Renowned Heart Surgeon Makes Way at NorthShore University HealthSystem.

The following is an announcement from NorthShore University HealthSystem. 

A top cardiac and thoracic surgeon has returned to the Chicago area to serve as the new head of cardiac surgery at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore). Paul J. Pearson, M.D., Ph.D., previously practiced medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“Dr. Pearson is an excellent addition to NorthShore’s comprehensive cardiac care team and we are pleased he has joined us,” said Mark R. Neaman, President and CEO of NorthShore. “His leadership and experience in cardiac surgical techniques and research further strengthen NorthShore’s commitment to deliver the highest caliber of heart care in the region.”

Dr. Pearson began his education at Wheaton College (Ill.) and proceeded to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree from Mayo Medical School and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in cardiovascular physiology from the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine.

“I’m excited to be a part of NorthShore,” said Dr. Pearson. “NorthShore’s cardiac team is among the best and I’m thrilled to be working with some of the most exemplary physicians to improve the lives of our patients living with heart disease.”

The heart specialists at NorthShore have continually been on the leading-edge of cardiac care. Dr. Pearson will be partnering with Ted Feldman, M.D., the first physician in the U.S. to perform non-surgical mitral valve repair and director of NorthShore’s cardiac catheterization lab. NorthShore is a national leader and pioneer in interventional cardiac research, providing groundbreaking clinical trials which offer patients more treatment options.

Dr. Pearson has been recognized through numerous awards and distinctions including the O.T. Clagett Travel Award for outstanding clinical and academic achievement from Mayo Clinic. His research has appeared in many publications and abstracts.  Dr. Pearson has pioneered surgical techniques such as minimally-invasive, totally-thoracoscopic beating heart ablation to treat atrial fibrillation. He has also embraced alternative modes of live patient communication including hosting a webcast where he performed a mitral valve repair procedure.

Dr. Pearson and his wife, Elizabeth, have five children.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 9,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including a 700+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 75 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in outcomes research and clinical trials. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is a leading philanthropic entity of NorthShore. It raises charitable contributions, engages volunteer friends and invests in community partnerships.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including cancer, heart, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity, pediatrics and neurosciences. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the only one in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.