Robert E. Michler, MD, an internationally renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and researcher, a leader in several specialties, including complex cardiac surgery, heart transplantation, valve repair surgery, ventricular reconstruction for congestive heart failure and minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Of particular note, Dr. Michler was one of the first to perform minimally invasive and robotic surgery in heart patients. His pivotal work in robotics led to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of this advanced technology for mitral valve repair and coronary artery bypass surgery. And as the lead investigator in groundbreaking FDA trials, he is pioneering the safe use of injections of autologous human muscle cells and stem cells into diseased heart muscle to treat heart failure.In his role as Professor and University Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Michler applies his dynamic leadership to expand Montefiore Einstein’s role at the forefront of surgical innovation.