Heart surgeon Dr. Deniz: Award for groundbreaking surgical techniques!

Heart surgeon Dr. Deniz: Award for groundbreaking surgical techniques!

On May 14, 2025, Dr. Ezin Deniz, a 38-year-old heart surgeon, was awarded the Georg Wilhelm Rodewald Prize. The German Society for Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery awards this highly respected prize to outstanding specialists in this field. The prize is endowed with 2,000 euros and honors Dr. Deniz's significant contributions to thoracic aortic surgery. Her specialty includes minimally invasive surgical methods, which are becoming increasingly important.

Dr. Deniz is part of the aortic surgery team at the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and makes a significant contribution to the treatment of patients with aortic diseases. Her team treats around 25 to 30 emergencies every year, while carrying out an average of two to three procedures per week for planned surgeries. Your activity is not limited to operations; She also works in the aortic surgery outpatient clinic, which is responsible for the examination and follow-up of patients.

Focus on minimally invasive surgery

Dr. Deniz is analyzing the possibility of extending minimally invasive replacement of the ascending aorta to the aortic arch. Initial results show promising prospects, as minimally invasive procedures on the aortic arch achieve similar success as on the ascending section of the aorta. This approach also leads to fewer complications and shortens the length of stay in the hospital, which is a significant advantage for many patients. As part of her work, Dr. Deniz also has access to modern procedures such as minimally invasive reconstructions and heart valve replacements, which are proven to be gentler on patients.

Dr. sees herself as the only woman operating in her team. Deniz is faced with the challenge of working in a discipline that is considered a male domain. However, the proportion of female medical students is increasing, which brings hope for a more balanced gender distribution in cardiac surgery. Dr. Deniz emphasizes that her commitment is supported by the clinic directors and the department head, who actively promote women in medicine.

Commitment to the future

In 2023, Dr. Deniz completed her specialist training and is now planning to submit her habilitation. Its goal is to further advance research and practice in the field of cardiac surgery. She receives support from colleagues like Prof. Dr. Gloria Färber, who is the new director of the clinic for thoracic, cardiac and vascular surgery at the University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW). Prof. Färber also focuses on minimally invasive surgery and plans to provide new research impulses, particularly on heart failure and aortic mechanics. She is also the co-founder of the “Cardiac Surgeons” network, which is committed to the training and further education of women in cardiac surgery.

Dr. Deniz finds balance in sporting activities and spending time with her family, even if she has no children of her own. Her work and the award she received are not only personal achievements, but also a sign of change in a traditionally male-dominated discipline.