About Us

UI Heart and Vascular Center

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, established as a division of surgery in 1948 by Johann (Hans) Ehrenhaft, MD, is one of the oldest surgical and educational programs in the United States.

Ehrenhaft’s interest in general thoracic surgery for tuberculosis and lung cancer established the program, and soon it was expanded to the newly developing specialty of cardiac surgery. 

In 1985, Nicholas Rossi, MD, assumed the role of Interim Chairman untilDouglas Behrendt, MD  joined the division in 1986. He established pediatric cardiac surgery as a premier program in the Midwest.

Since that time, numerous advancements have been made not only in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery but also in adult cardiothoracic surgery and general thoracic surgery, all of which continue to burgeon. 

In 2004, Mark Iannettoni, MD, joined the division to increase the ever-expanding role of general thoracic surgery, re-establish lung transplantation, and continue the development of minimally invasive surgical procedures both from a general thoracic and cardiac standpoint.

The UI Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, formerly a division of the UI Department of Surgery, was established in 2005.

Thoracic Residency
Our thoracic surgery residency program continues to improve and is becoming one of the most sought after residencies in the country, educating two residents per year in a two-year clinical program. Our trainees have passed the American Board of Thoracic Surgery qualifying exam and are employed in both academic and private practice situations. An increasing trend for our graduates is to obtain excellent fellowships in both pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and general thoracic/transplantation positions throughout the country. 

Research
While research has always been a strong aspect of the cardiothoracic program, clinical research is becoming much more predominant, and basic science research continues to thrive through the generous aid of our grateful patients and families. 

For more information on how you can help in these endeavors, please feel free to contact us or see the section on development on our web site.