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Dr. Samer Kanaan, MD

Dr. Samer Kanaan, MD

Thoracic Surgery*
25+ years of experience

Dr. Samer Kanaan, MD is a thoracic surgery specialist in Riverside, CA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1997. He is affiliated with Riverside Community Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

5 Star Rating
Based on 43 reviews 5 Star Rating (43 reviews)

Office Hours

Monday

8 am
to
5:15pm

Tuesday

8 am
to
5:15pm

Wednesday

8 am
to
5:15pm

Thursday

8 am
to
5:15pm

Friday

8 am
to
5:15pm
4234 Riverwalk Pkwy Ste 230
Riverside, CA 92505

Locations

Pacific Pulmonary Medical Group

Pacific Pulmonary Medical Group4234 Riverwalk Pkwy Ste 230 Riverside, CA 92505
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:00am - 5:15pm
    • Tue: 8:00am - 5:15pm
    • Wed: 8:00am - 5:15pm
    • Thu: 8:00am - 5:15pm
    • Fri: 8:00am - 5:15pm
  • Directions
Pacific Pulmonary Medical Group4234 Riverwalk Pkwy Ste 120 Riverside, CA 92505
2

At a Glance

  • Areas of ExpertiseDr. Kanaan specializes in the areas of General Surgery, Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery & Thoracic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions WellPatients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers TelehealthThis doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top HospitalAmerica’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Excellence Award™ See hospitals

More Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists at Riverside Community Hospital

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Dr. Kanaan's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Kanaan

