After graduating from Amherst College, Dr. Krieger pursued his medical school education, as well as his surgical internship and residency, at Johns Hopkins University. He completed his general and cardiovascular surgical training at New York University Medical Center and then joined the faculty of The New York University School of Medicine in 1981. Dr. Krieger was soon appointed to be the Director of the Cardiovascular Research Laboratory.

In 1985, Dr. Krieger joined the faculty at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, where he now serves as Vice Chairman of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. His responsibilities include teaching medical students, residents and cardiothoracic fellows, as well as directing a large clinical research program. He is the author and co-author of over 100 medical articles and abstracts and recently wrote and co-edited the textbook, "Blood Conservation in Cardiac Surgery." Dr. Krieger's primary interest is in maintaining a high volume, outstanding clinical care program.