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Brown University Health Expands Cardiovascular Surgical Team
New chief of cardiac surgery and six additional doctors join the Brown Health Cardiovascular Institute.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Brown University Health has added six doctors to its cardiology institute, including a new chief of cardiac surgery, Dr. Mark J. Cunningham. Cunningham previously served as interim chief of cardiac surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and on Harvard Medical School's faculty. The health system also announced the addition of five other physicians who will join Cunningham on the expanded cardiovascular surgical team.
Why it matters
The expansion of Brown University Health's cardiovascular surgical team allows the health system to increase access to advanced surgical options and better serve patients throughout the region. The new hires bring expertise in areas such as minimally invasive and valve surgery, structural heart disease, heart failure surgery, and mechanical circulatory support.
The details
Dr. Mark J. Cunningham will head the Brown Health Cardiovascular Institute's cardiovascular surgery program. Prior to his appointment at Brown Health, Cunningham served as interim chief of cardiac surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and on Harvard Medical School's faculty. As a surgeon, Cunningham specializes in mechanical circulatory support, valve surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and complex aortic surgery. He has performed more than 500 heart transplants and led more than 60 clinical trials, and has advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques.
- On Friday, March 2, 2026, Brown University Health announced the expansion of its cardiovascular surgical team.
The players
Dr. Mark J. Cunningham
The new chief of cardiac surgery at the Brown Health Cardiovascular Institute, with expertise in mechanical circulatory support, valve surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and complex aortic surgery.
Dr. Kaushik Mandal
Co-director of minimally invasive and valve surgery; director of cardiovascular quality and outcomes at Brown Health.
Dr. Laura A. Scrimgeour
Surgical director of structural heart disease at Brown Health.
Dr. David D. Yuh
Co-director of minimally invasive and valve surgery; surgical director of heart failure surgery and mechanical circulatory support at Brown Health.
Dr. Frank W. Sellke
Chief of cardiovascular research at Brown Health.
Dr. Neel R. Sodha
Director of the Brown University Health thoracic aortic center; director of the cardiothoracic intensive care unit; surgical director of ecmo and mechanical circulatory support at Brown Health.
What they’re saying
“Our cardiovascular surgeons are central to multidisciplinary teams that partner closely with cardiologists to deliver patient-centered care as well as equitable cardiovascular care through our unique Women's Cardiac Center.”
— Dr. Mark J. Cunningham, Chief of Cardiac Surgery, Brown Health Cardiovascular Institute (Brown University Health)
The takeaway
The expansion of Brown University Health's cardiovascular surgical team demonstrates the health system's commitment to providing advanced, patient-centered care and increasing access to specialized cardiac services in the region.
