Cheng-Han Chen, MD, PhD: Pioneering Structural Heart Disease Specialist
Cheng-Han Chen, MD, PhD, is a highly respected cardiologist specializing in structural and interventional cardiology. He serves as the Medical Director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, and as Director of Structural and Interventional Cardiology at Pacific Cardiovascular Associates Medical Group. Dr. Chen’s expertise encompasses a wide range of cardiovascular interventions, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and MitraClip procedures.
Education and Training
Dr. Chen’s academic journey began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Materials Science, and Engineering. He then pursued his medical degree at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), followed by a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). [1]
His medical training continued at UCLA with an internship, residency, and fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease. He further refined his skills through an Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center-Latest York Presbyterian Hospital, with a dedicated second year focused on Structural Heart Disease. [2], [3]
Contributions to Cardiovascular Innovation
Prior to joining Pacific Cardiovascular Associates, Dr. Chen was a faculty member at Columbia University Medical Center. Earlier in his career, as a medical device engineer at Medtronic, he played a significant role in the development of the Endeavor and Resolute drug-eluting coronary stents. [1] This experience provides him with a unique perspective on the intersection of engineering and cardiology.
Research and Professional Activities
Dr. Chen is an active researcher and has presented his findings at major national and international conferences, including the American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Cardiology (ACC), and Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT). He has also authored numerous manuscripts and book chapters on topics ranging from interventional cardiology to cardiac stem cell research. [2], [1]
Personal Interests
Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Chen is an accomplished violinist and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children. [2]
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Chen is a board-certified cardiologist specializing in structural and interventional cardiology.
- He is the Medical Director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center.
- Dr. Chen has a strong background in medical device engineering, contributing to the development of important coronary stents.
- He is actively involved in research and has presented his work at leading cardiology conferences.