Hazem N. El-Khatib, MD, Joins AHN Forbes Hospital as Director, Cardiac Surgery

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Press Releases

MONROEVILLE, PA - Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Hazem N. El-Khatib, MD, previously medical co-director of cardiothoracic surgery and co-director of the Valve Clinic/TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) program at Butler Health System, has joined Allegheny Health Network (AHN) as Director of Cardiac Surgery at AHN Forbes Hospital.

Dr. El-Khatib brings to AHN a wide range of experience in health care management and patient care, as well as expertise in a variety of advanced surgeries, including coronary bypass, mitral valve surgeries and TAVR, and minimally invasive techniques.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Hazem El-Khatib to AHN Cardiovascular Institute and to AHN Forbes Hospital," said Stephen Bailey, MD. "He is an exceptional surgeon and leader, and we look forward to working with him and the entire team to push the outstanding cardiovascular surgery program at Forbes to even greater heights."

Dr. El-Khatib joined Butler Health System in 1999 and has served there in other leadership positions, including Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Medical Director of Cardiovascular Operations. He received both his bachelor's degree and his medical degree from the American University of Beirut, completed a research fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, followed by a general surgery residency at the Medical College of Ohio, and a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. He is board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

Dr. El-Khatib performs the full spectrum of cardiac surgery, ranging from routine revascularization procedures to complex redo multi-valvular interventions. He is also a skilled endovascular surgeon having started the transcatheter valve and endovascular aneurysm programs at Butler.

The AHN Cardiovascular Institute at Forbes Hospital offers a full array of services including diagnostic imaging, medical, interventional, and surgical care as well as cardiovascular rehabilitation. Earlier this year, AHN's Aortic Valve Disease Clinic expanded into AHN's Forbes and Jefferson Hospitals with the launch of advanced TAVR capabilities for patients suffering with severe aortic valve stenosis. In addition to TAVR, the clinic offers a diverse set of valve therapies and minimally invasive procedures as well as advanced medical therapies.

"Dr. El-Khatib shares our commitment to high-quality, personalized care delivered in a close-to-home environment," said AHN Forbes President Mark Rubino, MD. "We are excited to welcome him to our team and look forward to solidifying our role as the premier cardiovascular hospital in the east suburban region and beyond under his leadership."

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