Phillip G. Rowse, M.D.

My name is Philip Rowse, and I'm a cardiovascular surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Cardiac surgery is a fascinating specialty that I was naturally drawn to in my early years of training. The human heart is really an impressive organ with immense capability. Think of it. Each day the heart can pump enough fluid to fill a 2000 gallon tank. It also has four delicate but durable heart valves that open and close over 100,000 times a day, 36 million times a year. One of my main areas of interest and expertise is in the surgical treatment of valvular heart disease. This includes carefully inspecting and repairing a heart valve or replacing it when these delicate valves are damaged or excessively diseased. Ischemic heart disease is another condition that I have special interest in. Performing bypass surgery in these situations can help strengthen and heal these damaged hearts and improve survival. The most gratifying aspect of being a heart surgeon is discussing a patient's problem with them and then offering a surgical solution that ultimately improves their current symptoms and provides her a new chance at life. I think patients who come to the Mayo Clinic will very quickly sense this is a progressive institution with an emphasis on innovation and excellence. I believe patients will also recognize and appreciate the collegiality of our healthcare teams, including our commitment on meeting the needs of the patient. Heart surgery is a challenging specialty. It is physically and emotionally demanding at times, but is very rewarding. And I'm grateful for the opportunity and privilege to spend the rest of my career healing hearts.