About Cardiac Surgery
Doctors performing a surgery in an operating room

Creating a Lasting Impact on Heart Care

U-M Medical School has long been home to leaders in the field of cardiac surgery, advancing treatments and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.
Building on the Past, Looking to the Future

The University of Michigan Medical School's Department of Cardiac Surgery proudly builds on a strong foundation and rich history of advancing heart care. For decades, we have led the way in clinical excellence, transformative research, and comprehensive education. Our highly skilled team works in close collaboration to provide treatment solutions that improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of heart surgery, guided by the strength of our legacy and an enduring mission to drive progress in cardiovascular care.

Our faculty includes over 40 clinicians, educators, and researchers with expertise spanning diverse fields—many of whom engage in interdisciplinary collaborations at the University of Michigan and around the world. Over the past several years, our expert adult and pediatric faculty have driven significant growth in surgical volume across our primary facilities, including the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. In 2021, our reach expanded further with the establishment of the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan, uniting the strengths of Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Trinity Health Muskegon, and University of Michigan Health-West to enhance heart care and increase access across the region. Beyond clinical care, our faculty remain actively engaged in advancing education and research, mentoring future leaders, and contributing to scientific findings that will benefit patients for generations to come.
Message from Our Chair

Welcome to the Department of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School!

It is a tremendous honor to serve as chairman of a department with such a distinguished legacy—one built by generations of extraordinary surgeons, scientists, and educators who have helped shape the field of cardiovascular medicine. From the earliest innovations to today’s most advanced techniques, our faculty and alumni have made transformative contributions to the evolution of heart care around the world. University of Michigan Health has long been recognized as a national and international leader in cardiac surgery, known for delivering outstanding care across the lifespan, conducting groundbreaking research, and training the next generation of premier surgeons. That legacy continues today, powered by a remarkable team that is committed to achieving excellence in every aspect of our mission.

As we look to the future, I am inspired by the strength of our clinical programs, the innovation fueling our research, and the passion our faculty and staff bring to education and mentorship. From pioneering complex surgical procedures to advancing science at the bench and bedside, we remain focused on driving progress that improves lives and expands access to world-class heart care. We are honored to give hope and miracles to the sickest patients across the state who rely on our expertise during their most vulnerable moments. It is a privilege to lead and learn from this incredible team as we build on our history and chart bold new paths forward for the benefit of patients and families everywhere.

With heartfelt gratitude and Wolverine pride, Go Blue!

Gorav Ailawadi, MD, MBA
Helen F. and Marvin M. Kirsh Professor of Cardiac Surgery
Chairman, Department of Cardiac Surgery
Director, Frankel Cardiovascular Center
Our Sections
Adult Cardiac Surgery

Delivering world-class cardiac surgery care with leading outcomes and renowned expertise spanning routine to high-risk interventions.

Health Services Research & Quality

Investigating healthcare delivery systems and developing strategies for improvement through research and collaboration.

Basic Science & Translational Research

Advancing cardiovascular care through cutting-edge research in basic science, regenerative medicine and clinical trials.

Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery

Providing specialized care for young hearts with gentle expertise and thoughtful guidance for every family throughout their journey.

John Alexander Society

Our alumni organization aims to create meaningful networking opportunities for its alumni, hosting a reception each year to bring together members to reconnect, exchange updates, and enjoy time with friends.

