Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout Lee Kirksey
Biography
Lee Kirksey, MD, is a vascular surgeon in the Department of Vascular Surgery at Cleveland Clinic’s Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. He is board certified in surgery with special qualifications in vascular surgery and is a registered vascular technologist.
Dr Kirksey received his appointment to the Cleveland Clinic medical staff in 2011. He holds the Walter W. Buckley endowed Vice Chair in The Department of Vascular Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. A proud native of the Alliance, Ohio and a graduate of West Branch High School, Dr Kirksey voices pride in returning to and serving the people of the region. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Kirksey was assistant professor of surgery in The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and was on staff at the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA where he was director of advanced limb preservation therapies.
Specialty/Clinical Interests: Open Carotid artery endarterectomy, peripheral artery disease (PAD), bypass/endovascular and hybrid surgery for atherosclerosis for limb salvage, medical management of carotid artery stenosis, minimally invasive treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm, endovascular treatment for thoracic aortic dissection, carotid artery stenting, reoperative and advanced dialysis access surgery, carotid artery stenting, primary and reoperative reconstruction of aortic occlusion, limb preservation procedures, wound care.
Number of Procedures Performed: Dr. Kirksey performs more than 500 to 600 index vascular procedures each year. He has performed more than 10,000 vascular procedures over the course of his career.
Success Rates: Cleveland Clinic’s Vascular Surgeons are national and international leaders in treating patients with even the most complicated cases, using the most advanced techniques. Much of our experience is in reoperative surgery for patients whose original operations were performed elsewhere. The department serves as a major referral center for these and other difficult cases throughout Ohio and the surrounding states. We have one of the largest post-graduate training programs in vascular surgery in the United States, and our academic work has been published in scientific journals throughout the world. Success rates for specific procedures are available at http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/about-heart-vascular-institute/treatment-outcomes.aspx
Education and Training: Dr. Kirksey is an Ohio native and received his undergraduate and medical degrees from The Ohio State University. He served his residency in general surgery at The Graduate Hospital, University of The University of Pennsylvania Healthcare System in Philadelphia and completed fellowships in vascular surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ, and in endovascular surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York. He earned his MBA from NYU business school.
Publications and Speaking: Dr. Kirksey has published more than 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals, multiple book chapters and has participated in writing national guidelines papers on the topic of PAD. Topics include “Open aortic surgery volume experience at a regionalized referral center”. Dr Kirksey speaks extensively on the topics of complex treatment for peripheral artery disease, outcomes for aortic aneurysm and dissection, population health, value based healthcare and reducing barriers to care in cardiovascular and vascular disease for vulnerable populations. He is active in the education of healthcare providers, community members and policy makers about the early identification and best practice management of vascular disease.
He is a member of a number of professional societies, including the Society of Vascular Surgery, Midwestern Vascular Society, American College of Surgeons, Eastern Vascular Society, Society of Black Academic Surgeons, Society for Vascular Technology and Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery.
About Dr. Kirksey: “Untreated or undiagnosed vascular disease, whether it’s a stroke, a threatened limb, or an untreated abdominal aneurysm, can irreversibly change the lives of a patient and their family members. Providing patients with solutions that allow them to continue on with a productive life is incredibly rewarding especially for the Ohio community that I grew up in“
Leisure Activities: Dr. Kirksey is an avid sports fan and dedicated Ohio State University athletic supporter. He enjoys outdoor fitness activities.
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Education & Board Certifications
Education
- Fellowship: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 2001
- Residency: The Graduate Hospital of the Universtiy of Pennsylvania, 1999
- Internship: Aultman Hospital, 1994
- Medical Education: The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, 1993
- Undergraduate: The Ohio State University, 1989
Board Certifications
- Vascular Surgery: American Board of Surgery, 2002
- Vascular Technology: Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement, 2000
Professional Memberships
Research & Publications
See publications for this provider. (Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.
As of 2025-10-01, Dr. Kirksey has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing.
