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The Miller School of Medicine and UHealth – University of Miami Health System welcome Juan Pablo Umaña, M.D., an internationally recognized leader in cardiovascular surgery, as professor and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, effective June 2. Known for his pioneering contributions to aortic and mitral valve repair, Dr. Umaña brings not only surgical excellence but also a deep commitment to patient-centered care.
Dr. Umaña established the most extensive aortic and mitral valve repair program in Latin America and founded the Latin-American Cardiovascular Surgery Conference. His arrival at the University of Miami signals an exciting new chapter for the institution’s cardiovascular program.
“The University of Miami offers the ideal platform to pursue a lifelong vision — to build a world-class cardiovascular program focused not just on innovation, but on patients,” Dr. Umaña said. “While UM is already recognized as a center of excellence for mitral valve surgery, there’s an extraordinary opportunity to grow an aortic surgery program and create an integrated, collaborative hub for cardiovascular care.”
“We are pleased to welcome someone of Dr. Umaña’s caliber to the UHealth team,” added Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., chief executive officer of UHealth and founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. “His expertise, commitment to innovation, and focus on training will elevate every aspect of our cardiovascular surgery program.”
A Life of Learning and Leadership
Dr. Umaña earned his medical degree from the University of El Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia. He deepened his expertise through social service and research in England before completing advanced surgical training at Columbia University in New York City and Stanford University in California. His leadership at Fundación Cardioinfantil – Instituto de Cardiología transformed it into one of Latin America’s premier cardiovascular centers. Most recently, he chaired the Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Florida.
With more than 150 scientific publications and presentations, Dr. Umaña is a leading voice in global cardiovascular research. He was the co-inventor of the MitraClip, the first transcatheter mitral valve repair device used in clinical practice today, which allows the mitral valve to be repaired without opening the chest.
“We’re entering a new era of cardiovascular surgery,” he said. “Minimally and microinvasive techniques are changing how we care for patients. The University of Miami must be at the forefront — not only adopting these innovations but leading their development.”
A Builder of Teams, A Mentor to Many
Dr. Umaña will also be program director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship Program at the Miller School of Medicine. He has a deep passion for mentorship and believes that a surgeon’s greatest legacy is the people he lifts along the way.
“Our true legacy is the professionals we nurture,” he shared. “Training the next generation of surgeons isn’t just important — it’s sacred. I look forward to helping young physicians grow into skilled leaders who care deeply.”
Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School of Medicine, is excited to have Dr. Umaña training the next generation of cardiac surgeons. “Dr. Umaña’s passion for sharing his expertise is priceless for new surgeons. They will be learning not only technical skills but also the compassion needed to truly serve patients.”
Transforming Care for South Florida and Beyond
“Dr. Umaña is a game-changing addition to our department,” said Laurence R. Sands, M.D., M.B.A., professor and chair of the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery. “He’s a builder — someone who elevates programs, empowers teams, and always puts patients first.”
Dr. Umaña’s vision is simple yet powerful: to help patients not just live longer but live better.
“At the end of the day, it’s about restoring life,” he said. “Every patient has a story, and it’s an honor to be part of their journey back to health.”
