By Josh Shepherd
The UK College of Medicine Department of Surgery is proud to announce the appointment of Hassan Reda, MD, professor of surgery, as the new division chief of cardiac surgery. His term officially began on February 1, 2026.
After a thorough vetting, Dr. Reda was appointed division chief following the retirement of Michael Sekela, MD, from UK HealthCare. Dr. Sekela was division chief of cardiothoracic surgery from April 2018 to January 2026 and enjoyed a successful 40-year career as a highly respected cardiac surgeon.
Dr. Reda has been a cardiac surgery specialist and faculty member with UK HealthCare for nearly two decades. He has developed a solid reputation among peers in the treatment of complex heart disease, has provided care to countless numbers of patients throughout the greater Kentucky region, and has been a valued mentor to generations of new heart surgeons.
"I think Dr. Reda is an awesome choice to lead the cardiac surgery faculty," Dr. Sekela commented. "He is a great surgeon and has developed a deep connection with his patients and with Kentucky. He also has a terrific relationship with our residents."
Dr Reda's undergraduate study was in mathematics, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction at The American University in Beirut (AUB).
After earning his medical degree with distinction from AUB, Dr. Reda attended the surgical residency program at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook. Completing that program, he was accepted as a cardiothoracic surgery fellow at the University of Texas in Galveston.
Dr. Reda was recruited to the UK College of Medicine Department of Surgery in 2007. His clinical interest in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) led him to become surgical director of UK's Structural Heart Program. This work was the basis for developing the multidisciplinary approach to heart disease that distinguishes UKHealthCare from other institutions.
Dr. Reda is an outstanding surgical educator. Residents in the division's I-6 cardiothoracic surgery residency program awarded him the Faculty Teaching award three times, most recently in 2025. Furthermore, he has participated in funded research for several clinical trials.
"Dr. Reda is an excellent choice to lead the division of cardiac surgery," said Dr. William B. Inabnet III, the Johnston-Wright Endowed Professor and Chair of Surgery. "Under his leadership, the division will continue its exponential growth by embracing innovation, technology, and strategic recruitment in partnership with the College of Medicine, UK HealthCare, and the cardiovascular service line.”