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UMass Memorial Medical Center Has New Chief of Cardiac Surgery

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 15:59 GMT by Patch
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UMass Memorial Medical Center Appoints New Chief of Cardiac Surgery Amid Push for Innovation

Worcester, Mass. – UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMM), a leading regional referral center for cardiovascular care, announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel P. McCormick as its new chief of cardiac surgery. The seasoned surgeon, who has spent more than two decades performing complex heart procedures across the region, will take the helm of a department that has grown to become one of the most prolific cardiac surgery teams in New England.

Dr. McCormick, who previously served as the director of cardiac surgery at Boston Medical Center, joins UMM at a time of strategic expansion. “Cardiac surgery is moving fast,” he said in an interview. “From robotic-assisted procedures to enhanced recovery pathways, the field demands surgeons who can blend technical skill with innovative thinking. I’m excited to bring that blend to UMM and to work with a world‑class team that shares that vision.”

The announcement comes on the heels of UMM’s recent recognition as a “Top 10 Hospital in Massachusetts” by the U.S. News & World Report for cardiovascular care. In the last fiscal year, the UMM cardiac surgery program performed over 3,200 operations, including coronary artery bypass grafts, valve replacements, and complex congenital repairs. According to data from the UMass Memorial Cardiology website, the department’s mortality rate for coronary bypass surgery remains below 1%, a figure that places it among the top performers nationwide.

“The new chief’s experience and leadership will help sustain our strong outcomes while opening doors for the next generation of surgeons,” said Dr. Angela M. Lopez, chief medical officer of UMM. “Our patients can be confident that we’ll continue to deliver high‑quality care, guided by evidence and fueled by innovation.”

A key focus for Dr. McCormick is the implementation of the “Cardiac Excellence Initiative,” a program that seeks to reduce complications through systematic review of operative techniques, real‑time data analytics, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The initiative will also prioritize training for residents and fellows, with the department already hosting over 30 trainees each year. In a statement, Dr. McCormick noted, “Mentorship is critical. The next generation of cardiac surgeons must be well‑rounded, adaptable, and deeply committed to patient safety.”

UMM’s broader institutional mission aligns with Dr. McCormick’s goals. As part of the UMass Memorial Health Network, the hospital collaborates closely with UMass Amherst’s School of Medicine and the Massachusetts General Hospital to conduct cutting‑edge research. The cardiac surgery department recently secured a $4.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate novel bio‑prosthetic valve materials and to develop AI‑driven pre‑operative risk assessment tools. Dr. McCormick plans to spearhead these efforts, “leveraging data science to tailor surgical strategies to individual patient profiles,” he added.

Patient perspectives also underscore the impact of leadership transitions. Sarah Greene, a 58‑year‑old Worcester resident who underwent aortic valve replacement last spring, said, “The team at UMM was incredible. They explained every step, and I felt confident that I was in good hands. I’m looking forward to the new advancements Dr. McCormick will bring.”

In addition to clinical priorities, Dr. McCormick is committed to expanding community outreach. UMM’s Cardiac Health Initiative has been delivering free heart‑health screenings in underserved neighborhoods across Worcester County. Dr. McCormick will broaden these efforts, incorporating mobile health units that offer diagnostic tests, lifestyle counseling, and educational seminars. “Heart disease does not respect socioeconomic status,” he emphasized. “Our role extends beyond the operating room.”

The transition to Dr. McCormick’s leadership is smooth. Dr. Emily R. Park, the outgoing chief of cardiac surgery, will retire after 15 years of service. During her tenure, the department saw a 20% increase in minimally invasive procedures and a notable decline in postoperative complications. Park praised her successor’s vision, stating, “Dr. McCormick brings a fresh perspective while respecting the foundations we’ve built. I am confident he will carry our legacy forward.”

The UMM community has already begun to feel the ripple effects of the new appointment. A recent press release highlighted an upcoming series of interdisciplinary workshops aimed at integrating cardiology, anesthesiology, and nursing to optimize perioperative care. These workshops will also explore emerging technologies such as 3‑D printed heart models for surgical rehearsal and augmented reality overlays to assist surgeons intra‑operatively.

As UMass Memorial Medical Center steps into a new era of cardiac surgery leadership, patients, clinicians, and researchers alike anticipate the advances that Dr. McCormick’s tenure is expected to bring. With a robust foundation of clinical excellence, a commitment to innovation, and a focus on community engagement, UMM is poised to remain at the forefront of cardiovascular care in Massachusetts and beyond.