Mark Lee Barr

Dr. Mark Lee Barr is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Southern California (USC), serving as Chair of the Department of Surgery’s Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure Committee, and Director of the Cardiac Surgery Clerkship. He leads the USC Transplantation Institute and has held prominent roles in national and international transplantation organizations, including the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) and UNOS Thoracic Transplantation Committee. His expertise spans cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation immunology, and critical care, with a focus on improving outcomes for heart and lung transplant recipients.

Dr. Barr’s education includes a medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, followed by a decade of postgraduate training at New York University and Columbia University, including an NIH-sponsored research fellowship in transplantation immunology. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on surgical techniques, transplantation outcomes, and device innovations. His research highlights include mechanical circulatory support devices, donor/recipient matching strategies, and ethical considerations in living organ donation.

Dr. Barr’s leadership extends to editorial roles, including 15 years as Deputy Editor of the American Journal of Transplantation, and service on NIH review boards (NIAID, NHLBI, NCRR). His work emphasizes improving transplantation policies, reducing chronic rejection rates, and advancing pediatric transplantation care. Current initiatives include Bluetooth-based post-transplant monitoring systems and optimizing lung allocation strategies.