About Our Society
Our History
The University of Michigan establishes its medical school.
Historic Cardiac Surgery Building from 1848 Historic Cardiac Surgery Building from 1848
James B. Angell becomes president of U-M. By the 1880s he has set up the first university hospital in the US.
A man sitting at his desk in 1871 A man sitting at his desk in 1871
Dr. Albion Walter Hewlett advocates for the value of the electrocardiogram as a diagnostic tool.
1909 1909
A new hospital designed by Albert Khan is built in which the Heart Station is established.
Cardiac Surgery Building in 1925 Cardiac Surgery Building in 1925
Dr. John Alexander creates the first formal two-year Thoracic Surgery Residency in the United States at the University of Michigan.
John Alexander John Alexander
Dr. Herbert Sloan and associates perform a successful repair of an aortic aneurysm.
Cardiac Surgery Physicians in 1950 Cardiac Surgery Physicians in 1950
Dr. Herbert Sloan performs the first successful pediatric open-heart surgery in Michigan.
1960 1960
Drs. Richard D. Judge and Joe D. Morris implant a pacemaker transthoracically.
1961 1961
The heart-lung machine, developed through the collaboration of Dr. Herbert Sloan and engineer Richard Sarns, was used in the first human heart transplant in Cape Town, South Africa.
Surgery is performed in 1967 Surgery is performed in 1967
Dr. Donald Kahn performs U-M’s first coronary artery bypass graft surgery, as well as the first heart transplant.
1968 1968
Dr. William O'Neill performs the world's first coronary atherectomy.
1984 1984
The first Total Artificial Heart is implanted at the University of Michigan.
1988 1988
Dr. Edward Bove publishes a new standard for survival in infants undergoing surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
1991 1991
The Section of Thoracic Surgery is reorganized into two separate academic sections, the Section of Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and the Section of General Thoracic Surgery.
A team of surgeons working together in the operating room A team of surgeons working together in the operating room
The Frankel Cardiovascular Center opens as a leader in collaborative care for cardiovascular diseases with specialists in cardiovascular medicine, cardiac surgery, interventional radiology, vascular surgery, critical care, and cardiac anesthesia.
Cardiovascular Center in 2007 Cardiovascular Center in 2007
The University of Michigan purchased the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), a former Pfizer Inc. property. The site includes 2 million square feet across 28 buildings and 173 acres of land.
Overhead shot of cardiac surgery buildings Overhead shot of cardiac surgery buildings
The U-M Board of Regents approve the formation of an independent Department of Cardiac Surgery.
The U-M Board of Regents approved the formation of an independent Department of Cardiac Surgery, with Dr. Edward Bove serving as its first chair.
Cardiac surgery logo Cardiac surgery logo
The Section of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and the Congenital Heart Center move to the new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
The Section of Health Services Research and Quality (HSRQ) forms under the leadership of Donald Likosky, PhD.
cardiac surgery Mott's Building cardiac surgery Mott's Building
The six-year integrated surgical residency begins where doctors enter cardiothoracic (CT) residency directly out of medical school.
Surgeons perform surgery Surgeons perform surgery
The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan partnership unites the combined resources and advanced cardiovascular services of two leading health systems, bringing exceptional care to communities across West Michigan.
Cardiovascular Network Logo Cardiovascular Network Logo
Featured News & Stories See all news Illustration of scientists and doctors playing basketball in white coats and scrubs
News Release
Eight U-M teams picked for virtual tournament of science
Teams studying liver cancer, brain tumors, obesity medicine, CMV, sleep and memory, cancer immunotherapy aortic aneurysms and bipolar disorder are competing in STAT Madness
 looking at surgeons operating in room with scrubs and scrub hats on through a door window
Health Lab
1 in 5 older adults get infections after heart surgery, and women have a 60% higher risk
According to findings by Michigan Medicine, one in five older patients gets an infection up to six months following heart surgery — with women much more likely to develop one.
 woman walking on treadmill picking intensity on a chart that reads from easier to harder
Health Lab
Higher costs limit attendance for life changing cardiac rehab
Despite the success cardiac rehabilitation has shown at reducing heart-related deaths and hospital readmissions, higher out-of-pocket costs may prevent patients from participating in the program, a University of Michigan study suggests. 
 clinical team and patient standing together
Health Lab
Planting a tree, and hope, for a heart healthy future
A complex mitral valve repair by Michigan Medicine cardiac specialists helps restore health and happiness to one Michigan patient and his family.
 Survival flight pilots and person standing by helicopter smiling
Health Lab
Motivational speaker reunites with Survival Flight nurses after sudden aortic dissection
A father and motivational speaker, who experienced an urgent heart problem, reunites with his Survival Flight nurses who helped save his life
 Health Lab Podcast in brackets with a background with a dark blue translucent layers over cells
Health Lab Podcast
The need to raise awareness about pulmonary rehab for COPD patients
Michigan claims data reveals underuse of an effective intervention.