A Legacy of Excellence in Cardiothoracic Surgery
The Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center has a distinguished history of surgical innovation, clinical excellence, and education. Since receiving accreditation to train thoracic surgery residents in 1962, the program has played an important role in advancing cardiac and thoracic surgery while preparing generations of surgeons for successful careers in academic medicine and clinical practice.
Central to this legacy are two influential figures, Dr. Hassan Najafi and Dr. L. Penfield Faber, whose contributions helped establish Rush as a nationally recognized center for cardiothoracic surgery.
Dr. Najafi served as Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery from 1972 to 1997. A pioneering cardiac surgeon, he performed Chicago's first successful adult heart transplant in 1968 and became a nationally respected leader in surgical education. His leadership extended well beyond Rush, including service as President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and Chair of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. His commitment to surgical excellence and the education of future generations of surgeons helped shape the foundation of the training program.
Dr. Faber, a distinguished thoracic surgeon and educator, made significant contributions to the evolution of general thoracic surgery, particularly in lung cancer treatment, bronchoplastic procedures, and lung-sparing surgical techniques. His dedication to technical excellence, thoughtful surgical judgment, and mentorship influenced generations of thoracic surgeons and helped establish the program's reputation for excellence in complex thoracic surgery.
Their legacy continues to shape the Rush Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship today. Through a commitment to exceptional clinical training, innovation, and mentorship, the program continues to prepare surgeons to advance the specialty and provide outstanding patient care.