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Brian Lima, MD, Thoracic Surgery, Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

BrianLimaMDFACS

Thoracic Surgery Nashville, TN

Adult Cardiac Surgery, Aortic Surgery, Cardiopulmonary Transplantation, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Associate Professor of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN

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Summary

  • First and foremost, I am a cardiac surgeon dedicated to the compassionate delivery of the most advanced heart care. As a recognized authority on surgical therapies for advanced heart failure, I am also very passionate about clinical innovation, research, and education, having published over 80 articles in peer reviewed journals, numerous book chapters, and also presented at several national and international conferences.
    In 2017, I was recruited to North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) at Northwell Health, to lead the 1st and only heart transplant program on Long Island and help bring the full spectrum of advanced heart failure care to the wonderful people of Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and greater NYC metropolitan area.
    Prior to NSUH, I was the Surgical Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, where I helped develop one of the busiest surgical heart failure centers in the country. Beyond heart transplantation, my surgical expertise also encompasses the entire spectrum of adult cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting, valvular repair/replacement, aortic surgery, and the surgical management of heart failure with ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
  • Dr. Brian Lima: "Heart Act to Follow: Learning from the Best"

    The main take home message from my book is that success is not preordained for a select few. Success is earned, not bestowed, by anyone willing to grind it out,

    To Achieve Your Goals: Visualize, Actualize, Repeat

    Many of us are only scratching the surface of our true potential, and I hope to help deliver that spark for others to unleash it! We can never afford to settle

    Heart surgeon turned author shares keys to success in challenging times

    For millions of Americans, uncertainty has been and will remain a constant. In these uncertain times, how can you achieve success and stand out from the rest?

    Dr. Brian Lima - Author of Heart to Beat

    A leading heart transplant surgeon, Dr. Brian Lima overcame countless struggles to fulfill his American Dream and shares how his Heart Way approach can help any

Education & Training

  • Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Cleveland Clinic FoundationFellowship, Thoracic Surgery, 2009 - 2012
  • Duke University Hospital
    Duke University HospitalResidency, Surgery, 2002 - 2009
  • Duke University School of Medicine
    Duke University School of MedicineClass of 2002
  • Cornell University
    Cornell UniversityBA, Chemistry, Magna Cum Laude, 1994 - 1998

Certifications & Licensure

  • NJ State Medical License
    NJ State Medical License 2023 - 2025
  • AZ State Medical License
    AZ State Medical License 2023 - 2025
  • NY State Medical License
    NY State Medical License 2017 - 2025
  • CO State Medical License
    CO State Medical License 2023 - 2025
  • TX State Medical License
    TX State Medical License 2012 - 2025
  • IA State Medical License
    IA State Medical License 2023 - 2024
  • TN State Medical License
    TN State Medical License 2023 - 2024
  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery
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Awards, Honors, & Recognition

  • Top Doctor of the Year International Association of Top Professionals (IATOP), 2020
  • Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author 2020
  • Top Doctors Newsday, 2018-2020
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Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Press Mentions

  • Texas PA Helps Expand Donor Pool for Heart Transplants
    Texas PA Helps Expand Donor Pool for Heart TransplantsFebruary 18th, 2022
  • Medical City Heart Performs First 'Donation After Cardiac Death' Heart Transplant in Texas
    Medical City Heart Performs First 'Donation After Cardiac Death' Heart Transplant in TexasDecember 16th, 2021
  • Dallas Hospital Performs First New Heart Transplant Technique in Texas
    Dallas Hospital Performs First New Heart Transplant Technique in TexasDecember 15th, 2021
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Hospital Affiliations