The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at University of Utah Health is dedicated to developing world-class clinical programs, educating current and future academic surgeons, and advancing basic and clinical science research. Our historical legacy is founded with the contributions of Ray Rumel in the 1940s and 50s, including the development of our training programs, and was further built by Dr. Russell Nelson who put Utah on the map as the third state in the country to perform open heart surgery with his home-made heart lung machine in 1955. In the 1970s, the University of Utah was heavily involved with the development of the total artificial heart, including the first implant of a TAH for destination therapy by Bill DeVries 1982. These seminal events provide the inspiration and vision of much of what we do today.

In the current era, our team performs the full range of heart, aortic, and thoracic surgeries, including complex congenital heart disease, the full spectrum of thoracic malignancies, 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 Hospitals, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Primary Children’s Hospital. 
 
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 27 different 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, mechanisms of heart recovery, ischemia reperfusion injury, genomics, health services, and population science. 

Our Thoracic Surgery Residency Program, accredited by the ACGME, offers comprehensive cardiac and thoracic surgery training with 2 different programs: a traditional path for two years following general surgery residency and an 8-year integrated program for trainees graduating medical school. Additionally, we provide a non-ACGME fellowship in advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, and transplantation. Our vision is to mentor the next generation of academic cardiothoracic surgical leaders.  

In sum, we are committed to excellence in education, research, and clinical pursuits, shaping the future of cardiothoracic surgery. Admittedly, our website is a continual work-in-progress, but we encourage you to explore it and contact us if you have any questions.

Craig H. Selzman, MD, FACS
Dr. Russell M. Nelson and Dantzel W. Nelson Presidential Endowed Chair
Professor and Chief, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery