Catholic Health Appoints New System Vice Chair of Thoracic Surgery and Director of Robotic Thoracic Surgery

Catholic Health has appointed Laurence Spier, MD, its new System Vice Chair of Thoracic Surgery and Director of Robotic Thoracic Surgery. In this role, Dr. Spier will work with Dr. Abbas Abbas, system chair of thoracic surgery and associate director of surgical oncology at Catholic Health, to build a world‑class minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery program across the health system.

Dr. Spier brings decades of expertise in robotic‑assisted thoracic surgery and will advance care for patients with lung and esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, mesothelioma and a broad range of benign thoracic conditions. The program will focus on reducing surgical trauma and helping patients recover faster through coordinated, multidisciplinary care.

“Dr. Spier is an exceptional surgeon and recognized leader in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery,” said Dr. Abbas. “Throughout his career, he has advanced the field through education and research, with a strong commitment to patient care. I’m thrilled to work alongside him as we continue to build a best-in-class thoracic surgery program at Catholic Health.”

The addition of Dr. Spier further strengthens Catholic Health’s efforts to expand advanced minimally invasive and robotic thoracic care across Long Island.

“I’m honored to be joining the team at Catholic Health, where clinical innovation and the patient experience are equally valued,” said Dr. Spier. “Robotic and thoracic surgery continue to evolve, and I look forward to working with Dr. Abbas to bring the latest advancements to patients at Catholic Health. Most importantly, I want to help ensure patients across Long Island have access to advanced minimally invasive care close to home.”

Prior to joining Catholic Health, Dr. Spier served as Chief of Thoracic Surgery at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, where he led the hospital’s multidisciplinary cardiothoracic surgical team. He also served as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine. He is a member of multiple professional medical societies and has contributed to numerous innovative studies that have helped advance the field of thoracic surgery.

Dr. Spier earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical School. He completed his residency in General Surgery at North Shore University Hospital and a fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is certified in Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

To book an appointment with Dr. Spier, visit our website.