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Dr. Juan Pablo Umaña Joins UHealth as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and UHealth recently announced the appointment of Dr. Juan Pablo Umaña as the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Dr. Umaña is a highly respected figure in the field of cardiovascular surgery with a reputation that extends beyond borders.

A New Era for Cardiothoracic Surgery

Since June 2, 2025, Dr. Umaña has been leading efforts to advance the school’s cardiovascular program. He is particularly renowned for his innovative techniques in aortic and mitral valve repair. His expertise is not just in performing surgeries but also in championing patient-centered care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment strategies tailored to individual patient needs.

Previously, Dr. Umaña has made significant contributions to the field by establishing the largest aortic and mitral valve repair program in Latin America. His work includes founding the Latin-American Cardiovascular Surgery Conference, positioning him as a pivotal player in the global cardiovascular community. His arrival at the University of Miami is seen as a major step in enhancing the depth and reach of the institution's cardiovascular initiatives.

Vision for Growth

In his own words, Dr. Umaña expressed that the University of Miami provides the perfect environment to pursue a long-held vision: “to build a world-class cardiovascular program focused not just on innovation, but on patients.” He acknowledged that while the university is already recognized for excelling in mitral valve surgery, there is substantial potential to further develop its aortic surgery program. This growth could lead to creating an integrated and collaborative hub for cardiovascular care—a goal that aligns with UHealth’s mission to deliver top-tier healthcare services.

Dr. Umaña's appointment has been met with enthusiasm among hospital leaders. Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., the CEO of UHealth, commented on the significant impact that Dr. Umaña's experience and commitment to innovation will have on the existing cardiovascular surgery program. He emphasized that such leadership would elevate every aspect of patient care and surgical outcomes.

Dr. Umaña's Background and Achievements

Dr. Umaña's journey in medicine began with his medical degree from the University of El Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia. He honed his skills through social service and research opportunities in England before completing his advanced surgical training at Columbia University in New York City and Stanford University in California. In his previous role, he was instrumental in elevating the Fundación Cardioinfantil – Instituto de Cardiología into one of Latin America's leading cardiovascular centers. Most recently, he served as chair of the Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Notably, Dr. Umaña is a prolific contributor to cardiovascular research, with over 150 scientific publications and presentations. His groundbreaking work includes the development of the MitraClip, a pioneering transcatheter mitral valve repair device that revolutionized how mitral valve issues are treated, allowing surgeons to repair the valve without the need for invasive chest surgery.

Conclusion

The introduction of Dr. Juan Pablo Umaña to UHealth marks a potential turning point for cardiovascular surgery strategies at the University of Miami. With his extensive background and commitment to patient care, Dr. Umaña is expected to foster an environment ripe for innovation and excellence, ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of cardiac care. As UHealth embarks on this new chapter, the future looks promising for patients needing advanced cardiovascular interventions.