancer, achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia, esophageal diverticulum, and hyperhidrosis. Dr. Fernandez performs the majority of his surgeries with minimally invasive and/or robotic assisted procedures. He is affiliated with Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

Dr. Fernandez earned his MD with highest distinction from Wayne State University School of Medicine, earned a Master of Science in Clinical Research degree from the Laney Graduate School at Emory university, and completed his general surgery residency and cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Dr. Fernandez's research interests include outcomes in quality improvement and patient reported outcomes. In 2014, the Graham Foundation of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) named Dr. Fernandez a Cardiothoracic Surgical Investigator for 2014-2015. The Foundation provided support for his pilot study to integrate patient reported outcomes data (PROs) into Emory's General Thoracic Surgery Database of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). That same year, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) awarded Dr. Fernandez an RO1 grant for a study that has helped identify the most advantageous surgical strategies for patients with lung cancer.

As an active member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) since 2011, Dr. Fernandez has served in various capacities on multiple STS committees and has led and collaborated on several projects designed to refine and enhance components of the STS National Database, a highly impactful initiative for quality improvement and patient safety among cardiothoracic surgeons and their institutions across the U.S. In 2018, Dr. Fernandez was appointed chair of the STS Workforce on National Databases, which oversees the Adult Cardiac, General Thoracic, Congenital Heart Surgery, and Intermacs/Pedimacs Databases that are part of the STS National Database.

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Emory Affiliation

  • Emory Clinic - School of Medicine Faculty
  • Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • Emory Healthcare Network
  • Emory Physician Group Practice

Academic Title

  • Associate Professor

Academic Profile

Year Started Practicing

  • 2009

View my Winship Cancer Institute profile

Locations

Emory Heart & Vascular Center at Clifton Campus

1365 Clifton Road Northeast
Bldg A, Fl 2
Atlanta, GA 30322

404-778-7973 Get Directions
Emory Heart & Vascular Center at Clifton Campus location map

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5 overall rating 595 ratings

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

4.9 Provider showed concern
4.9 Provider explained things clearly
4.9 Provider discussed treatment options
4.9 Provider included you in decisions
4.9 Likelihood of recommending this provider
4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-25

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-07

If you need a lung surgeon, and I hope you don't. But if so Dr. Fernandez is the MAN! Did a great job on my surgery and I would highly recommend!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-07

Dr. Fernandez is absolutely amazing!! He has taken care of me and is a Doctor that truly cares about his patients. Amazing Doctor/Surgeon that you there at Emory!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-04

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-26

Nurse Exceeded my expectations. However, the doctor seemed a bit distracted and seemed quite anxious to end the visit.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-24

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-10

Explain everything in detail to me and I can understand

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-08

My doctor explained my condition to me in language that I understood. I also was given my options.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-03-03

Dr. Fernandez was excellent and I recommend.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-24

This doctor seemed like a very nice man. I am glad I didn't have a big problem this time. I'm sure he sees patients with more serious concerns.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-26

Dr explained everything very clearly so I could understand.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-16

I can't express how grateful I am for Dr. Fernandez. He has the best interpersonal skills and is the most caring Dr./Surgeon.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-15

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-09

Dr. Fernandez is great. Excellent bed side manner. Forthcoming and puts hard answers in terms a patient can understand. He is not forcefully telling you what to do, but gives you the truth. Good or bad

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-09

Patient and thoughtful

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-07

Very good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-05

Dr. Fernandez was very patient with his explanations and all of my many questions, and I appreciate that he answered me without talking down to me. He was also very understanding about my concerns. I definitely did not feel judged or like he thought I was being dumb. He was also very good at explaining things on my (patient) level instead of only at a medical professional's level.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-04

Dr Fernandez gave a clear explanation of my surgical options, risk and benefits as well as estimated time of recovery(s).

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-18

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-04

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-10

Very professional and easy to talk to

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-07

Dr. Was very attentive

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-03

He answered my questions, and gave me a chance to explain my concerns.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-01

Both doctor and assistant were very efficient.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-23

Very good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-09

The doctor was very professional and polite. He explained everything about my condition and answered all of my questions. He made me feel like he cared. I'm glad he is my doctor.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-06

Love Dr Fernandez he's kind caring. All of the staff members are awesome too

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-20

They were all great

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-12

TALKED WITH MY FAMILY ON THE PHONE GREAT

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-12

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-08

Cindy was thorough in explaining my CT results while showing me the CT images on her computer. She was very professional, knowledgeable, and made the office visit a pleasant experience. I am very happy with the care I am receiving from Dr Fernandez and his entire staff.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-08

Entire period of treatment and care was exceptional!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-05

Felt very comfortable with this visit. Dr. Fernandez was very patient and explained everything .

