Chitwood receives recognition for worldwide influence

Published Feb 27, 2012 by
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Dr. W. Randolph Chitwood Jr., a cardiovascular surgeon at East Carolina University, has been inducted as an honorary member in the German Society for Thoracic, Heart and Vascular Surgery.

Dr. W. Randolph Chitwood Jr.

Chitwood, professor of cardiovascular sciences at the Brody School of Medicine and senior associate vice chancellor for health sciences at ECU, received the honor Feb. 12 in Freiburg, Germany.

Chitwood received the award from Dr. Frederich W. Mohr of the University of Leipzig. Mohr spoke of Chitwood’s worldwide influence on the development of less invasive cardiac surgery as well as his long-standing relationship with many German cardiac surgeons and surgical centers. Chitwood worked with specialists in Germany to develop the tools and techniques that led to robotic heart surgery in the United States.

Chitwood delivered his acceptance speech in German.

Chitwood is the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Distinguished Chair of Cardiovascular Sciences and director of the East Carolina Heart Institute.