Effective July 1, 2020, Dr. Prashanth Vallabhajosyula will assume the position of Director of Yale Aortic Institute at Yale New Haven Hospital, continuing a legacy of excellence in aortic care and research into the next generation. He takes the lead from Dr. John Elefteriades, who, for the past 20 years, has grown the institute into the first and largest clinical and research center in the world, dedicated to the advanced screening and treatment of aortic disease.
"I always respected the great Bjorn Bjorg for withdrawing from tennis competition while he was still at the top of his game. Taking inspiration from his transition, I will stop operating as primary surgeon as of June 30, 2020," said Dr. Elefteriades, in a letter to the Yale Surgery community.
"I have had the privilege of performing nearly 10,000 operations in every cardiothoracic discipline —including lung and esophageal resection, pacemakers, defibrillators, coronary bypass, aortic and mitral valve repair or replacement, transplantation, mechanical heart support, and, of course, surgery on the thoracic aorta. I thank you for your trust in having me care for your patients for well over three decades."
Dr. Vallabhajosyula was recruited from University of Pennsylvania in 2019 after a worldwide search, in preparation for Dr. Elfteriades' retirement as primary surgeon.
I have had the privilege of performing nearly 10,000 operations in every cardiothoracic discipline ... I thank you for your trust in having me care for your patients for well over three decades.
Dr. John Elefteriades
"It is my distinct honor and privilege to lead the continued advancement of the Aortic Institute's world-class clinical, teaching, and research missions into the future, together with our talented team, and with Dr. Elefteriades' legacy of excellence as our bedrock and north star," said Dr. Vallabhajosyula.
Dr. Vallabhajosyula completed his pre-doctoral training at Yale College and Yale School of Medicine; and received his surgical training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Oxford University, and University of Pennsylvania. Further, Dr. Vallabhajosyula completed post-doctoral research training at Harvard University. Dr. Vallabhajosyula brings extensive experience in open and endovascular treatment modalities for aortopathies, including complex thoracic aortic endovascular stent grafting (TEVAR), aortic valve repair techniques, valve sparing aortic root procedures, and hybrid aortic arch procedures. He is an established basic science researcher, focusing on the role of exosomes in cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Elefteriades will continue as Emeritus Director of the Aortic Institute in an advisory capacity.