Dr. Mehmet Akay

Dr. Erik Eddie Suarez is a distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon, leading as Director of Cardiothoracic Transplantation for the CommonSpirit Health – Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center Transplant Institute and serving as faculty at Baylor College of Medicine. He offers compassionate expertise in challenging heart and lung transplant procedures, alongside advanced circulatory support for patients facing severe heart failure. Dr. Suarez is passionate about giving patients every possible chance for a healthier future.Dr. Suarez earned his BA in Biochemistry from Rice University. He completed his General Surgery Residency at Baylor College of Medicine and his Thoracic Surgery Residency via the Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He further expanded his knowledge with a research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. He is board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, reflecting his commitment to the highest standards of care.With over a decade of leadership experience, including overseeing heart, lung, and mechanical circulatory support programs, Dr. Suarez played a pivotal role in significantly increasing transplant volumes at his prior institution, ensuring exceptional patient outcomes. He also established an innovative program for lung transplants that minimizes the need for blood transfusions. Renowned for his advanced life-support expertise, he contributed significantly to patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares his knowledge through publications in respected medical journals and advises on national committees, always working for the common good.Beyond his impressive clinical work, Dr. Suarez is a dedicated mentor and educator. He champions collaborative learning initiatives across the Texas Medical Center, fostering an environment where medical professionals can continuously grow and innovate, ultimately benefiting those they serve. Dr. Suarez is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Heart Transplant. His top areas of expertise are Pulmonary Fibrosis, Cardiogenic Shock, Mediastinitis, Heart Transplant, and Thrombectomy.

Igor Gregoric is a Transplant Surgeon in Houston, Texas. Dr. Gregoric is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in Heart Transplant. His top areas of expertise are Cardiogenic Shock, Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Ventricular Septal Defects, Heart Transplant, and Aortic Valve Replacement.

Dr. Alexis Shafii is a cardiothoracic surgeon with expertise in thoracic transplantation and adult cardiac surgery. His clinical focus includes thoracic organ failure, heart and lung transplantation as well as implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices. He is the surgical director of the heart transplant program at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, and previously directed transplant programs at major medical centers in Dallas and Kentucky.Dr. Shafii also treats adult acquired cardiac diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and aortic pathologies. His research efforts focus on heart and lung transplantation, ventricular assist devices, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Dr. Shafii is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Heart Transplant. His top areas of expertise are Myocardial Contusion, Cardiogenic Shock, Aortic Dissection, Lung Transplant, and Heart Transplant.