Ruben G. Nava Bahena, MD

Ruben G. Nava Bahena, MD

Associate Professor of Surgery
Section of Thoracic Surgery
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Specialties

  • Thoracic surgery 
  • Lung transplant 
  • Lung cancer 
  • Lung resection  
  • Lung nodules 
  • Esophagectomy 
  • Benign foregut surgery 
  • Achalasia 
  • Airway obstruction 
  • Barrett’s esophagus 
  • Benign esophageal strictures 
  • Chest wall tumors 
  • Emphysema 
  • Esophageal tumors 
  • Esophageal diverticulum 
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 
  • Hiatal hernia 
  • Hyperhidrosis 
  • Myasthenia gravis 
  • Mediastinal tumors 
  • Pneumothorax 
  • Tracheal disease 
  • Tracheal tumors 

Call for patient appointments: 314-362-7260


Meet Dr. Nava 

Dr. Ruben Nava is a thoracic surgeon specializing in lung and esophageal cancer, lung transplantation, and general thoracic surgery. 

He has expertise in minimally invasive approaches, including robotic surgery, that often result in less pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times. 

Dr. Nava earned his medical degree from the University of the Armed Forces Military Medical School in Mexico. He completed general surgery residency training at WashU Medicine, where he also completed a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship.  

It is truly an honor to serve patients within my own community and share my surgical expertise with my neighbors.

Dr. Nava

Degrees

Medical Degree
University of the Armed Forces: Military Medical School, Mexico
2000

Residency

General Surgery Residency
WashU Medicine, St. Louis, MO
2016

Fellowship

Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship
WashU Medicine, St. Louis, MO
2018


Research interests

Lung transplantation, specifically the immunologic consequences of ischemia reperfusion injury, as well as the induction and maintenance of tolerance after lung transplantation. 


Locations

Gary C. Werths Building at Siteman Cancer Center
4500 Forest Park Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63108
Floor: 5
Phone: 314-362-7260

Hospital affiliations

Barnes-Jewish Hospital 

Siteman Cancer Center – Shiloh 


Board certifications

  • Thoracic surgery 
  • General surgery 

Dr. Nava in the news 

More information

Professional Memberships

American College of Surgeons (FACS)
American Society of Transplantation
Awards and Honors


Awards and Honors

  • 2011, American Transplant Congress Young Investigator Award, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, Philadelphia, PA
  • 2014, Top Gun Laparoscopic Competition Champion, Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
  • 2014, Top Gun Laparoscopic Skills Competition Champion, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine
  • 2018, Gregorio A. Sicard Fellow Teaching Award, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine
  • 2020, Fellow, American College of Surgeons