About Jacob Kriegel

Jacob earned a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in American History and Biological Sciences from Columbia College in New York, NY. He then went on to obtain his Doctorate of Medicine from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY.

He completed a Biodesign Innovation Fellowship at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas where he developed a medical device that is currently being studied as a potential new therapy for congestive heart failure. He completed his Cardiothoracic Surgery training at the New York Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia where he gained in-depth experience with multiarterial revascularization, valve repair, complex aortic disease and mechanical circulatory support techniques.

Jacob feels that empathy and compassion are critical to delivering great care. He feels that it is his job to guide his patients and their families through the process of cardiac surgery so that they can feel comfortable and confident. Although cardiac surgery is something he practices every day he keeps in mind that surgery is a very daunting experience for patients, filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. Together he and his patients work towards a goal of getting them back to living life and feeling better. The technical aspects of the operation are only one part of the equation. Everything leading up to and after surgery is equally, if not more, important for achieving a great outcome.

Growing up Jacob was surrounded by influential practicing physicians, such as his father and many aunts and uncles. His father, a cardiologist, would have Jacob join him on his rounds in the hospital. It was there that he was able to see what a privilege it was to care for people and help them through challenging times. He chose to be a cardiac surgeon because of its high impact and potential to dramatically improve or save people’s lives. 

When not at work he enjoys skiing, hiking, and playing tennis.