{"id":27783,"date":"2025-04-10T14:31:56","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T18:31:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=27783"},"modified":"2025-07-09T13:20:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T17:20:59","slug":"dr-traves-d-crabtree","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/doctors\/dr-traves-d-crabtree\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr. Traves D. Crabtree"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>About Dr. Traves Crabtree<\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Traves Crabtree is a board-certified thoracic surgeon and the Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Surgical Skills Laboratory at the Memorial Learning Center (MLC).<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree treats mesothelioma patients at <a href=\"\/cancer-centers\/simmons-cancer-institute\/\">Simmons Cancer Institute<\/a> in Springfield. He\u2019s experienced in complex procedures like pleurectomy\/decortication (P\/D) and extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which can help remove tumors and improve quality of life for patients who qualify for surgery.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Crabtree helps train the next generation of surgeons and contributes to research aimed at helping mesothelioma patients live longer and more comfortably.<\/p>\n<p>Use our <strong>Free Doctor Match<\/strong> for help connecting with Dr. Crabtree and other mesothelioma specialists near you.<\/p>\n<div id=\"25223\" class=\"one-off-25223 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"25223\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-25223{margin:60px auto}.one-off-25223 a{box-shadow:0 4px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25);display:block;background:#e4f4f6;padding:20px 25px 200px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;position:relative;overflow:hidden;max-width:360px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-25223 a::before{background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50% 50% 0 0;content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;height:19%;width:135%;left:-60px;z-index:0}.one-off-25223 .vque-content,.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{z-index:1;position:relative}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{width:100%;position:absolute;left:-10px;bottom:-15px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;max-width:unset;left:0}.one-off-25223 .heading{font-size:27px;line-height:33px;text-align:center;display:block;max-width:340px;margin:5px auto 25px}.one-off-25223 ul{list-style:none;margin:-10px auto 22px;text-align:left;font-size:16px;line-height:26px}.one-off-25223 ul li{margin:0 0 15px;position:relative;padding-left:35px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:21px;height:21px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:4px;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font-size:11px;text-align:center;line-height:21px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:center}.one-off-25223 .button{padding:12px 16px;display:block}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-25223 a{max-width:620px;padding:30px 30px 35px;border-radius:0 0 4px 4px}.one-off-25223 a::before{border-radius:50%;height:155%;width:150%;right:-550px;left:unset;bottom:-295px}.one-off-25223 .heading{text-align:left;margin:2px 0 25px;max-width:unset;font-size:24px}.one-off-25223 ul{margin:-7px 0 30px;max-width:365px;line-height:23px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{top:1px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{max-width:unset;position:absolute;right:-25px;bottom:-35px;margin:0 0 -2px;left:unset;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .button{display:inline-block;padding:14px 25px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:left}}@media screen and (min-width:1150px){.one-off-25223 a{padding:30px}}<\/style><a href=\"\/get-matched\/\" title=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Find top specialists near you<\/li>\r\n            <li>Seek compensation for travel & care<\/li>\r\n            <li>Get medical guidance<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Matched Now\">Get Matched Now<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Doctors-ad.png\" alt=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Dr. Traves Crabtree\u2019s Mesothelioma Treatment Approach<\/h2>\n<p>While malignant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a> is aggressive, in many cases, surgery can help remove as much of the cancer as possible to hopefully give patients more time with their families.<\/p>\n<p>As a top surgeon, Dr. Crabtree works closely with a team of oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to create a custom treatment plan for each patient. Depending on your diagnosis, this might include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other options (what\u2019s known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/multimodal-therapy\/\">multimodal therapy<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree is a strong proponent of patient-centered care. He takes time to explain all your options, answer every question, and make sure you\u2019re comfortable before moving forward.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;It&#8217;s always been a dream of mine to take care of the people in the region and to <strong>make it more personal for the patient<\/strong> before, during, and after the surgery.\u201d<br \/>\n\u2013 Dr. Traves Crabtree, pleural mesothelioma specialist<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Dr. Traves Crabtree\u2019s Medical Specializations<\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree has dedicated much of his surgical career to treating thoracic diseases, with a particular emphasis on cancers of the lung and chest wall.