Meet the Cardiothoracic Staff

Meet The Staff

The divisions of Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University Hospital are staffed by 150 dedicated professionals in a wide array of disciplines. The physician team is comprised of board-certified specialists who are also faculty members of the Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School (NJMS).

Justin Sambol, MD

Justin Sambol, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the New Jersey Medical School and Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at University Hospital and New Jersey Medical School.  Dr. Sambol specializes in all aspects of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery including off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, mitral valve repairs, endovascular repairs, aortic surgery including thoracic aortic aneurysm repair,.

In addition, Dr. Sambol’s interests include thoracic oncology, tracheal surgery as well as minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic procedures.

He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and completed medical school as well as his residency in general surgery and fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at New Jersey Medical School.

Huzaifa Shakir, MD

Huzaifa Shakir, MD is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Shakir completed his undergraduate studies with distinction as Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude in Boston University School of Medicine’s seven-year accelerated BA/MD program. Born and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Huzaifa Shakir is honored to be voted as one of New Jersey’s Top Doctors in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018. Noteworthy, he and his team have worked hard to maintain a risk-adjusted CABG mortality rate well below the New Jersey State average for several years (as published in NJ Department of Health Report). Broadly trained, with a depth of expertise in cardiac and thoracic surgery, Dr. Shakir’s skills and interests include: coronary artery bypass grafting, complex aortic/mitral valve surgery, electrophysiology surgery, and minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Dr. Shakir has double board certification (ABS, ABTS). He is actively involved in the teaching of medical students and residents and manages a robust cardiothoracic program at multiple Northern New Jersey hospital locations.

Education

M.D, 1999, Boston University School of Medicine, Seven Year Accelerated BA/MD Program.

Licensure & Certification

Medical Licensure
New Jersey

Certification
American Board of Thoracic Surgery – Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery
American Board of Surgery – General Surgery.