Title: Director of Cardiovascular Surgery
Company: HCA Healthcare
Location: Reston, Virginia, United States
Vahram Ornekian, MD, Director of Cardiovascular Surgery at HCA Healthcare, has been recognized by Top Doctors for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery.
Dr. Ornekian’s career is distinguished by his expertise in open and endovascular aortic surgery, aortic dissection and minimally invasive endovascular techniques. He is celebrated for achieving an uncommon dual mastery in both cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, a rare accomplishment that enables him to provide comprehensive care for the entire aorta using both open and minimally invasive approaches. Since 2026, Dr. Ornekian has served as the director of cardiovascular surgery at Reston Hospital Center, part of HCA Healthcare, in Reston, Virginia. In this role, he oversees administrative operations for the cardiovascular surgery program, performs complex open-heart surgeries, conducts patient rounds with his care team in both intensive care and general wards, and regularly completes additional vascular surgical procedures.
Considering leading and building the cardiac surgery program at Reston Hospital Center from its inception to be Dr. Ornekian’s most notable professional achievement, he has garnered tremendous success. Under his leadership, the hospital introduced true open cardiothoracic surgical services and achieved A-plus ratings from agencies such as CMS and Leapfrog.
Before his current position, Dr. Ornekian practiced independently as a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at PIH Health in Los Angeles, California, from 2020 to 2026. During this period, he further refined his surgical skills while providing advanced patient care across both specialties. Earlier in his career, Dr. Ornekian worked as an emergency medical technician at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) Health from 2007 to 2008, gaining early exposure to acute patient care.
Dr. Ornekian’s approach to medicine is characterized by a holistic understanding of how risk factors for heart disease often overlap with other vascular conditions, such as peripheral artery disease or aortic aneurysms. This perspective allows him to build long-term relationships with patients and manage their health over time rather than treating isolated episodes.
The impact of Dr. Ornekian’s pioneering training pathway is evident in the growing number of surgeons following his example. He has mentored numerous colleagues considering dual certification in vascular and cardiothoracic surgery. Dr. Ornekian also frequently receives inquiries from young surgeons inspired by his published work on this novel route, now recognized as an efficient alternative to traditional training sequences, which has helped shape the next generation of specialists.
Dr. Ornekian’s academic credentials have played a pivotal role in his success. He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology, with honors, from UCLA in 2008, followed by a Master of Science in physiology and biophysics from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in 2009. He completed a Doctor of Medicine at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York, in 2013 before returning to Georgetown University for his integrated vascular surgery residency, which he finished in 2018. This five-year program focused on minimally invasive endovascular techniques using wires and catheters to treat vascular disease from within blood vessels.
Between 2018 and 2020, Dr. Ornekian completed fellowships in cardiothoracic surgery at both the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth Houston. Notably, he decided to pursue an integrated vascular surgery residency directly after medical school, bypassing the traditional general surgery route. This pathway allowed him to become the first individual in the country to complete an integrated vascular surgery residency followed by a cardiothoracic surgical fellowship, earning certification in both specialties.
Dr. Ornekian has held board certification in general vascular surgery from the American Board of Surgery since 2019 and board certification in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery since 2021. These credentials underscore his authority across both disciplines. Dr. Ornekian’s commitment to advancing the field is further demonstrated through his active membership in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Ornekian’s dedication to education is reflected through extensive lecturing experience at institutions such as Georgetown University and the University of Texas, as well as invited presentations at Caribbean medical schools, including St. George’s University in Grenada and the school of medicine at Ross University in Barbados. He has also presented research at major professional meetings, including those hosted by the Eastern Vascular Society and the National Society of Vascular Surgery.
Dr. Ornekian has made significant contributions through civic engagement and scholarly activity. Since 2007, he has volunteered with the Armenian Medical Institute via the National Institute of Health of Armenia, coordinating donations of surgical instruments and medical equipment while participating in mission trips supporting healthcare outreach efforts.
Dr. Ornekian’s academic excellence has been recognized with several honors, including Resident Scholar Awards from both the Eastern Vascular Society and the Society for Vascular Surgery. He was also recognized with research scholar and research fellow distinctions during consecutive years at UCLA and with the Jeffrey Bridges Award during his master’s studies at Georgetown University.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ornekian has attributed his achievements to maintaining positive relationships with colleagues and patients alike while remaining approachable and accessible as a leader. His intense attention to detail, refusal to accept defeat or complacency and willingness to take bold risks have fueled his professional advancement.
Born in Tarzana, Dr. Ornekian shares a commitment to healthcare with his wife, who is a nurse anesthetist. Looking forward, his vision is to establish Reston Hospital Center as a regional and national leader in cardiac surgery by increasing case volume, capturing significant market share and attaining top-tier recognition from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, while continuing his leadership within HCA Healthcare’s capital division.
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