<\/p>\n<p><strong>His specialties include the treatment of:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/\">Pleural mesothelioma<\/a> (cancer of the lung lining)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/cancer\/lung-cancer\/\">Lung cancer<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Esophageal cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>He\u2019s also an expert in the following procedures:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/surgery\/extrapleural-pneumonectomy\/\">Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Lung resection and lobectomy<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/surgery\/pleurectomy-decortication\/\">Pleurectomy\/decortication (P\/D)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/biopsy\/thoracoscopy\/\">Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Download our <strong>Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor<\/strong> to help guide your conversations with top surgeons like Dr. Crabtree.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"18575\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque outline image-left has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"outline\">.widget_oscar-vque.outline{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a{border:1px solid #E6E7EC;padding:20px;box-shadow:0 20px 20px rgba(34,34,34,0.03);border-radius:10px;color:#383441;display:block;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.outline img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:180px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline .vque-content{color:#383441;font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.subheading{color:#100134;display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.heading{color:#100134;font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 20px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;color:#fff;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:3px;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.button.arrow{width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a{position:relative;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #fff 100%)}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.outline{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:flex-end;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a>div>div{width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.outline>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 13px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.outline strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.outline.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0;color:#383441}}<\/style><a href=\"\/doctor-questions\/\" title=\"Free Download: 14 Questions to Ask\u00a0Your Doctor\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Free Download: 14 Questions to Ask\u00a0Your Doctor Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/questions-to-ask-doctor-ipad.png\"><div><div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"95\" height=\"144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/questions-to-ask-doctor-ipad.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"14 Questions to Ask Your Doctor packet\" \/><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Free Download: 14 Questions to Ask\u00a0Your Doctor<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Preparing for treatment<\/li>\n<li>Finding clinical trials<\/li>\n<li>Getting a second opinion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button yellow arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Download\">Get Your Free Download<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Dr. Traves Crabtree\u2019s Medical Background<\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree earned his medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1995.<\/p>\n<p>He completed his general surgery residency and a surgical infectious disease research fellowship at the University of Virginia Medical Center, followed by a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis in 2004.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree taught at Washington University for several years before returning to the SIU School of Medicine in 2016 to become a professor of cardiothoracic surgery and head of the Surgical Skills Lab at the MLC.<\/p>\n<p><strong>He also sees patients at:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Decatur Memorial Hospital<\/li>\n<li>HSHS St. John\u2019s Hospital<\/li>\n<li>Memorial Medical Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Highlights of Dr. Traves Crabtree\u2019s Medical Career<\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree has accomplished a great deal over his 20+ year career in thoracic oncology. He\u2019s well known in the medical community for his commitment to improving patient outcomes through treatment and research.<\/p>\n<h3>Awards and Accolades<\/h3>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree has received recognition for his contributions to oncology and surgical excellence.<\/p>\n<p><strong>These accolades <\/strong><strong>include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Best Doctors in America<\/li>\n<li>Castle Connolly Top Doctor<\/li>\n<li>Society of Surgeons\u2019 General Thoracic Richard Clark Award<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Professional Affiliations<\/h3>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree holds several licenses and certifications in his field.<\/p>\n<p><strong>These professional affiliations include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>American Association of Thoracic Surgeons<\/li>\n<li>American College of Chest Physicians<\/li>\n<li>American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer<\/li>\n<li>Board certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgeons<\/li>\n<li>Society of Thoracic Surgeons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p>\u00a0&#8220;There&#8217;s something about not just the technical aspect of doing the operation but <strong>being able to comfort the patient<\/strong> and be with them through the process of dealing with cancer.&#8221;<br \/>\n\u2013 Dr. Traves Crabtree, pleural mesothelioma specialist<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Dr. Traves Crabtree\u2019s Research and Published Works<\/h2>\n<p>Dr Crabtree has authored over 120 national and regional publications. He also serves on the editorial board for <em>The Annals of Thoracic Surgery<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree\u2019s research has been published in several respected national medical journals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some of his published works include: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Digital Pleural Versus Analog Drainage Devices for Postoperative Management of Patients After Pulmonary Resection. Published in the<em> European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery<\/em>, March 2025.