John S. Ikonomidis

John S. Ikonomidis, MD, PhD, is the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery and a Professor of Surgery at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He specializes in adult cardiac and thoracic surgery, including heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and transcatheter interventions such as TAVR and VAD implantation. His research focuses on thoracic aortic disease and myocardial protection. He is board-certified in Thoracic Surgery and holds a PhD and MD from the University of Toronto, with residencies at Stanford University and the University of Toronto.

Education and Training:

• Residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University
• Residency in General Surgery, University of Toronto
• PhD, University of Toronto
• MD, University of Toronto

Research Interests:

• Thoracic aortic disease mechanisms and treatment
• Myocardial protection strategies during cardiac procedures
• Advances in minimally invasive valve interventions

Publications: His recent work includes studies on TAVR outcomes, long-term results of aortic valve replacement, and secondary prevention strategies after coronary surgery. He contributes to clinical guidelines and surgeon-scientist development advocacy.