Michael E. Jessen, M.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Frank M. Ryburn Jr., Distinguished Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery and Transplantation

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. We have experienced tremendous clinical growth and advancement over the past 20 years, including the inception in 1988 of our adult and pediatric transplant programs. Both our pediatric heart transplant and adult heart and lung transplant programs have been consistently ranked in the top 10 transplant programs in the country. In addition, our surgeons offer a complete spectrum of care for adult and pediatric cardiovascular and thoracic disease. Our services include implantation, mechanical assist devices, valve repair, high-risk coronary revascularization, minimally invasive adult and pediatric heart surgery, surgical treatment for lung cancer, mesothelioma, and esophageal cancer, as well as the newest in robotic technology. 

We are continually involved in both basic and clinical science research, bringing the latest research and technology directly to the patient’s bedside. Our surgical outcomes are among the best in the nation based on data from national independent outcomes databases. We also offer research and clinical educational experiences for medical students and postgraduate trainees. Our fellowship training program in thoracic surgery has consistently received full accreditation from the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). 

I am proud to work with the many excellent and dedicated individuals on our team who exhibit uniform commitment to excellence and attention to detail.