New cardiac surgery chief Dr. Hassan Reda to continue division's 'visionary' legacy
The UK College of Medicine Department of Surgery on Feb. 1, 2026, was proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Hassan Reda, professor of surgery, as the new division chief of cardiac surgery.
Dr. Reda will succeed Dr. Michael Sekela, who retired after a successful 40-year career at UK HealthCare, including nearly eight years as division chief. Dr. Sekela led the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery from April 2018 to January 2026 and is highly regarded for his lasting impact as a cardiac surgeon.
Dr. Reda has been a cardiac surgery specialist and faculty member with UK HealthCare for nearly two decades. He has developed a solid reputation among peers in the treatment of complex heart disease, has provided care to countless numbers of patients throughout the greater Kentucky region and has been a valued mentor to generations of new heart surgeons.
"I think Dr. Reda is an awesome choice to lead the cardiac surgery faculty," Dr. Sekela said. "He is a great surgeon and has developed a deep connection with his patients and with Kentucky. He also has a terrific relationship with our residents."
Dr Reda's earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics at The American University in Beirut (AUB). He later earned his medical degree with distinction from AUB and attended the surgical residency program at State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook. After completing that program, he was accepted as a cardiothoracic surgery fellow at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Furthermore, Dr. Reda was awarded the Faculty Teaching award three times from the residents in the division’s I-6 cardiothoracic surgery residency program and has also participated in funded research for several clinical trials.
Dr. Reda was recruited to the UK Department of Surgery in 2007 with a clinical interest in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This later led him to become surgical director of UK HealthCare’s Structural Heart Program. This work was the basis for the multidisciplinary approach to heart disease that distinguishes UK HealthCare from other institutions.
"Dr. Reda is a visionary and an excellent choice to lead the division of cardiac surgery," said Dr. William B. Inabnet III, the Johnston-Wright Endowed Professor and Chair of Surgery. "Under his leadership, the division will continue its exponential growth by embracing innovation, technology and strategic recruitment in partnership with the College of Medicine, UKHC and the Cardiovascular service line.”
