The Miller School of Medicine and UHealth – University of Miami Health System have announced the appointment of Juan Pablo Umaña, M.D., a prominent figure in the field of cardiovascular surgery, as the new professor and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Dr. Umaña’s tenure is set to commence on June 2, and his arrival marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the cardiovascular programs at the University of Miami.
Known for his groundbreaking work in aortic and mitral valve repair, Dr. Umaña brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to patient-centered care. He is the founder of the most extensive aortic and mitral valve repair program in Latin America and established the Latin-American Cardiovascular Surgery Conference.
In his statement regarding his new role, Dr. Umaña expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities that lie ahead at the University of Miami. “The University of Miami offers the ideal platform to pursue a lifelong vision — to build a world-class cardiovascular program focused not just on innovation, but on patients,” he remarked. He emphasized the potential for growth in the aortic surgery program at UM, envisioning it as a collaborative hub for cardiovascular care.
Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., chief executive officer of UHealth and founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, welcomed Dr. Umaña, stating, “We are pleased to welcome someone of Dr. Umaña’s caliber to the UHealth team. His expertise, commitment to innovation, and focus on training will elevate every aspect of our cardiovascular surgery program.”
Dr. Umaña’s impressive educational background includes earning his medical degree from the University of El Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia, enhanced by social service and research experiences in England. He continued his education with advanced surgical training at esteemed institutions including Columbia University in New York City and Stanford University in California. His leadership at Fundación Cardioinfantil – Instituto de Cardiología saw it transformed into one of Latin America’s premier cardiovascular centers, demonstrating his capability in driving institutional progress.
Recently, Dr. Umaña chaired the Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Florida. His extensive contributions to the field include more than 150 scientific publications and presentations, making him a prominent voice in global cardiovascular research.
Among his notable innovations is the co-invention of the MitraClip, the pioneering transcatheter mitral valve repair device that has become a key component of clinical practice. Dr. Umaña remarked on the innovative trajectory of cardiovascular surgery, highlighting, “We’re entering a new era… Minimized and micro-invasive techniques are changing how we care for patients.” He affirmed that the University of Miami must remain at the forefront of these advancements, pursuing not only adoption but also innovation in their development.
In addition to his role as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr. Umaña will serve as the program director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship Program at the Miller School of Medicine. He is deeply passionate about mentorship, emphasizing that a surgeon’s legacy is reflected in the professionals they nurture. “Training the next generation of surgeons isn’t just important — it’s sacred,” he stated, looking forward to fostering the growth of young physicians into skilled leaders.
Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School of Medicine, expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Umaña’s role in mentoring future cardiac surgeons. He noted that Dr. Umaña’s commitment to sharing his expertise will greatly benefit new surgeons, who will learn not only technical skills but also the compassion vital for patient care.
The significance of Dr. Umaña’s appointment is further underscored by the remarks of Laurence R. Sands, M.D., M.B.A., professor and chair of the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery. He described Dr. Umaña as a game-changing addition, praising his ability to elevate programs and empower teams while fostering a patient-first approach.
Dr. Umaña’s vision aims for a simple yet profound objective: to help patients not just live longer, but to truly live better. He emphasized, “At the end of the day, it’s about restoring life. Every patient has a story, and it’s an honor to be part of their journey back to health.”
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