FIU and Baptist Health South Florida hire world-renowned robotic cardiac surgeon
MIAMI, FL – December 12, 2024 – Florida International University and Baptist Health South Florida have achieved a significant milestone in their strategic alliance. FIU has appointed Dr. Makoto Hashimoto, an internationally renowned cardiac surgeon, as a professor and director of robotic cardiac surgery at FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. He will see patients at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, located at Baptist Health Baptist Hospital, and will perform surgeries at Baptist Hospital and Baptist Health South Miami Hospital.
This marks the first major joint recruitment effort between the two institutions, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing health care in South Florida and attracting top tier talent from around the globe.
“We are excited to welcome someone of Dr. Hashimoto’s caliber,” said Dr. Juan C. Cendan, dean of the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and senior vice president for Health Affairs at FIU. “His recruitment underscores our dedication to advancing medical education and health care in our community and highlights the strength of our partnership with Baptist Health.”
Hashimoto specializes in robotic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery procedures, which
provide a safer, more advanced alternative to open-heart surgery, allowing patients to recover faster and resume their normal activities sooner.
"As a cardiac surgeon, I am guided by Leonardo da Vinci’s words: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” he said.
Before joining FIU and Baptist Health, Hashimoto served as director of the Center of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery and Robotic Cardiac Surgery at Sapporo University.
"Dr. Hashimoto headed one of Japan's largest volume heart programs, and continues to innovate in his field. We are confident that the skills he brings in advanced robotic heart surgery techniques will transform health care in our region," said Dr. Tom C. Nguyen, chief medical executive of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, director of minimally invasive valve surgery, and the distinguished Barry Katzen endowed chair at Baptist Health.
Hashimoto earned his medical degree at Shimane University School of Medicine and a Ph.D. in Medical Science at Sapporo Medical University, both in Japan. He completed two cardiac surgery residencies and two cardiovascular fellowships. He is fluent in English, Japanese and Finnish, and has published numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.
About FIU:
Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate learner success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health, innovation, and justice. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 290,000 Panther alumni. U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good.
About Baptist Health:
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 28,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and the Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
