Founder, RealKure
Clinical Professor of Surgery | President, Washington Cardiac Institute | Founder & CEO, VRKure
Dr. Farzad Najam, stands at the forefront of modern cardiothoracic surgery, where he has cultivated a distinguished international reputation for clinical excellence, academic leadership, and pioneering innovation. As a Clinical Professor of Surgery at The George Washington University Medical Center, President of the Washington Cardiac Institute, and Director of Cardiac Surgical Outreach for INOVA, Dr. Najam is a pivotal figure in advancing heart care and shaping the next generation of surgeons. His career is a testament to a relentless pursuit of excellence, seamlessly blending masterful surgical skill with a forward-thinking vision for the future of medicine. His expertise extends beyond the operating room, as he is deeply committed to advancing healthcare through educational initiatives and clinical mentorship. He has mentored medical students, residents, and fellows, shaping the next generation of leaders in cardiothoracic surgery.
Born and educated in Lahore, Pakistan, Dr. Najam earned his medical degree from the prestigious King Edward Medical College before moving to the United States to pursue extensive postgraduate training. His surgical education was forged at esteemed institutions, including a residency in cardiothoracic surgery at The George Washington University Medical Center and advanced clinical training at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation. This rigorous foundation prepared him for a career dedicated to tackling the most complex cardiac conditions. Board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Najam’s clinical expertise encompasses a wide spectrum of advanced procedures, with a special focus on intricate mitral valve surgery, arrhythmia correction, circulatory assistance, and surgical interventions for advanced heart failure.
Throughout his tenure at The George Washington University, Dr. Najam held numerous leadership positions that had been instrumental in elevating the institution’s cardiovascular services. He served with distinction as the Director of Cardiac Surgery and was the founding Executive Director for the Center of Excellence for Cardiovascular Health, where he was responsible for strategic oversight and program development.
His leadership is characterized by a collaborative, patient-centered approach, earning him consistent recognition as a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian magazine for over a decade—a reflection of the deep respect he commands from both his peers and patients.
Dr. Najam’s exceptional clinical skills, combined with his passion for education and technological innovation, make him a sought-after consultant for institutions looking to advance their cardiovascular care programs.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Najam is a dedicated academic and a prolific contributor to medical literature. Dr. Najam is recognized internationally for his pioneering work in robotic-assisted surgery and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and abstracts, sharing his insights on topics ranging from robotic surgery to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Notably, he is the author and co-editor of the award-winning and comprehensive textbook, “Robotic Surgery: Theory and Operative Technique,” a seminal work in the field.
As the Founder of VRKure, a cutting-edge healthcare technology startup, Dr. Najam is at the forefront of integrating virtual reality and augmented reality into healthcare practices, transforming how patients and healthcare providers interact and engage with medical solutions. This entrepreneurial venture underscores his commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes and medical training, solidifying his status as a true visionary in the medical community.
