Title: Transplant Medical Director and Co-Director of Pulmonary Hypertension Program
Company: University of Kentucky
Location: Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Andrew R. Kolodziej, MD, FACC, Transplant Medical Director and Co-Director of Pulmonary Hypertension Program at University of Kentucky, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Doctors for dedication, achievements, and leadership in heart health.
A native of Poland with more than 15 years of experience to his credit, Dr. Kolodziej is an esteemed medical professional who has found much success in the field of cardiology. As the medical director of the heart transplant program and co-director of the pulmonary hypertension program at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, he has been instrumental in advancing the aforementioned institution’s heart transplant initiatives since 2019. Working alongside a team of dedicated professionals to treat advanced heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in patients in need, Dr. Kolodziej is renowned for his special medical regimens specifically crafted around his discipline, including non-invasive cardiovascular evaluations that include echocardiography and cardiopulmonary stress tests, and the utilization of both medicines and implantable heart monitors known as CardioMEMS.
Dr. Kolodziej’s leadership and dedication have been pivotal in reestablishing the University of Kentucky’s transplant program, which faced challenges due to recent staff departures. His commitment to ensuring continuous care for transplant patients involved extensive travel across the United States, resulting in a robust network of partners and surgeons that has significantly expanded the program. These efforts have been cited among the highlights of his rising medical career.
In addition to his administrative positions, Dr. Kolodziej excels as an associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, a position he has held since 2018. He previously served as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky from 2017 to 2018. His contributions in the classroom underscore his dedication to educating future generations of medical professionals. Prior to these roles, Dr. Kolodziej completed an advanced heart failure and heart transplant fellowship at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital from 2016 to 2017, further solidifying his expertise in advanced heart failure and infiltrative cardiomyopathy.
Before embarking upon his professional path, Dr. Kolodziej pursued an education at Molloy College, from which he earned a Bachelor of Science in 2004. He ultimately concluded his studies at the Ross University School of Medicine in 2009, graduating with a Doctor of Medicine. He subsequently completed a residency program at Norwalk Hospital from 2009 to 2013, followed by a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Kentucky from 2013 to 2016. Moreover, he obtained his certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the National Board of Echocardiography. These academic achievements laid a strong foundation for Dr. Kolodziej’s career, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in his field.
Dr. Kolodziej is additionally active as a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the Heart Failure Society of America. These memberships reflect his commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in cardiology and contributing to the broader medical community. Furthermore, Dr. Kolodziej has provided his wealth of knowledge to journals within his field since 2015 as a contributing author to the likes of Heart & Lung, The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, Current Problems in Cardiology, and The Journal of Cardiology, to name a few.
Beyond his primary endeavors, Dr. Kolodziej remains involved in civic activities and athletic pursuits. He was appointed as a supervising physician for the Salvation Army between 2014 and 2018, demonstrating his dedication to community service. Additionally, he participates in triathlons and Ironman races, competing on behalf of a nonprofit organization that funds research through Phenomenal Help. This involvement not only highlights his personal commitment to health and fitness but also underscores his dedication to supporting charitable causes.
Looking toward the future, Dr. Kolodziej aims to establish a new initiative focused on creating a heart transplant program at another hospital. This endeavor will allow him to expand his outreach and further strengthen his legacy within the medical community. His determination and tragic personal experiences have shaped his career path, driving him toward continued success and innovation in cardiology.
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