MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at University of Utah Health is dedicated to developing world-class clinical programs, educating current and future surgeons, and advancing basic and clinical science research.
Our team performs a full range of heart, aortic, and thoracic surgeries, including complex congenital heart disease and treatments for end-stage heart and lung failure. We collaborate closely with medical colleagues to offer personalized, state-of-the-art care at several locations, including the University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their commitment to quality outcomes, innovative surgical approaches, and education. As the only academic tertiary medical center in the Mountain West, we handle highly complex and high-risk cases, serving patients from 26 states, especially Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.
We are shaping the future of heart and lung surgery through extensive research funded by the NIH, industry sponsors, and research foundations. Our research initiatives include mechanical circulatory support, stem cell therapy, heart recovery mechanisms, novel scaffolding and cell regeneration, and population science.
Our Thoracic Surgery Residency Program, accredited by the ACGME, offers comprehensive cardiac and thoracic surgery training over two years. Additionally, we provide a non-ACGME fellowship in advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, and transplantation.
We are committed to excellence in education, research and clinical pursuits, shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery.
HISTORY OF THE DIVISION OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
PIONEERING HISTORY
Utah has a long history of pioneering in cardiothoracic surgery beginning with Dr. Rumel. He contributed significantly to the early days of closed-heart surgery for defective heart valves. Modern cardiac surgery in the State of Utah began in November 1955, when Dr. Russell M. Nelson, MD, PhD, performed the first open-heart surgery.
MILESTONE USE OF HEART-LUNG MACHINE
Dr. Nelson was an associate professor of surgery at the University of Utah when he performed that milestone operation of using the heart-lung machine to repair an atrial septal defect. This, and other significant events, put Utah Cardiovascular and Surgery on the national and international map.
FIRST TOTAL ARTIFICIAL HEART
Other significant events include Drs. William DeVries and Lyle Joyce implanting the first total artificial heart into retired dentist Dr. Barney Clark at the University of Utah Hospital in 1982. Utah continues to be a leader in heart failure, mechanical circulatory support devices, and heart transplantation in addition to regenerative and stem-cell based therapies.
GIVE TO THE DIVISION OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
The Department of Surgery at the University of Utah is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and patient care. Our clinics and labs house some of the most advanced technology and treatment options available to the community today. Our surgeons and researchers rank amongst the most gifted in the country. We are committed to providing our patients and our community with high quality treatments and outcomes.
Throughout our history, we have relied on the generosity of like-minded friends, corporations, foundations and those who endorse the University’s mission of excellence. Now, more than ever before, our donors are essential to furthering this vital work. We depend on the loyal support of our donors whose generosity and caring makes a profound difference in the lives of people. All gifts are instrumental in achieving our goals and are essential to our well-being and growth. Even the smallest gift helps us to continue and expand our cutting-edge research, support our outstanding faculty and recruit new faculty for the benefit of future generations. Each donation, no matter the amount, is necessary and greatly appreciated.
The reasons for making a gift are personal and varied, ranging from gratitude for treatment from a health care provider, wanting to leave a legacy for future patients to benefit from, honoring a loved one’s memory or simply to make a charitable contribution.
We invite you to partner with us in securing the future of the vital research being done here in Utah. For information on these options and any other philanthropic questions you may have, please contact the following:
Heidi Green, Senior Director of Advancement | Heidi.Green@hsc.utah.edu
CONTACT US
EDUCATION
FELLOWSHIP
Elise Collins, Program Administrator
Elise.collins@hsc.utah.edu
CARDIOVASCULAR PERFUSION EDUCATION
Shawnda Gillespie, Program Administrator
Shawnda.gillespie@hsc.utah.edu
RESEARCH
Margaret Carlson, Research Manager
Margaret.carlson@hsc.utah.edu
ADMINISTRATION
Martha Noll, Administrative Manager
Martha.noll@hsc.utah.edu