Marc Margolis, MD

Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

Marc Margolis, MD, FACS, is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He is a highly experienced surgeon with over 20 years of clinical practice and is board-certified in cardiothoracic surgery. He sees patients for the full range of thoracic diseases at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. 

As a general thoracic surgeon, Dr. Margolis treats patients for all diseases related to the chest, including benign and malignant lung diseases, benign and malignant esophageal diseases, benign and malignant diseases of the mediastinum, tracheal conditions, diaphragmatic conditions, chest wall deformities, hyperhidrosis, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Dr. Margolis specializes in robotic and minimally invasive approaches but uses conventional techniques when appropriate. He performs minimally invasive robotic surgery after induction therapy for lung and esophageal cancer. 

Dr. Margolis is especially interested in emerging robotic techniques. He has been performing robotic surgery for many years and was part of the first group of surgeons to perform robotic thoracic surgery. His current interest/research centers on improving cancer patients' outcomes using new advances in robotic technology, including after induction therapy. 

In addition to his clinical research and clinical work, Dr. Margolis is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at Georgetown University, where he is proud to instruct and mentor the new generation of surgeons and students. 

Dr. Margolis has received numerous awards throughout his long career, including the Outstanding Teaching Award from Georgetown University three times. He has been listed as a Best Doctor in the Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazines and is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. 

Originally from South Africa, Dr. Margolis speaks Afrikaans. He obtained his medical degree at the University of Cape Town Medical School before moving to the United States and completing his residency at New York Methodist Hospital. He went on to do his fellowship training at George Washington University Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgery and a professional member of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association. 

Dr. Margolis has lived in the greater Washington, DC, area since 1999 and is honored to serve his community. When he is not seeing patients or teaching, he enjoys spending time with his family and their Goldendoodle and traveling.

Philosophy of Care 

“Although it might be a cliche, I sincerely want to treat patients as I would like my family, friends, or myself to be treated. Over the years, I have encountered, witnessed, and experienced the workings of the medical system and know what it is like to be on the other side as a patient and as a patient’s family member. With that in mind, I strive to be compassionate, caring, available, and responsive to my patients. I always communicate with honesty and directness. In my practice, I strive to maintain the highest standards in all aspects of care. 

“In my practice, I work with a team of medical professionals to obtain the best results for our patients. I am always available for a consult and highly responsive to patients and their referring physicians.”