Dr. K R Balakrishnan is a renowned cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon with over 40 years of experience in treating complex heart and lung diseases. He is currently the Director of Cardiac Sciences and Chief Cardiothoracic & Transplant Surgeon at MGM Healthcare, Chennai. Dr. Balakrishnan is widely recognized for his expertise in heart and lung transplants, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), pediatric cardiac surgeries, and the use of mechanical circulatory support devices like LVAD and HVAD.

Over his career, Dr. Balakrishnan has performed over 20,000 surgeries, including India’s first successful heart transplant and pioneering the implantation of LVAD and HVAD devices in India. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous awards and recognition for his innovations in cardiac care.

Dr. Balakrishnan completed his MBBS from Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), followed by an MS in General Surgery from AIIMS, New Delhi. He further specialized by completing an MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, Mumbai. He also pursued a fellowship in Cardiac Surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University and St. Vincent Hospital, Portland, USA. His extensive training and education have equipped him with the skills to handle some of the most challenging cardiac and transplant surgeries.