An experienced cardiothoracic surgeon has joined Northwell Health and will lead two of its major transplant programs, the system announced last week.
Dr. Zachary Kon, an expert in heart and lung transplant with experience in major types of advanced adult cardiac surgery, will serve as surgical director of Northwell’s advanced heart failure and cardiac transplantation program, and the advanced lung failure and lung transplantation.
Kon will be based at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.
Kon comes to Northwell Health from the NYU Langone Health, where he served as surgical director of the system’s lung transplantation program and its pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary thromboendartectomy program. Prior to that, Kon headed the surgical programs for heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support and lung transplant at University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Kon join the health system, who is nationally known for his expertise, research and innovations in heart and lung transplant to provide life-saving treatment for patients with advanced and end-stage disease,” said Dr. Alan Hartman, senior vice president and executive director of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Northwell Health.
With Northwell recently marking the third anniversary of the launch of its heart transplant program, the first and only one on Long Island, Dr. Hartman said, “We are planning to grow this program to reach more patients in need of a vital heart transplant. Dr. Kon will not only elevate this program, but Northwell plans to add critical lung transplantation and other pulmonary procedures for patients in need. Dr. Kon will be integral in developing these new services.”
As a cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Kon treats patients with advanced and end-stage heart and lung disease. This can include the use of artificial life-support devices and removal of clot (pulmonary embolectomy) and scar tissue from the arteries of the lungs.
In addition to his position within the system, Kon will hold the title of associate professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
