Dr. Jeffrey A. Sternberg has been named a 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking his 14th consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition that distinguishes him among the top 7% of U.S. physicians. This honor underscores his exceptional clinical excellence and compassionate patient care, particularly in the specialized field of pilonidal disease surgery. The Castle Connolly Top Doctor designation represents a significant professional achievement selected through a rigorous peer nomination process where physicians are evaluated based on medical education, training, hospital appointments, and professional conduct. Importantly, physicians cannot purchase this recognition, making it a genuine reflection of professional excellence.
Dr. Sternberg has gained international recognition for his specialized expertise in pilonidal disease, a complex condition affecting an estimated 1-3% of adolescents and young adults that often leads to prolonged medical challenges and significant patient distress. Throughout his career, he has pioneered the Pilonidal RAF (Rotation and Advancement Flap) Procedure, also known as the Cleft Lift Procedure. This innovative surgical technique addresses the root cause of pilonidal disease by flattening the deep buttock cleft and repositioning incisions to promote proper healing. His approach has yielded remarkable results, with a reoperation rate of less than 1% across more than 1,300 consecutive cases, representing a substantial advancement in surgical outcomes for this challenging condition.
Beyond pilonidal disease treatment, Dr. Sternberg provides comprehensive colorectal care, treating conditions such as anorectal abscesses, anal fistulas, hemorrhoids, and rectal bleeding. His medical credentials include double board certification and training from prestigious institutions including Harvard Medical School and the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. As a clinical assistant professor at UCSF and an attending surgeon at Sutter Health's California Pacific Medical Center, he continues to advance medical knowledge and patient care through both clinical practice and education.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond individual achievement to broader medical practice standards. Dr. Sternberg's dedication to educating patients and colleagues about pilonidal disease through his website at https://www.pilonidal.net reflects a commitment to improving surgical outcomes and patient understanding across the medical community. His work demonstrates how specialized expertise combined with innovative surgical techniques can transform treatment approaches for complex conditions, potentially influencing future medical protocols and training standards in colorectal surgery. The sustained recognition over 14 consecutive years suggests consistent excellence that serves as a benchmark for quality in medical practice, particularly in specialized surgical fields where patient outcomes depend heavily on technical skill and innovative approaches to challenging conditions.
