07/13/2026
For 30 years, Dr. Joseph Dearani has exemplified the very best of Mayo Clinic and Cardiovascular Surgery. He has provided exceptional, compassionate care to patients and their families upholding Mayo’s primary value —that the needs of the patient come first. He received the Mayo Clinic Distinguish Clinician Award in recognition of his exceptional patient care. His commitment to excellence is not limited to patient care, he also demonstrated excellence in research, education, innovation, and mentorship inspiring colleagues and trainees alike.
As one of the world's leading congenital and adult congenital cardiac surgeons, Dr. Dearani has shaped generations of future cardiothoracic surgeons and our specialty. We all recognize his generosity and dedication to helping others succeed. He has devoted countless hours to teaching in the operating room, mentoring residents and fellows, helping colleagues, and welcoming surgeons from around the world to Mayo Clinic to learn congenital heart surgery, robotic cardiac surgery, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy surgery. His impact extends beyond Rochester through his leadership as president of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, the Thoracic Surgery Foundation, and the Congenital Heart Surgery Society.
As we celebrate his 30-year milestone, we recognize a remarkable physician, colleague, and friend whose commitment to excellence has strengthened our Department and Mayo Clinic, advanced the care of patients around the world, and whose example continues to inspire us every single day. Please join me to congratulate and thank Dr. Dearani for his service at Mayo Clinic.
Juan A. Crestanello, MD, Chair, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
