Professional Experience
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Rodríguez Hernández has held leadership positions in Spain’s top hospitals, performing high volumes of cardiac surgeries and training the next generation of heart surgeons. His expertise covers a broad spectrum of cardiovascular procedures, from traditional open-heart surgeries to state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques. He is also known for pioneering new surgical methods in Spain, ensuring that patients receive modern, evidence-based care with excellent outcomes.
- Current Position: Head of the Cardiac Surgery Unit, Ruber Internacional Hospital, Madrid
- Previous Roles:
- Head of Cardiac Surgery, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (2003–2013)
- Head of Cardiac Surgery, Hospital 12 de Octubre (1989–2003)
- Adjunct, Cardiovascular Surgery Service, Hospital Puerta de Hierro (1983–1989)
- Surgeries Performed: Over 15,000 patients operated on during his career, including complex coronary, valve, and aortic procedures
Academic Contributions
Dr. Rodríguez Hernández has made significant contributions to cardiovascular surgery research and education. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences, sharing his expertise on complex cardiac procedures and surgical innovations. In addition, he actively participates in teaching programs, mentoring young surgeons, and contributing to the development of clinical guidelines. His work has helped advance cardiac care standards in Spain and beyond.
- Publications: 41 in Spanish and 25 in English in peer-reviewed journals
- Conferences: Presented at 96 national and 43 international congresses
- Research Areas: Surgical treatment of arrhythmias, ischemic mitral insufficiency, coronary surgery without extracorporeal circulation, valve and aortic surgery
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Rodríguez Hernández specializes in advanced cardiovascular surgical procedures, offering patients comprehensive solutions for complex heart conditions. His expertise extends to minimally invasive techniques, which reduce recovery time and improve outcomes. Patients benefit from his personalized approach, which focuses on both surgical excellence and overall quality of life post-procedure.
- Coronary Surgery: Coronary bypass with or without extracorporeal circulation for coronary artery disease
- Heart Valve Surgery: Repair and replacement of aortic and mitral valves, including complex valve reconstruction
- Aortic Surgery: Treatment of aneurysms, dissections, and aortic arch pathologies
- Cardiac Tumor Surgery
- Pericardial Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Including transapical valve placement and advanced aortic procedures
Publications and Research
Dr. Rodríguez Hernández has contributed extensively to cardiovascular research, with a focus on improving surgical outcomes and patient safety. His publications provide valuable insights into the management of complex heart conditions and have influenced clinical practices in Spain and internationally. He has also contributed to educational materials, helping train surgeons in the latest techniques and innovations in heart surgery.
- Peer-Reviewed Publications: Over 60 publications in Spanish and English
- Research Focus: Surgical treatment of Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, pulmonary arterial hypertension, valve repair and replacement, coronary revascularization
- Impact: His research has helped advance cardiovascular surgical techniques and patient care protocols
Patient Care Philosophy
Dr. Rodríguez Hernández believes in a patient-centered approach that emphasizes communication, empathy, and education. He ensures patients understand their conditions, treatment options, and recovery processes. His leadership at Ruber Internacional Hospital guarantees that patients receive care from a coordinated team of specialists, while international patients benefit from pre-consultations and personalized treatment plans. His philosophy is guided by the principle that high-quality care combines surgical excellence with compassion and support.
- Innovative Techniques: Minimally invasive heart surgery and transapical valve placement
- Comprehensive Care: Multidisciplinary coordination for preoperative and postoperative management
- International Patients: Full support for patients from abroad, including online pre-consultations and personalized care plans
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Rodríguez Hernández is actively involved in national and international cardiology and cardiovascular surgery societies. His professional affiliations demonstrate his commitment to maintaining the highest standards in surgical practice and staying updated on the latest advancements in heart care. He has also received multiple awards recognizing his contributions to research and surgical innovation.
- Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica y Cardiovascular
- Sociedad Española de Cardiología
- Sociedad Española de Cirugía Experimental
- International College of Angiology
- International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation
- Recognitions: Premio Merck 1997, Accesit BOI for research on arrhythmias
FAQs
- Is Dr. José Enrique Rodríguez Hernández board-certified?
- Yes, he completed specialty training in cardiovascular surgery at Hospital Puerta de Hierro after graduating from Universidad de Valladolid.
- What types of surgeries does he perform?
- Coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair/replacement, aortic surgery, cardiac tumor removal, pericardial surgery, and minimally invasive techniques including transapical valve placement.
- Does he treat international patients?
- Yes. Ruber Internacional Hospital provides full support for international patients, including online pre-consultations and coordinated treatment plans.
- How many patients has he operated on?
- Dr. Rodríguez Hernández has performed surgery on over 15,000 patients during his career.
- What languages does he speak?
- He speaks Spanish and English, providing care to both local and international patients.
- How advanced are the surgical facilities at Ruber Internacional Hospital?
- The hospital features hybrid operating rooms with advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgical technology, and a fully equipped heart surgery unit for complex procedures.