Dr. Kitahara is board certified by the Japanese Board of Cardiovascular Surgery. He completed a Mechanical Circulatory Support and Cardiothoracic Transplant fellowship at the University of Chicago. Dr. Kitahara joins the team of advanced heart failure specialists at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, which is one of the largest programs in the mid-Atlantic region. He is an experienced surgeon who will also take a leadership role in building the robotic coronary surgery program at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. This will allow the hybrid coronary revascularization team of cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists to craft collaborative treatment choices for each patient.

Philosophy of Care

"I believe new technology continues to expand the ‘realm of the possible’ in cardiac surgery. As an advanced heart failure surgeon, I realize how incredibly well mechanical device technology works to support the human body. Moreover, surgical robot technology encourages us to move to the next stage of heart surgery. It is very rewarding to see how these technological advances improve the lives of our patients."

Education

• Fellowship, Mechanical Circulatory Support and Cardiothoracic Transplant: The University of Chicago, Chicago, Il.
• Fellowship, minimally invasive cardiac and aortic surgery: Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan
• Resident and Fellowship, Cardiovascular Surgery: Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
• Medical School: Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan