Dr. Faisal H. Cheema, MD
Associate Professor, University of Houston • Director of Research, HCA Gulf Coast
Physician-scientist leading research in cardiac & lung transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and device innovation. Expert in tissue engineering and ex-vivo organ perfusion — building multi-institutional programs that translate devices and discovery to patient care.
- Cardiac & lung transplantation, VADs & total artificial heart
- Tissue engineering & ex-vivo organ perfusion
- Clinical/device innovation & multi-center research leadership
👨⚕️ About Dr. Faisal H. Cheema
Dr. Faisal H. Cheema is a physician-scientist, academic leader and innovator. Currently serving as Associate Professor at the University of Houston and Director of Research at HCA Gulf Coast Division, he has built a distinguished career in cardiothoracic surgery and transplantation.
His expertise spans cardiac and lung transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, tissue engineering, and ex-vivo organ perfusion. Dr. Cheema has led multiple multi-institutional programs that translate basic science and engineering into patient care.
He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, delivered invited lectures across the globe, and is recognized for his contributions to advancing heart and lung health worldwide.
Key Highlights:
- Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston
- Director of Research, HCA Gulf Coast Division
- Expert in heart & lung transplantation, mechanical devices
- Global recognition as physician-scientist & innovator
View Dr. Faisal H. Cheema, latest publications for the following journals:
📌 Current Roles
Dr. Faisal H. Cheema currently serves in the following leadership and academic positions.
Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences
University of Houston (2019 – Present)
At the University of Houston College of Medicine, Dr. Cheema teaches and mentors future physicians and scientists, focusing on biomedical sciences and translational research.
Director of Research
HCA Gulf Coast Division (2019 – Present)
As Director of Research, he leads collaborative projects in cardiothoracic surgery and transplantation, advancing innovations in clinical practice and device development.
🏅 Prior Leadership & Appointments
Over the years, Dr. Faisal H. Cheema has served in leadership and academic roles at premier U.S. institutions, driving innovation in cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation, and biomedical research.
Director of Research & Innovations; Assistant Professor
Cardiothoracic Transplantation & Circulatory Support, Baylor College of Medicine at Texas Heart Institute (2017 – 2019)
Directed cutting-edge research and clinical innovations in heart and lung transplantation, circulatory support devices, and advanced surgical therapies at the Texas Heart Institute.
President
Aegis Cardiovascular Research Foundation (2013 – 2017)
Provided leadership to a non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing cardiovascular research and education, fostering collaborations between academic and clinical partners.
Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery; Director, Clinical Research & Innovations
University of Maryland (2013 – 2015)
Directed clinical research and innovation initiatives in cardiac surgery, focusing on heart failure therapies and device development.
Director, CAPTURE Cardiopulmonary Tissue Repository; Associate Research Scientist
Columbia University / NewYork-Presbyterian (2005 – 2013)
Led the CAPTURE tissue repository and advanced translational research programs in cardiopulmonary biology, supporting breakthrough studies in tissue engineering and organ preservation.
🎓 Education & Training
Dr. Faisal H. Cheema’s academic journey reflects his commitment to medical excellence, clinical research, and innovation in transplantation science.
Post-doctoral Research Fellowship
Columbia University (2002 – 2005)
Conducted advanced research in cardiothoracic transplantation and tissue engineering. Work at Columbia laid the foundation for innovations in ex-vivo organ perfusion and regenerative medicine.
Clinical Research Fellowship (Heart Transplantation)
Loyola University (2001)
Specialized training in heart transplantation, with focus on peri-operative management and outcomes. Gained critical experience in clinical trials and patient-centered transplant care.
MBBS
Aga Khan University Medical College (1995 – 2000)
Completed Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at one of South Asia’s leading medical schools, with strong foundations in clinical medicine and global health leadership.
🔬 Clinical & Research Focus
Dr. Faisal H. Cheema’s research spans advanced therapies in heart and lung disease, bridging surgical innovation, device development, and regenerative medicine to improve patient outcomes.
Cardiac Transplantation & MCS
Expertise in heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support including ventricular assist devices (VADs) and the total artificial heart, advancing care for patients with end-stage heart failure.
Lung Transplantation
Research on peri-operative management and long-term outcomes in lung transplantation, improving survival and quality of life for patients with advanced lung disease.
Valve, Aortic & Minimally Invasive Surgery
Collaborative clinical interests in valve replacement, aortic surgery, atrial fibrillation surgery, and minimally invasive/robotic cardiac procedures.
Tissue Engineering & Stem Cells
Work with cardiac, pulmonary, and renal stem cells, exploring regenerative therapies and studying ischemia-reperfusion injury to advance organ repair and replacement.
Ex-vivo Organ Perfusion & Resuscitation
Developing platforms for donor organ preservation and recovery, extending viability and increasing availability for transplantation.
🌟 Selected Impact
Key highlights of Dr. Faisal H. Cheema’s professional contributions in research, publications, and leadership.
Multi-Institutional Research Leadership
Built and led cardiothoracic transplant & MCS research programs across Houston academic and health-system partners.
Publications in Leading Journals
Published in high-impact journals including Annals of Thoracic Surgery, JTCVS, and Journal of Cardiac Surgery.
Founder & Non-Profit Leadership
Founder and leader of non-profit and academic organizations, including the Aegis Cardiovascular Research Foundation.
📚 Publications & Profiles
Explore Dr. Faisal H. Cheema’s research impact, collaborations, and professional presence across leading academic platforms.
🏅 Honors & Memberships
Dr. Faisal H. Cheema is recognized by leading international societies and professional organizations that advance cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation, and biomedical innovation.
CTSNet
Global online community for cardiothoracic surgeons, connecting professionals and sharing surgical expertise worldwide.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)
One of the premier organizations representing thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons, advancing quality and innovation in patient care.
Other Professional Organizations
Active membership in additional academic and clinical societies that promote education, collaboration, and advancement in cardiac and thoracic surgery.
🎤 Speaking & Media
Dr. Faisal H. Cheema is invited worldwide for keynote lectures, conference panels and media engagements. His expertise spans transplantation science, mechanical circulatory support, organ preservation technologies and biomedical innovation.
Transplant & MCS
Leads multi-institutional heart and lung transplant programs, designing registries, outcomes studies and advancing circulatory support including VADs and total artificial hearts.
Ex-vivo Perfusion
Pioneering organ preservation and recovery strategies that extend viability of donor hearts and lungs, allowing more patients to benefit from transplantation.
Tissue Engineering
Integrates stem-cell and regenerative medicine approaches to repair cardiac and pulmonary tissue, addressing ischemia-reperfusion injury with innovative therapies.
Device Innovation
Translates novel devices from lab to clinical use, advancing ventricular assist technologies and shaping the future of cardiothoracic care.
📞 Contact / Links
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