Ashok Kumar Coimbatore Jeyakumar, M.D., FACS, an internationally trained cardiothoracic surgeon and recognized leader in complex aortic care, has joined Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute with Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care as director of aortic disease. Widely known as Dr. CJ, he is respected for his expertise in complex thoracic aortic surgeries, off-pump total arterial and multi-arterial coronary revascularization, and minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery.
Before joining Baptist Health, Dr. CJ held senior leadership roles at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he directed adult cardiac surgery and served as surgical director of advanced coronary revascularization and thoracic aortic surgery. There, he led programs focused on high-acuity, complex and redo cardiac operations.
Ashok Kumar Coimbatore Jeyakumar, M.D., FACS.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. CJ to our cardiovascular leadership team,” said Tom C. Nguyen, M.D., chief medical executive of Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, director of minimally invasive surgery and Barry T. Katzen Endowed Chair at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, and professor and chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. “His expertise in the wide spectrum of adult cardiac surgical care, including advanced aortic surgeries, complex coronary revascularization strategies and minimally invasive cardiac surgeries, will elevate our ability to deliver innovative, patient-centered cardiovascular care.”
Ashford Denman, vice president of operations for Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, added, “Dr. CJ brings a rare combination of surgical mastery, vision and collaborative leadership. His arrival significantly strengthens our commitment to expanding world-class aortic care for patients throughout the region.”
Dr. CJ completed advanced fellowships in robotic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and in adult cardiac surgery and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his cardiothoracic surgery training at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in India, one of the nation’s highest-ranked cardiovascular training centers.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr. CJ shared, “It is a privilege to join an institution so deeply committed to patient-centered care and clinical excellence. My focus is on combining precision, innovation and teamwork to achieve the best possible outcomes. Every patient deserves a care plan that is compassionate, easy to understand and aligned with their individual health goals.”
Fluent in English, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam, Dr. CJ will see patients at 8950 North Kendall Drive, Suite 600W, Miami, Florida.
To schedule an appointment, call 786-596-1230 or visit BaptistHealth.net/Heart.
