Michael Jessen

Michael E. Jessen, M.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He holds the Frank M. Ryburn, Jr., Distinguished Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery and Transplantion. Originally from Canada, Dr. Jessen earned his medical degree from the University of Manitoba School of Medicine in Winnipeg, Canada, and completed general surgery residency training there, followed by a research fellowship through the Canadian Heart Foundation and thoracic surgery residency training at Duke University Medical Center.

Dr. Jessen's research focuses on myocardial metabolism, the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, and a novel technique for long-term cardiac preservation for transplantation. His lab has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, and the Texas Advanced Technology Program.

He has been recognized with the Lyndon Baines Johnson Research Award from the Texas Affiliate of the American Heart Association. Dr. Jessen maintains an active clinical practice specializing in cardiac surgery, surgical electrophysiology, aortic surgery, and cardiac transplantation.