In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
Insurances Accepted
Video
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
240 ratings, 33 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/6/2026
Dr. Kirksey, is professional, considerate! He Is great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2026
Dr Kirksey was a wonderful physician and his staff. So appreciative of his care and understanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2026
I had wonderful care! I appreciated it so much. Good Doctor and Good Hospital! Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
My mum always receive the best care when we visit Dr. Kirksey. We recommend him highly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
Dr.kirksey is honest and professional and listens to concerns that I have and will help come up with the best possible solutions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
We were all so impressed with Dr Kirksey and the Cleveland Clinic. Thank you for everything!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Dr Kirksey and his staff were wonderful. He listened, explained everything and answered all our questions. We feel very confident that he will be the lead in the procedure in January and appreciate how well doctors communicate amongst each other in deciding the best way to treat my very complex and rare condition.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/26/2025
The medical team was excellent & efficient - High praise for Dr. Kirksey.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Dr. Kirksey and staff take the time to answer all my questions and address the issues I have raised.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/8/2025
It's always a pleasure to see Dr. Kirksey
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/8/2025
The Doctor saved my life in my opinion he's the best in world.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2025
All my concerns about treatment and care for my procedure were addressed fully and professionally by Dr. Kirksey and his staff.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/23/2025
Dr. Kirksey was very thorough in explaining my questions and addressing my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/23/2025
Dr Kirksey is a great Doctor!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/12/2025
Dr Kirskey and his staff are top notch.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/12/2025
Dr. Kirksey and most of his teams bedside courtesy was only eclipsed by their actual skill. This is the excellent I think of when I think of the Cleveland Clinic- he's an amazing ambassador and exceptional surgeon. Some on his team were a little bit callous when reviewing my life/case when they were explaining to the young doctors in training shadowing them around. I'd prefer that they showed a bit more genuine concern instead of speaking like I'm a test dummy or I'm in a coma- not the best moral boost after such a tough surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
From Dr. Kirksey to the ICU Dr. Kosie. When I say phenomenal, they were phenomenal. I dont have enough words in the English language to describe how professional and caring these teams are. My mom is so blessed to be in such tremendous care. Thank you all so very much!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
This place is a miracle maker. This is where everyone should go for help. They listen and truly understand their patients. Our family will forever be greatful to the Cleveland clinic, Dr. Kirksey, and out ICU team that cared so well for my Mother. Thank you all from thr bottom of our hearts.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr.Kirksey and his team went above and beyond for my Mother. His professionalism goes beyond anything we have ever seen in the medical field. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for a vascular surgeon. He was made fiercely to do this job. I am so thankful for him and his whole team. He explained everything so that we couls understand and asked us if we had any questions. He specifically told me that he and his team would take care of my mom, and it was my job to come back to the hospital safely. Thank God I got my mom to Cleveland Clinic and to Dr. Kirksey when I did. 10/10 with an exclamation point! He truly is an amazing surgeon and person. Thank you a million times over Dr. Kirksey!
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr. Kirksey is very detailed and ask questions that get results and provide answers to not so obivious questions. I can say I trust his process and diagnosis by the way he made it occur. I belive in him. Thank you Dr. Kirksey.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
Dr. Kirksey has a great bed side manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/22/2025
Dr. Kirksey has provided such incomparable good care that we have decided to switch ALL of our Dr's to Cleveland Clinic. He is truly the gold standard and we respect and love h!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Dr was excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Very thorough starting with Janet, Dr Kirksey's nurse, then Isaiah Adkins, and finally Dr Kirksey! Absolutely the very best! I loved them all!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2025
Staff was excellent Dr Kirskey has an amazing bedside manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/27/2025
I am 71 years old and Dr Kirskey is the best doctor I've ever had. Knowledgeable, patient, polite and personable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Yes I will recommend Dr Kirksey and staff to others
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2025
Love Dr. Kirksey! He is a very caring surgeon, not to mention skilled. It's been 9 years since he cleaned my carotid artery, and 9 years of follow-on care. Care is the operative word (and pun!).
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2025
Thanks Dr.Kirksky and the vascular team for really take good care of me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
The doctor was very down to earth and explained my opinions to where I understood them without any confusion. He explained the procedure and the inpatient recovery time, gave me a business card for any follow-up questions while I wait to make a final decision about moving forward. It was a very pleasant visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/23/2025
I'm very happy with Dr and his staff
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Excellence. Dr. Kirksey and his team provide the best care for my mother and it is great to see and truly appreciated.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
The doctor is a truly caring professional, that honestly cares about his patients