Tampere University Finland
Adult Cardiac
Member Since: 2012
Biography:
Ari A. Mennander, MD, PhD, is Clinical Research Director at University of Tampere and Head of Department at Tampere University Hospital, Heart Hospital in Finland. He is Secretary General of the Scandinavian Association for Thoracic Surgery, Associate Editor for the European Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgery, and member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. He is the 54th Graham traveling Fellow of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and obtained his medical degrees in Finland. He is Committee member for approval of new Docents at Tampere University and Committee member for evaluation of PhD applications in Finland. He is designated competent for Clinical Cardiothoracic professorship in Copenhagen University and Rigshospitalet, Denmark. His clinical and academic interests include cardiovascular translational and clinical surgery.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
Patient care in cardiothoracic surgery is based on science and clinical practice. AATS is the highest-ranked international community where cardiothoracic research, science and practice innovations are joined together.
My First Experience with AATS:
I attended the AATS annual meeting for the first time in 2003. I was fascinated by the high-quality presentations.
Why I became an AATS member:
We need feedback, interaction with peers, learning from colleagues and friends. The AATS is an ideal forum for learning.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
It is impossible to point out a single presentation. I warmly remember e.g. the one given by the Graham traveling fellow in 2003 that motivated my enthusiasm in seeking for the fellowship
The first presentation I gave is:
My first presentation was on experimental chronic rejection in the European meeting for Immunology in 1991, Maastricht, Netherlands.
The first paper I had published is:
My first paper was in 1990 on immunology and leukocyte adhesion.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
I aim at discussing with colleagues, joining research programs, working with the Journals. I have been Co-Chair of the Graham traveling fellowship Committee and would be happy to work further with AATS.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
Patient care in cardiothoracic surgery is based on science and clinical practice. AATS is the highest-ranked international community where cardiothoracic research, science and practice innovations are joined together."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
The direct and immediate relief of acute problems in cardiovascular and thoracic diseases by performing a straight and often simple surgical solution based on research impact.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
Some 20 years ago, I was on duty when the cardiologist called for immediate life-saving coronary artery bypass surgery in a 50 year-old patient that suffered from acute and ongoing myocardial ischemia. The patient developed a stone heart though an impella was administered and the bypass grafts were implanted. The patient had to undergo cardiac transplantation eventually. I have hardly ever felt so desperate and purposeless.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
The biggest impact my mentors have expressed is when I have sensed trust while receiving responsibility to tackle a project or a clinical case.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
We need research enthusiasm, tactile abilities, and interactions with cardiologists, anesthesiologist and teamwork members.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
Loosing the bigger picture of the patient, concentrating on a detailed finding instead of appreciating the whole of the symptoms from the patient point of view.
Advice for Trainees:
Active participation, questioning routine standards, learning by doing research and finding a mentor.