Frank X. Downey III

Dr. Frank X. Downey III is a distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery at Mayo Clinic Arizona, where he joined in January 2020. With over twenty-five years of clinical experience, he specializes in Advanced Heart Failure Therapies including Cardiac Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support. His clinical practice focuses on High Risk Cardiac Surgery, Valvular Heart Disease, and Coronary Artery Disease.

Dr. Downey's research interests span cardiac transplantation outcomes, mechanical circulatory support complications, and antibody-mediated rejection in transplant recipients. His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly activity with significant contributions to understanding LVAD management, transplant immunology, and complex cardiac surgical techniques. Recent publications (2022-2024) focus on ECMO management during the pandemic, surgical device complications, and rare cardiovascular pathologies.

Dr. Downey has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his clinical excellence, including multiple 'Best Doctors' designations from Milwaukee Magazine and Business Journal spanning two decades, the Health Care Heroes - Physician Award, and specialty-specific honors from the Wisconsin Perfusion Society. His professional memberships include the American College of Surgeons, International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

• Best Doctors Milwaukee Magazine (2019, 2018, 2016, 2008, 2000)
• Best Doctors Milwaukee Business Journal (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016)
• Health Care Heroes - Physician Award Milwaukee BizTimes (2018)
• Nurse/Physician Partnership Award Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (2016)
• William P. Young Award for Excellence Wisconsin Perfusion Society (2009)

As a surgical educator, Dr. Downey has mentored numerous trainees throughout his career, evidenced by his Resident Teacher of the Year award in 1990. His leadership extends to committee roles including Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Donor Network (2015-2018) and membership on the Independent Practitioner Quality Panel for Medtronic Mechanical Circulatory Support.

Dr. Downey leads the Heart Transplant Program at Mayo Clinic Arizona and is actively involved in the Lung Transplant Program and Heart Failure Clinic, providing comprehensive care for patients with advanced cardiovascular conditions requiring transplantation or mechanical circulatory support.