Paul C. Tang M.D., Ph.D. is a cardiovascular surgeon at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) where he also serves as the vice-chair of research. He completed a Ph.D. degree at Yale University where he focused on cardiovascular immunology. He subsequently completed cardiothoracic surgery training at Duke University and also received advanced experience in heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support and aortic surgery. Dr. Tang's clinical practice includes surgical treatment of heart failure (e.g., heart transplantation, ventricular assist devices), adult non-transplant cardiac surgery, and aortic surgery.

His laboratory investigates the immunology and cell biology of donor organ preservation, and his team is developing novel biotechnologies to improve donor heart performance and reduce rejection after transplantation. His outcomes research is aligned with his clinical interests, with a keen focus on improving the management of heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support. His studies have significantly advanced our understanding of cardiac biology in the setting of preservation as well as improving the management of patients on ventricular assist devices. His laboratory is funded by two R01 grants from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) for his studies on donor heart preservation. He has also received funding from several foundation and philanthropic sources.

Dr. Tang’s leadership role at Mayo involves expanding clinical outcomes research, clinical trials, translational research and innovation. He is an investigator in various clinical trials seeking to improve heart failure therapies and actively participates in the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials network (CTSN). Dr. Tang holds leadership roles in various professional societies and journals. He is a member of professional organizations such as the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, American Heart Association, Society of Thoracic Surgeons and American Association for Thoracic Surgery. He is a member of several professional committees centered on surgical and transplant innovation.