5.0
43 ratings, 36 with a written review
5 star
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4 star
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3 star
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The best thoracic surgeon available
Dr. Kanaan is an incredibly skilled and compassionate thoracic surgeon who literally saved my life. Every single person I spoke to about him before my surgery, other doctors, nurses, staff, all related what an excellent surgeon he is and I couldn't have gotten a better doctor. And how right they were. He is the one of best in esophageal cancer surgery, (and lung cancer surgery). He is so knowledgeable about the latest cancer and surgery treatments and he often trains other doctors in robotic surgery. He was very professional and caring in his demeanor, and is easy to talk to. He really listens to his patients and able to answer any questions about my disease, my surgical/treatment plan, and did so in ways you can easily understand. I was in surgery for 12 hours and I am grateful to have had such a skilled and kind surgeon at my side in my battle with cancer. Highly recommend!!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 14, 2023
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Great surgeon and actually has a wonderful person
Very friendly and informative about surgical procedure. Highly recommend.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 11, 2023
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Master Surgeon!
Dr. Kanaan is THE BEST~ He has been awarded a well deserved title of MASTER SURGEON. This I have asked is a very difficult title to earn. Dr. Kanaan is so unbelievably intellectual and a true master at knowing all the latest research regarding Lung Cancer. He is a robotic surgeon who knows more about the Di Vinci Robot than any other surgeons I have met with in the area. And he is actually a national proctor for the Robot. These are all important facts that I have learned about Dr. K and I am so blessed and so lucky to call him my Dr. He is on call 24/7 and always always available to discuss anything Thoracic related.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 31, 2023
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Dr Kanaan sees patients at any all all hospitals in south Orange County. I have learned that he is the head of cancer and robotics at the Leonard Cancer Institute. He performs state of the art Robotic Surgery and is one of the forefathers in this arena. He is Harvard Trained. There is no better surgeon in the whole of Orange County.. I highly recommend Dr. Kanaan for any type of thoracic surgery or consult! Not only is he cutting edge, he has a truly caring bedside manner.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
11 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 09, 2021
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I came in for my post OP follow up. Everything went well, it went by pretty fast. I got my stitches removed with no complications. Dr. Kanaan has been a great doctor all throughout my surgery planning and towards the end. I am recovering well and I highly reccomend him.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
15 others found this helpful
Helpful
Nov 11, 2020
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Dr. Kanaan takes the time to explain the heal issue I face and all treatment options and answers relative questions thoroughly in plain language. He also has a kind and caring manner that makes me feel safe and cared for in office as well as inpatient.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
13 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sep 30, 2020
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Very thorough. Explained in detail steps to be taken in my care.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
12 others found this helpful
Helpful
Elsie Ciaffa – Sep 30, 2020
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Informative friendly kind positive knowledgeable Made me feel more at ease about my surgery
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Bill Odell – Sep 23, 2020
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Thank you so much for the difference you make in the lives of your patients. Thanks for being a great surgeon and a great human being, You take the time to listen and to make your patients feel valued and respect. Thanks for your good care and concern…Your manner put me at ease and helped me gain confidence. Because of you, I am doing well. You are truly a remarkable doctor and professional that we respect and trust.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
John Lam – Aug 18, 2020
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Great Doc. Very excellent surgeon and good communicator. Would recommend to everyone.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jim miele – May 05, 2020
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Dr Kanaan is a wonderful communicator and took his time thoroughly explaining my medical condition and treatment options. I greatly appreciate his caring bedside manner and would highly recommend him.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Michelle MacLachlan – May 05, 2020
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Dr. Kanaan was great all through the process. Before and after surgery. Highly recommend him.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
May 05, 2020
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Dr Kanaan is THE BEST robotic thoracic surgeon in the region!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Nov 10, 2019
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Dr. Kanaan has been a dream! He was referred to me, so I went in with my list of questions. After introducing himself, he went on to describe my situation and teach me about what was happening and what the surgery would entail. He even answered all my questions, before I had a chance to ask! Surgery went smooth, and he has stayed in contact with any question that has come up. I would HIGHLY recommend him!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 12, 2019
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From my initial consultation through my surgery and recovery, Dr. Kanaan provided a highly professional experience as well as a surprising personal involvement, putting me at ease with my many questions and concerns. In addition, his office staff is top notch in every aspect. I whole heartedly recommend Dr. Kanaan.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Rick Latham in CA – Feb 11, 2019
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Dr. Kanaan is an excellent doctor and surgeon. He is kind and compassionate as well as skilled. His office staff is also extremely nice and helpful. I would recommend him very highly.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
10 others found this helpful
Helpful
Aliso Viejo – Jan 30, 2019
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If you need a surgeon who know his skill this is your doctor.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Nancy M Endrizzi in Anaheim, – Jan 11, 2019
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I was diagnosed with early stage lung cancer. During my initial visit, Dr Kanaan explained my situation in detail. He was very patient with me and thoroughly answered all of my questions. Before my surgery, he always answered my calls promptly and answered all of my questions. The surgery went very smoothly, and I have no complications and minimal pain. As he did before the surgery, he very patiently explained to me the next steps and made himself available for all my questions.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Kai Cheng in CA – May 31, 2018
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Dr.Kanaan is indeed one of the best doctors I have ever had. He is present with you as you are talking he listens to your every word and then he confirms what you were trying to explain so that you know that you have been heard. He’s what I would consider an old-fashioned. A doctor who returns you phone calls personally guides you through your every step with your medical condition. He’s an excellent physician but most importantly he’s a kind human being with a kind heart and compassionate.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Liz McCarthy in Yorba Linda California – Apr 21, 2018
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Dr. Cannon has been my surgeon for 7 months in that time he has been quite an inspiration to me he perform surgery on my lung to remove cancer and now I'm cancer-free he continues to see me to see that no cancer returns Dr cannon has been my surgeon for 7 months in that time he has been quite and inspiration to me he performed surgery on my lung to remove cancer and now I'm cancer free he continues to see me to see that no cancer returns I highly recommend his service
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Steve Whelpley in San Clemente – Mar 15, 2018
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About Me

care philosophy

Patients First. Deliver the Highest Quality of Care Possible. Treat patients as I would want my family treated.

biography

Dr. Samer Kanaan is an award-winning thoracic surgeon who is dedicated to the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the chest, using minimally invasive procedures, including videoassisted thoracic surgery and robotic-assisted...read more
  • Thoracic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Brigham Women’s Hospital Harvard

    Fellowship Hospital
  • Feinberg Northwestern University

    Residency Hospital
  • Feinberg Northwestern University

    Internship Hospital
  • Northwestern University

    Medical School, 1997
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Surgery®
General Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Self designated 
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.
  • Values in Action Excellence Award, St. Joseph Health System, 2010

  • America Top Surgeons Award in Thoracic Surgery, 2010

  • Service Excellence Award, Queen of the Valley Medical Center Avatar Survey, 2009

  • America Top Surgeons Award in Thoracic Surgery, 2011

  • Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, 2011

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Riverside Community Hospital

    4445 Magnolia Ave
    Riverside, CA 92501
    Recipient of 29
    hospital awards

    America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Excellence Award™ (2025)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    79%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    5% lower than the national average

    70%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    6% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality