A Surgeon Who Touches Hearts — Literally and Figuratively
In the bustling city of **CHICAGO**, exciting news is resonating across the medical community: *Saudi cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Hani Najm* has been named vice president of the esteemed **American College of Cardiology (ACC)** — a role he will officially assume in March. Later next year, he will step into the role of president, becoming only the *third surgeon* in the ACC’s 75-year history to hold such a prestigious position.
Dr. Najm’s journey is far from ordinary. A pediatric and congenital heart surgeon of exceptional skill, he is celebrated not only for pioneering life-saving surgical procedures but also for revolutionizing care for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients — infants born with critical heart defects. Among his groundbreaking achievements is the invention of a unique heart valve for infants, one that grows with the child, eliminating the need for multiple risky surgeries. This innovation alone has changed the trajectory of countless young lives.
Miracles in the Making: Groundbreaking Surgery Before Birth
In one of the most extraordinary medical feats of recent years, Dr. Najm successfully operated on a fetus inside the mother’s womb to remove a life-threatening tumor. At just five months into the pregnancy, he opened the mother’s abdomen, then her uterus, and finally the tiny chest of the unborn child to carefully remove the tumor. The surgery saved the baby from certain heart failure, leading to a full-term delivery of a healthy newborn.
Such courageous and unprecedented procedures are a testament not only to Dr. Najm’s expertise but also to his unwavering commitment to his patients. His successes, however, are not solely the result of his personal dedication. Dr. Najm credits the unwavering support of the Saudi government for his achievements. He proudly acknowledges that he is a *product of Saudi education and vision*, underscoring how the nation’s investments in human capital are shaping global excellence.
From Riyadh to the Cleveland Clinic: A Vision Fueled by Support
Born and educated in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Najm began his medical journey at King Saud University’s medical school before earning a scholarship to train in Canada. Over a decade, he honed his skills in general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and pediatric heart surgery, while also obtaining a master’s degree in cardiovascular sciences. This rigorous preparation equipped him to provide world-class patient care and conduct research that pushes medical boundaries.
After returning to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Najm served as deputy chairman at the King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center in Riyadh, dedicating 17 years to serving his community. His exceptional track record eventually led to his recruitment by the globally renowned Cleveland Clinic, where he now serves as executive co-director of the Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Center. His leadership and passion continue to impact patients from around the world, while also inspiring the next generation of medical professionals.
A Legacy of Excellence and Hope
In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Najm was honored with the **Great Arab Minds Award** in medicine — often referred to as the “Arab Nobel Prize.” His story is a remarkable blueprint of what can be achieved when talent, opportunity, and vision combine. More than a celebrated surgeon, Dr. Najm is a bridge between nations, showcasing how Saudi Arabia’s investment in education and research benefits the global community.
From delicate infant heart valves to daring fetal surgeries, his work reminds us that medicine is as much about courage as it is about precision. And as he prepares to take on leadership in the American College of Cardiology, the world watches with anticipation, knowing that Dr. Hani Najm’s next chapter will be as inspiring and life-changing as the path he has already walked.
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