<\/li>\n<li>The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Expert Consensus Document on the Management of Pleural Drains After Pulmonary Lobectomy: Expert Consensus Document. Published in <em>The Annals of Thoracic Surgery<\/em>, October 2024.<\/li>\n<li>Liposomal Bupivacaine: A Boon or Bane for Postlobectomy Pain Management? Published in <em>The Annals of Thoracic Surgery<\/em>, September 2023.<\/li>\n<li>The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database: 2019 Update on Research. Published in <em>The Annals of Thoracic Surgery<\/em>, September 2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>His work is shaping the future of thoracic oncology and bringing hope to mesothelioma patients across the country.<\/p>\n<p>Use our <strong>Free Doctor Match <\/strong>now to get help contacting Dr. Crabtree and other mesothelioma experts.<\/p>\n<div id=\"25223\" class=\"one-off-25223 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"25223\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-25223{margin:60px auto}.one-off-25223 a{box-shadow:0 4px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25);display:block;background:#e4f4f6;padding:20px 25px 200px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;position:relative;overflow:hidden;max-width:360px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-25223 a::before{background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50% 50% 0 0;content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;height:19%;width:135%;left:-60px;z-index:0}.one-off-25223 .vque-content,.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{z-index:1;position:relative}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{width:100%;position:absolute;left:-10px;bottom:-15px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;max-width:unset;left:0}.one-off-25223 .heading{font-size:27px;line-height:33px;text-align:center;display:block;max-width:340px;margin:5px auto 25px}.one-off-25223 ul{list-style:none;margin:-10px auto 22px;text-align:left;font-size:16px;line-height:26px}.one-off-25223 ul li{margin:0 0 15px;position:relative;padding-left:35px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:21px;height:21px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:4px;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font-size:11px;text-align:center;line-height:21px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:center}.one-off-25223 .button{padding:12px 16px;display:block}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-25223 a{max-width:620px;padding:30px 30px 35px;border-radius:0 0 4px 4px}.one-off-25223 a::before{border-radius:50%;height:155%;width:150%;right:-550px;left:unset;bottom:-295px}.one-off-25223 .heading{text-align:left;margin:2px 0 25px;max-width:unset;font-size:24px}.one-off-25223 ul{margin:-7px 0 30px;max-width:365px;line-height:23px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{top:1px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{max-width:unset;position:absolute;right:-25px;bottom:-35px;margin:0 0 -2px;left:unset;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .button{display:inline-block;padding:14px 25px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:left}}@media screen and (min-width:1150px){.one-off-25223 a{padding:30px}}<\/style><a href=\"\/get-matched\/\" title=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Find top specialists near you<\/li>\r\n            <li>Seek compensation for travel & care<\/li>\r\n            <li>Get medical guidance<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Matched Now\">Get Matched Now<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Doctors-ad.png\" alt=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Dr. Traves Crabtree\u2019s Work in Cancer Treatment &amp; Research<\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Crabtree is an active researcher and sees to it that his patients have access to cutting-edge therapies in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/clinical-trials\/\">clinical trials<\/a>. His goal is to improve life expectancy and enhance the quality of life of every person in his care.<\/p>\n<p>He holds several patents and has <strong>created a lifelike lung simulation model<\/strong> made from synthetic materials that mimic real skin, muscle, and bone. It\u2019s designed to help train physicians by giving them a hands-on, realistic way to practice complex surgeries.<\/p>\n<p>His research has taken a close look at how <strong>stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)<\/strong> compares to surgery in early-stage lung cancer, and his findings have helped shape how doctors approach treatment today. He\u2019s also played a key role in authoring clinical guidelines for multimodal therapy.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Connected With Dr. Crabtree<\/h2>\n<p>If you or a loved one is facing pleural mesothelioma, connecting with a trusted specialist can make all the difference.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Traves Crabtree in Springfield, IL, is dedicated to patient-centered care and innovative treatment strategies, making him one of the top mesothelioma doctors in the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>Call <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> or use our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/get-matched\/\">Free Doctor Match<\/a> to get help connecting with Dr. Crabtree and other top mesothelioma doctors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About Dr. Traves Crabtree Dr. Traves Crabtree is a board-certified thoracic surgeon and the Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Surgical Skills Laboratory at the Memorial Learning Center (MLC). Dr. Crabtree treats mesothelioma patients at Simmons Cancer&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":27784,"parent":49,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-doctor.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-27783","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27783"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27783\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/49"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}