Cardiac surgery continues to evolve rapidly, combining technical precision with new technologies, multidisciplinary care, and decades of scientific progress. Today, the field encompasses procedures that treat coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, aortic disease, heart failure, congenital heart conditions, and complex rhythm disorders, offering patients longer and healthier lives through increasingly sophisticated surgical approaches. As the field advances, continuous education remains essential to ensuring that these innovations reach patients around the world.
For more than a century, Cleveland Clinic has stood among the world’s leading institutions in cardiovascular medicine. Its Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute has helped shape modern cardiac surgery through pioneering clinical practice, research, and education, while training generations of surgeons who continue to advance the specialty worldwide. This commitment to excellence once again formed the foundation of OMI’s Cardiac Surgery Seminar, delivered in partnership with Cleveland Clinic and the Medical University of Vienna this week, from July 5-11, 2026.
The seminar gathered 30 fellows from 22 countries to join an exceptional international faculty from the United States, Austria, and Croatia. The week created an environment unique to OMI, where established leaders exchange knowledge with physicians who will help shape the future of healthcare in their own countries.
Leading the seminar from Cleveland Clinic were Dr. Edward G. Soltesz, Donna and Ken Lewis Endowed Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery, participating in his sixteenth OMI seminar, and Dr. Nikolaos J. Skubas, Chair of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, returning for his fourteenth year. They were joined by co-course director Dr. Daniel Zimpfer, Chair of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna, whose leadership has helped establish the institution as one of Europe’s leading centers for cardiac surgery.
The faculty also included distinguished specialists: Drs. Marc Gillinov and Patrick R. Vargo from Cleveland Clinic; Drs. Marek P. Ehrlich and Alfred Kocher from the Medical University of Vienna; and Dr. Hrvoje Gasparovic from the University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia.
Reflecting on what continues to distinguish the seminar after many years, Dr. Soltesz shared:
“What makes the OMI Cardiac Surgery seminar so special is that it is much more than a course, but a community of surgeons committed to advancing patient care through education, collaboration, and mentorship. Each year, I leave inspired by the enthusiasm of participants from around the world and by the opportunity to exchange ideas with outstanding faculty in an environment that encourages open discussion, lifelong friendships, and continuous learning.”
Beyond the lectures, fellows and faculty built professional relationships that crossed national and institutional boundaries, creating a network that will continue well beyond the seminar itself.
The academic program reflected the evolution of modern cardiac surgery. As summarized by Dr. Soltesz:
“This year’s seminar provided a comprehensive review of contemporary adult cardiac surgery, spanning coronary surgery, valvular heart disease, aortic disease, heart failure, structural heart interventions, and arrhythmia surgery. Through lectures, simulation, echocardiography workshops, fellow case presentations, and interactive discussions, participants explored both the technical foundations of cardiac surgery and the evolving strategies that are shaping modern clinical practice.”
The combination of lectures and, more importantly, the exchange with some of the world’s most respected voices in cardiac surgery, encouraged fellows to examine how emerging techniques can be applied within different healthcare systems around the world. For many participants, the experience offered exposure to concepts and approaches that will directly influence their practice. Dr. Micheal Fagbyimu from Nigeria shared:
“All seminar topics today were outstanding and relatable. Having had limited exposure to these topics, it is interesting to know that they are not far-fetched, and I have better knowledge in preparing for them. Drawing from the updated knowledge and awesome insights, I will also be more confident in approaching many cardiac surgical cases and provide better outcomes for my patients.”
The knowledge shared throughout the week will accompany fellows back to 22 countries, strengthening surgical practice, encouraging new collaborations, and ultimately benefiting the patients they serve.
Micheal Oluwatobiloba Fagbayimu, MD
OMI fellow from Nigeria
“I was greatly inspired by Dr. Soltesz’s lecture on the failing myocardium and the various methods of temporary mechanical circulatory support. Although these devices are not currently available in my country, I hope to further develop my interest in this field. I believe this could become an emerging area of cardiac care in Nigeria and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”
Anahita Mesbahi, MD
OMI fellow from Czech Republic
“The OMI seminars are always an opportunity to sit together with great experts and reflect on the fundamental principles of what we do as surgeons, which is especially valuable for me as a resident. Events that bring surgeons together and allow the exchange of their individual experiences are not only professionally enriching but also highly motivating and inspirational.”
Kristupas Puodžiukas, MD
OMI fellow from Lithuania
“Dr. Skubas’s lecture on cardiovascular physiology was one of the most rewarding sessions of the week. It integrated physiological principles with clinical interpretation, demonstrating how these concepts directly influence perioperative management and everyday surgical decision-making.”
