Medical University of South Carolina
Congenital Heart Disease
Member Since: 2014
Biography:
Dr. Kavarana was born in Scotland, and grew up in Bombay, India. He graduated from medical school in India in 1994. Following this he received post-graduate training in general surgery at New York Medical College. During this period he spent a year at Columbia University, New York as a heart transplant and ventricular assist device post-doctorate fellow. The time spent at Columbia helped him develop a strong interest in heart transplant and the surgical management of heart failure. Following this he received cardiothoracic surgery training at the Jewish Hospital, University of Louisville, KY. During this time he continued to conduct research on novel concepts for pediatric cardiac assist which included direct external cardiac compression devices and developed a deep clinical and research interest in heart assist devices and heart transplantation. Following this he completed a pediatric heart surgery fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with Dr. Edward L. Bove. In 2010 Dr. Kavarana joined the Division of Cardiothoracic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston as a pediatric and congenital heart surgeon along side Dr. Scott Bradley where they have produced outcomes equal to or better than the best centers in the world. The Childrens Heart Center of South Carolina at MUSC is the only one in the state and performs approximately 400 cardiac surgical cases a year. Dr. Kavarana?s clinical interests include neonatal and infant heart surgery, adult congenital heart surgery, heart and lung transplant and mechanical circulatory support. Dr.Kavarana is the pediatric heart transplant director and was recently promoted to Head of the Division of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
AATS is the premier and most important association for academic cardiac surgeons
My First Experience with AATS:
During my initiation as a member I was touched by the warm welcome given to me by the giants in our field. I was fortunate enough to be promoted by Dr. Fred Crawford
Why I became an AATS member:
To further education for developing surgeons and share my knowledge and experience
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
All very good
The first presentation I gave is:
51. Kavarana MN, Williams MR, Helman DN, Barbone A, Rose EA, Oz MC. External cardiac compression device supports circulation without compromising coronary artery bypass graft function. American College of Surgeons, Surgical Forum Chicago, October 2000.
The first paper I had published is:
113. Kavarana MN, Edwards NM, Levinson MM, Oz MC. Transaortic repair of mitral regurgitation.TheHeartSurgForum.2000;3(1):24-8.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
Participate in committee's
Present more teaching videos to share experiences
My First Experience with AATS:
During my initiation as a member, I was touched by the warm welcome given to me by the giants in our field . I was fortunate enough to be promoted by Dr. Fred Crawford."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
A difficult post Norwood - heart transplant that struggled but survived against all odds
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
One of the first pediatric Berlins followed by a heart transplant in a baby girl who's family have become family
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
Dr. Rick Ohye taught me mental and physical resilience
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Passing knowledge and experiences forward
Education
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
Public reporting of outcomes, while important, I am concerned is resulting in patients that can be salvaged being turned down or being referred to other centers
Advice for Trainees:
Treasure every moment during your training.
Keep your eyes and ears open
Find a role model/ mentor