Fernando Fleischman

Fernando Fleischman, MD, is a Clinical Professor of Surgery and Director of the Aortic Center at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He also serves as Co-Director of the USC Comprehensive Aortic Center and Associate Program Director for the Residency Program. His academic affiliations include roles at USC Cardiothoracic Surgery and Keck Medicine of USC. Dr. Fleischman graduated from UCLA with degrees in History and Biology, earned his medical degree in Puerto Rico, and completed residency at UMDNJ with distinctions, including the Golden Apple Teaching Award. He joined USC in 2011 as an Assistant Professor, advancing to his current rank.

His research focuses on endovascular innovations for aortic diseases, including aortic dissection management, stent graft technologies, and spinal cord ischemia prevention. He has published extensively on aortic surgery outcomes, device optimization, and emergency treatment protocols. Dr. Fleischman’s clinical interests span all aspects of cardiothoracic surgery, with expertise in valve disease, heart failure, and minimally invasive techniques. He actively contributes to multidisciplinary care, emphasizing patient-centered approaches and teamwork.

Notable achievements include pioneering the PERSEVERE trial for DeBakey type I dissection and developing hybrid prosthesis strategies. His work addresses critical challenges in aortic emergencies, such as managing malperfusion and optimizing postoperative care. Dr. Fleischman’s leadership extends to shaping regional aortic emergency protocols during the pandemic and advancing educational initiatives in cardiac surgery.