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-13

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Fernandez.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-26

Another great doctor on my care team. I feel he cares about me.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-13

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-13

I will tell anyone who needs this care facility how Great this team of professionals will treat you.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-10

The visit was not rushed. Extremely informative. Great experience.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-06

Dr. Fernandez is the best doctor in every way that I know of.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-04

Dr. Fernandez is great at explaining things and answering questions. He gets it.I am fortunate to be in such great care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-30

I was very impressed with Dr. Fernandez and his staff. There was less than probably three minutes between doctor, his nurse practitioner and three or four other staff members during our visit.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-29

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-16

Dr.Fernandez is excellent. He explained everything and gave us options. We were very happy with him. And the staff.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-08

Buenas

3 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-08

The doctor didn't seen to concern about the nodules on my lungs. He was sympathy and he was straight to the point.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-06

I know I'm in great hands with Dr Fernandez! He listens & answers all my questions with clear responses that I can easily understand while making sure that I fully understand all risks involved.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-18

My questions were answered in a manner that I could understand my treatment

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-20

I was not given any options about my conditions.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-14

I don't think I've ever had a doctor that was as thorough, compassionate and made me feel so comfortable with my decision

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-20

Loved Dr Fernandez. Highly recommend!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-07

Excellent Doctor

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-09

Very informative and considerate.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-08

Care for my cancer was kind and effective

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-05

Dr Fernandez and his team were awesome! Both the PA and the Doctor listened to my concerns and provided information in layman's terms. I felt heard which is rare!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-04

Topnotch providers!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-21

Dr. Fernandez is an excellent surgeon. I would recommend him to any of my family friends or clients. I wish there were more doctors like him that cared so much for their patients.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-18

Dr Fernandez is uncommonly clear, thorough, not rushed, and caring compared to most doctors I have encountered. Nearly all doctors are knowledgeable, especially at a top class place like Emory. But not all of them display the four characteristics I just described.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-25

Dr Fernandez is my hero. I had been suffering for the past 23 years. I feel like I can maybe start living again!!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-18

The provider listened to what I was saying and to my concerns. Very good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-18

Dr Fernandez was thorough and very caring,explained everything throughly

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-16

I'm pleased with my doctor/care provider.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-04

Excellent visit with Dr. Fernandez!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-01

Excellent Dr great service

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-25

My care team Dr Fernandez was very very thorough when explaining my problem treatment location of the area affected he even drew a diagram took me step by step through it I was.very well informed of my surgery and treatment

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-22

Everyone was fantastic.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-13

I will always recommend Emory.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-27

Dr Fernandez takes his time and explains things in a simple understandable way. My only problem is that I feel like there should be better communication between the referring doctor and the current doctor

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-20

Very profitable and very detailed. I was very impressed

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-16

Dr. Fernandez and his assistant were excellent and exceeded my expectations.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-13

I. Was. Very. Pleased

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-06

Very Good experience with care provider.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-01

Care provider answered all question and excellent follow up care!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-19

The best experience I have ever had with a Doctor

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-19

Great experience

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-19

They work like clockwork I never seen nobody work as good as the staff that helped me.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-19

Saw the NP first time and she is excellent & of course Dr. Fernandez is Just the Best!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-04

Answered my questions and offered things that I found helpful.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-24

Dr. Fernandez is a pleasure to visit with. I am very appreciative to be in his care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-23

Awesome, Friendly and very smart THANK YOU

Credentials

Education

  • Fellowship: Barnes - Jewish Hospital, Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2009
  • Residency: Barnes - Jewish Hospital, General Surgery, 2007
  • Internship: Barnes - Jewish Hospital, General Surgery, 2001
  • Medical Education: Wayne State University School of Medicine, MD, 2000

Board Certifications

  • Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery, 2010
  • Surgery (General Surgery), American Board of Surgery, 2007

Awards

  • Resident Traveling Fellowship Grant, American Association of Thoracic Surgery, 2008
  • Best Scientific Poster, Clinical Congress, American College of Surgeons, 2014
  • Richard E. Clark Paper in General Thoracic Surgery, Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) 51st Annual Meeting, 2015
  • Richard E. Clark Paper in General Thoracic Surgery, STS 52nd Annual Meeting, 2016
  • Richard E. Clark Paper in General Thoracic Surgery, STS 53rd Annual Meeting, 2017
  • J. Maxwell Chamberlain Paper in General Thoracic Surgery, STS 53rd Annual Meeting, 2017
  • Richard E. Clark Paper in General Thoracic Surgery. STS 55th Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA. January 26-29, 2019.

Professional Memberships

  • Alpha Omega Alpha, 1998-present
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, 2010-present
  • American College of Surgeons (Initiate 2011), 2004-present
  • Society of Thoracic Surgeons (Active member 2011), 2007-present
  • Alliance for Clinical trials in Oncology 2011-present
  • American College of Chest Physicians, 2011-present
  • Surgical Outcomes Club, 2011-present
  • Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, 2011-present
  • American Association for Thoracic Surgery, 2015-present
  • 21st Century Cardiothoracic Surgical Society, 2017-present