Director, Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology

Director, Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology - Division of Cardiology - University of Rochester

The Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division is seeking a nationally recognized leader in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology to serve as Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program, within the Division of Cardiology. This is a unique opportunity to lead and grow one of the most comprehensive advanced heart failure programs in the nation and make a meaningful impact on clinical care, research, and education.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative, and highly accomplished academic team. As Director of Advanced Heart Failure, the appointee will work closely with our Surgical Directors of Heart Failure, Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support and with the Medical Directors of Heart Transplantation and Ventricular Assist Devices. Academic appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor is available, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Program Highlights:

• Heart Transplantation : ~20 transplants/year (over 400 total), including heart-kidney transplants, with ongoing innovation including DCD NRP protocols and heart preservation systems.

• LVAD Program : Among the largest in the U.S., with 65-85 implants/year and over 1,000 durable implants to date; with nearly 280 patients currently supported.

• Surgical Team : Three full-time cardiothoracic surgeons perform heart transplant and LVAD surgeries.

• Clinical Infrastructure : Includes 9.2 AHFT cardiologists, 12 outpatient APPs, dedicated transplant RNs, and robust QI, regulatory, and data management teams.

• Research Excellence : Strong support from the Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center , the Clinical & Translational Science Institute , and the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute .

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a comprehensive advanced heart failure and transplant program in partnership with surgical, critical care, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Direct clinical operations across inpatient and outpatient settings, including heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support (e.g., VADs).

• Oversee and enhance quality improvement initiatives, clinical protocols, and regulatory compliance.

• Expand and mentor a team of dedicated cardiologists and advanced practice providers.

• Grow the ACGME-accredited Advanced Heart Failure Fellowship program.

• Advance clinical, translational, or outcomes-based research.

• Support collaboration across specialties including congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension.

• Contribute to education and mentorship of trainees and medical students.
  Qualifications

M.D. Degree or equivalent

Must obtain a New York State Medical License prior to start date

Eligible for a Faculty Appointment at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Must meet all credentialing requirements

Eligible for Board Certification in Cardiovascular Disease and Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology

Post offer Drug Screen and Health Assessment required

Compliance with University and New York State health requirements

The Division of Cardiology includes over 76 faculty members with expertise in general cardiology, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, imaging, heart failure, cardio-oncology and more. The division supports four fellowship programs and is home to a new, dedicated 22-bed Cardiac ICU and a 23-bed Advanced Heart Failure Unit. A state-of-the-art cardiovascular tower is under construction and set to open in 2027.
The University of Rochester is a quaternary referral medical center with referrals from across the broad region of New York State with a state-of-the-art advanced imaging and intensive care unit facilities that are supported by 4 catheterization labs and 3 EP labs. The division has a newly created dedicated 22 bed CICU fully staffed with a team of 7 cardiac critical care intensivists and 20 advance practice professionals providing 24/7 coverage. We have a dedicated Advanced Heart Failure 23 bed unit staffed 24/7 by advance practice professionals. A new cardiovascular tower will be completed by 2026.
Environment and Culture
The University of Rochester is located in Rochester, New York and is surrounded by world class culture, affordable housing and nationally ranked public schools. The City of Rochester is a mecca for the arts: home to a philharmonic orchestra, wonderful museums including the Strong National Museum of Play, internationally recognized dance companies as well as The Eastman School of Music. The Rochester International Jazz Festival is one of the top 10 Jazz festivals in the nation. The region boasts access to great watersports both on Lake Ontario as well as the Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes region is also home to many internationally known wineries. Rochester has a rich history and was the last step on the underground railroad and the place Frederick Douglas called home. It is also the location of the Susan B. Anthony House making Rochester the epicenter of the woman's suffrage movement. Rochester is surrounded by wonderful hiking opportunities and access to the Adirondacks.
Interested individuals should contact Dr. Mehmet Aktas at and provide a current Curriculum Vitae.
The University of Rochester believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances the performance of our organization and our ability to fulfill our important missions. The University is committed to fostering and supporting a workplace culture inclusive of people regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, marital status, age, physical abilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs or any other non-merit fact, so that all employees feel included, equally valued and supported.
The University of Rochester is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.