Jeffrey Schwartz, MD, Named Chair of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

MAYWOOD, IL – Loyola Medicine has announced the appointment of Jeffrey Schwartz, MD, as chair of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC) and Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Schwartz first joined the medical staff at LUMC in 1998. He inherits a department with a strong legacy of excellence led previously by Mamdouh Bakhos, MD, who served as department chair for more than 30 years. "Dr. Bakhos is one of the preeminent cardiothoracic surgeons of his generation, he has been a great mentor to me and has had an invaluable impact on my career and success to date," said Dr. Schwartz. "I'm humbled to inherit his legacy and carry the torch forward."

Dr. Schwartz was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his undergraduate studies at Miami University (Ohio). He is a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine, and he completed his general surgery residency at the University of Illinois, Chicago (Cook County and Michael Reese) under the leadership of Herand Abcarian, MD. At the University of Illinois, Constantine Tatooles, MD, inspired him to pursue a career in cardiothoracic surgery. Dr. Schwartz then completed his cardiothoracic fellowship training at the University of Southern California under the mentorship of Vaughn Starnes, MD, and Tom DeMeester, MD.

At LUMC, Dr. Schwartz has established himself as a leader in adult cardiac surgery with a special interest in complex aortic surgery, heart & lung transplantation and cardiac mechanical assist device therapies. He has served in various leadership positions during his tenure and is currently the surgical director of lung transplantation, co-director of the Center of Aortic Diseases and departmental quality medical director. Dr. Schwartz is the principal and co-investigator on numerous clinical and basic science research projects. He has numerous publications to his name and has been invited to lecture locally, regionally and nationally. He has been repeatedly listed among Castle Connolly's "Top Doctors" list published in Chicago magazine.

"Dr. Schwartz has helped cement Loyola's reputation as a premiere center for exceptional cardiothoracic care," said Richard K. Freeman, MD, MBA, FACS, executive vice president and regional chief clinical officer for Loyola Medicine. "We are confident that the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery will thrive under his leadership."

The thoracic and cardiovascular surgical team at LUMC is dedicated to academic excellence, field-leading research, and exceptional care through its network of affiliated care sites. The depth and breadth of experience allows surgeons to perform complex operations, such as second- or third-time heart procedures for conditions previously deemed inoperable, with success rates well above national benchmarks. The department's team adopts the newest surgical techniques, equipment and devices, including minimally invasive surgery, robotically assisted and percutaneous procedures delivering state-of-the-art cardiothoracic care.

"The department has a strong foundation and a bright future ahead," said Dr. Schwartz. "We want to continue to be trailblazers going forward."