UW Hospital and Clinics: Dr. Shahab Akhter named new chief of cardiothoracic surgery

CONTACT: Gian Galassi

(608) 263-5561

ggalassi@uwhealth.org

MADISON—Dr. Shahab Akhter has been appointed the new chief of the division of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Hospital and Clinics, effective September 3.

Akhter comes to UW Hospital from the University of Chicago, where he served as the surgical director of the Heart Rhythm Center at the University of Chicago Medical Center and as an associate professor of surgery and director of cardiovascular translational research at the university’s Pritzker School of Medicine.

“Dr. Akhter is not just an exceptional surgeon and scholar, but a dynamic leader who is committed to providing the highest level of innovative, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Craig Kent, chair of the department of surgery at UW Hospital and Clinics. “We are excited about the breadth of knowledge he brings to the division and his vision for furthering our reputation as a leader in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.

Akhter is recognized for his clinical expertise in treating advanced heart failure through the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques including implantation of ventricular assist devices. He also has expertise in high risk coronary artery bypass and heart transplantation, as well as minimally invasive valvular surgery.

As a nationally recognized surgeon-scientist, Akhter’s research program is funded by both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as well as the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education. His basic science research focuses on the pathophysiology of heart failure with an emphasis on the discovery of translational therapies to treat heart failure and complex heart disease. His clinical research is focused on optimizing the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation and improving outcomes in mechanical circulatory support for advanced heart failure. Akhter has led 14 major clinical trials and has over 70 publications in high impact journals in the field.

Akhter earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at Duke University Medical Center and his fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery from the University of Michigan.