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Shahab Akhter, MD

Assistant Professor of Surgery

Dr. Akhter is a cardiothoracic surgeon. He specializes in adult cardiac surgery with emphases on valvular heart surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support systems. Dr. Akhter has particular expertise in complex mitral valve repair and surgical treatments for advanced heart failure. In addition, he also specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

An active researcher, Dr. Akhter studies molecular mechanisms of cardiac hypertrophy and how they lead to heart failure, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic strategies to prevent this disease process. His laboratory also investigates methods to improve protection of the heart during cardiac surgery and basic mechanisms of donor heart dysfunction. Dr. Akhter's clinical research projects focus on recovery of heart function after ventricular assist device implantation and outcomes following mechanical circulatory support. His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education.

Practice Locations

University of Chicago Medical Center
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

Center for Advanced Medicine
5758 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

Year Started Practice

2002

Board Certifications

Surgery
Thoracic Surgery

Medical School

University of Chicago

Internship and Residency

Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC

Fellowship

University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI

Memberships

American College of Surgeons
American Heart Association
Association for Academic Surgery
Central Surgical Association
David C. Sabiston Jr. Surgical Society
International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
John Alexander Society
Mont Reid Surgical Society
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Society of University Surgeons