Dr. Joseph Bavaria holds the esteemed position of the Brooke Roberts-William M. Measey Professor of Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he serves as the Vice-Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at the same institution.

Academic Background:

Dr. Bavaria's educational journey began with honors in chemical engineering from Tulane University, where he also earned his medical degree. He received the "gold scalpel", Tulane's highest surgical accolade for its medical graduates. His advanced training in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery was undertaken at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Professional Leadership:

In his distinguished career, Dr. Bavaria served as the President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) from 2016 to 2017.

Clinical and Research Focus:

Dr. Bavaria heads the Thoracic Aortic Surgery Program at PENN, dedicated to comprehensive care for aortic diseases, including thoracic aortic reconstruction and Marfan’s Syndrome. His primary clinical areas of interest span thoracic aortic surgery and the broader realm of Cardio-Aortic surgery. He's deeply involved in research, with ongoing studies into the molecular biology and pathology of the aortic wall in Genetically Triggered Aortic Conditions (Gen-TAC) and neuro-cerebral metabolism during cardio-aortic surgeries. Furthermore, he manages a robust program in thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR).

Clinical Achievements:

His thoracic aortic surgery program at the University of Pennsylvania undertakes over 400 reconstructive procedures annually and accommodates more than 2,500 patients every year at the Thoracic Aortic Disease Clinic. Dr. Bavaria also has a keen interest in valvular heart surgery, particularly bicuspid aortic valve, and co-directs the PENN TAVR Program.

Publications:

A prolific writer, Dr. Bavaria has contributed to around 400 manuscripts, reviews, and book chapters.

Research Leadership:

He leads a dynamic cardio-aortic clinical research group and is the primary investigator at both institutional and national levels for over 20 industry-sponsored FDA IDE Phase I, II, and III trials. His research projects also receive support from the NIH in the GenTAC study and the CTSNetwork.