Renowned Oklahoma cardiac surgeon dies at 91

Nazih Zuhdi, MD, a renowned heart surgeon in Oklahoma, died at the age of 91, reports the local Fox affiliate in Oklahoma City.

Zuhdi was best known for being the first in the state to perform a heart bypass and install a pacemaker. After earning his medical degree from the American University in Beirut in 1950, he went to Oklahoma to begin practicing in 1957.

"He was fearless, and he never doubted his skill," said Stanley Hupfeld, the former Integris Health CEO who knew Zuhdi for several years. "To do that kind of groundbreaking work ... that takes courage."

To read more about Zuhdi’s work and legacy, follow the link below:

Katherine Davis,

Senior Writer

As a Senior Writer for TriMed Media Group, Katherine primarily focuses on producing news stories, Q&As and features for Cardiovascular Business. She reports on several facets of the cardiology industry, including emerging technology, new clinical trials and findings, and quality initiatives among providers. She is based out of TriMed's Chicago office and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Her work has appeared in Modern Healthcare, Crain's Chicago Business and The Detroit News. She joined TriMed in 2016.

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