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. 

To learn more about Dr. Hashimoto, click here or call 786-596-1230 to refer a patient.