Yasir Abu-Omar, MD, PhD named as New Chief of Cardiac Surgery at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Yasir Abu-Omar, MD, PhD, has been named the new Chief of Cardiac Surgery at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute. Dr. Abu-Omar is a cardiac surgeon who specializes in cardiothoracic transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and complex valve surgery, including mitral valve repair and minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Abu-Omar joined UH in 2020 as Director of Cardiothoracic Transplantation at UH Cleveland Medical Center in conjunction with both UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and the UH Transplant Institute. He came to UH from the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, England, which is home to the largest heart transplant program from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors in the world. He spearheaded the effort to bring DCD transplant capabilities to UH.

“I am honored to lead the cardiac surgery team at University Hospitals,” said Dr. Abu-Omar, who also holds the Russ and Connie Lincoln Chair in Cardiovascular Innovation at UH. “Together, under the umbrella of the Department of Surgery and UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, we will continue to advance our surgical capabilities, embrace innovative technologies, and most importantly, provide exceptional care to our patients.”

Dr. Abu-Omar’s expertise prepared UH staff to successfully implement DCD transplants soon after the FDA approved the TransMedics Organ Care System for use with donor hearts after circulatory death in April of 2022. In addition, he co-led the development of the ECPR program, the first of its kind in the state of Ohio.

“Dr. Abu-Omar is an exceptional surgeon whose expertise enhances our entire program,” said Dr. Joseph Sabik, cardiothoracic surgeon at UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute; Chair of the Department of Surgery at UH Cleveland Medical Center; Surgeon-in-Chief of University Hospitals Health System; and the Sally and Bob Gries Distinguished Chair in Cardiac Surgery at UH. “His appointment to this position is well-deserved and will make our whole team better, as well as improve the lives of patients.”

“Dr. Abu-Omar’s knowledge, experience, and passion strengthen our team of world-wide experts in the fields of heart failure and minimally invasive procedures,” said Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor, President of UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, and Angela and James Hambrick Chair in Innovation at UH. “With his leadership, we will continue to deliver the most advanced techniques and highest quality care to our patients.”

Dr. Abu-Omar received his medical degree from Aberdeen University in the UK. Before arriving at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, he underwent training in cardiothoracic surgery at hospitals in London and Oxford. Dr. Abu-Omar also has a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) from the University of Oxford.