CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: WILLIAM HENRY RISHER, MD, FACS
Business Address: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
School of Medicine
Department of Surgery
Division of Cardiovascular Surgery
1542 Tulane Avenue, Room 734
New Orleans, LA 70112
Business Telephone
and Telefax: 504.568.4750 (p)
504.568.4633 (f)
Business email Address:
Education:
Undergraduate: University of New Orleans - New Orleans, LA - Engr.
Tulane University - New Orleans, LA - Biomed Engr. B.S. - 1981
Honors:
Outstanding Sophomore - University of New Orleans 1978 -79
Dean's List: Fall 1977 - Spring 1978 - fall 1978 - Spring 1979 - Spring 1980 - Fall 1980 - Spring 1981
National Dean's List 1978 -1979
T.H. Harris Scholarship 1977 -1979
Tulane Full Scholarship 1979 -1981
Tau Beta PI (National Engineering Honor Society)
Graduate/Medical: Louisiana State University School of Medicine
New Orleans, LA
1981 – May 18, 1985 (received MD)
Position in graduation class top 5%
Honors and Activities:
Alpha Omega Alpha
Timothy Ware Schwartz Scholarship
(Academic Scholarship)
Highland Park Hospital Medical Staff Scholarship
(Academic Scholarship)
Upjohn Achievement Award
(outstanding performance in clinical years of study)
Intramural Sports
Christian Medical Society
History of Medicine Club
Residency:
General Surgery - Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, LA
7/85-6/90.
Chief Resident, General Surgery - Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation
New Orleans, LA 7/89-6/90.
Cardiovascular Surgery - Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation New Orleans, LA
7/90-6/92
Chief Resident, Cardiovascular Surgery - Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation New Orleans, LA 7/91-6/92.
Clinical Fellowships:
Cardiovascular Surgery - Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, LA
7/90 - 6/92
Certification:
Board Certification:
American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam, October 1990, Houston, TX, passed
American Board of Surgery, Certification Exam, February 1991, New Orleans, LA, Certificate No.: 36082; Date of Issue: 2/27/91
American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Part I (Written) - February 7, 1993, Dallas, TX, passed.
American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Part II (Oral) - June 4-5, 1993, Chicago, IL, passed. Certificate # 5407; Recertified 2001 valid through December 31, 2013
Advanced Trauma Life Support Instructor
Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider
Basic Life Support Provider
Licensure:
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners; License Number: 018294; Issued 8/13/85; Reinstated 5/17/2010; current
New York State Certificate; License Number: 189193; Issued 6/17/92
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Medical License; Number: MD418844; Issued 3/11/2002
Georgia State Certification; License Number: 061852; Issued 12/15/2008
Academic, Professional, and Research Appointments:
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, New Orleans, LA
Division Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery and Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery
2010 - present
St. Francis Hospital Columbus, Georgia 2009 – 2010; Cardiovascular Surgery 3/1/2009 -2010
Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Clinical Adjunct Faculty, Physician Assistant Program
2006 - 2010
Desales University, Center Valley, PA Clinical Adjunct Faculty, Physician Assistant Program 2006 – 2010
St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network Bethlehem, Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery
2002 – 2009
University of Rochester Medical Center, Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery 7/1/98 – 2002
University of Rochester Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
7/1/92 - 6/30/98
Military Service: Army Reserves - Major - 1987 to 11/6/98
Flight Care Physician: 1986 - 1992 (Ochsner Flight Care)
Membership in Professional Organizations:
1. Tau Beta PI (National Engineering Honor Society)
2. Society of Tulane Engineers
3. American Medical Association
4. Louisiana State Medical Society
5. Orleans Parish Medical Society
6. Fellow American College of Surgeons
7. Alpha Omega Alpha
8. Southeastern Surgical Congress
9. Alton Ochsner Surgical Society
10. Southern Medical Association
11. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
12. Medical Society of County of Monroe
13. Medical Society of State of New York
14. International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation
15. Fellow American College of Cardiology
16. Fellow American College of Chest Physicians
17. Rochester Surgical Society
18. Rochester Academy of Medicine
19. Rochester Cardiovascular Society
20. Upstate Society of Thoracic Surgeons
21. Upstate New York Chapter American College of Surgeons
22. Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.
23. Outstanding Young Men of America
24. American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO)
25. The George Washington Corner Society for the History of Medicine.
26. Member of The Mended Hearts, Inc.
27. Keystone Chapter of American College of Surgeons
28. Pennsylvania Medical Society
29. Georgia Medical Society
30. Muscogee County Medical Society
31. Columbus Medical Society
Awards and Honors:
Guide to America’s Top Surgeons, 2002-2009
America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals, 2003-2009
Strathmore’s Who’s Who, 2003-2009
Marquis Who’s Who in America, 2005-2009
Biltmore Who’s Who 2008
Research:
1. Fretting Wear Behavior of Surgical Implant Alloys (Tulane Univ) 8/80-5/81
2. Cardiac Output Changes During Maximum Work Test (L.S.U.M.C.) 5/82 - 8/82
3. Extended Storage of Heart for Transplantation in the Canine Model (Strong
Memorial Hospital School of Medicine and Dentistry) 10/93
4. Contrast Agent and Transesophageal Echocardiography (Strong Memorial Hospital School of Medicine and Dentistry) 10/95
5. Effects of Sternal Closure on Myocardial Function Post Bypass Using TEE.
6. Clinical Trial: Leukodepleted Blood In Cardiac Surgery.
7. Clinical Trial: Wound Closure Study (Strong Memorial Hospital School of
Medicine and Dentistry) 12/95
8. EPI 2: A Multicenter Study of Outcomes in Patients Undergoing
Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Coronary Revascularization or Valve Surgery.
9. Cardiac Sympathetic Re-innervation by Nerve Growth Factor Gene Transfer Technology in Transplanted Hearts. 11/00.
Clinical Research:
1. 2004- C Prevent IV- Sub Investigator- 8th Highest enroller in US
2. 2005- MEND 1- Primary Investigator- 1st in USA in enrollment- 2nd highest enroller in North America
3. 2005- C NAPA- Sub Investigator
4. 2006- C MEND 2- Primary Investigator
5. 2006- Myocor-Restor- (Device) Sub Investigator
6. 2006-C CAPS- STS Data Registry- Sub Investigator
7. 2007- INNOCOLL- Primary Investigator
8. 2007- ANSWER-registry- Primary Investigator
9. 2008- V710- Vaccine- Sub Investigator
10. 2009- RED CABG Study- Primary Investigator
Seminars and Invited Presentations:
1. Escalator Injuries: Case Report and Review of Literature: at National Conference on Pediatric Trauma, September 21-23, 1989; Ann Arbor, Michigan.
2. Urachal Abnormalities: The Ochsner Experience: at Southern Medical Association, 83rd Annual Scientific Assembly, November 5 - 8, 1989; Washington, D.C.
3. Transmural Migration of Laparotomy Sponge into Intestinal Tract After Abdominal Surgery; at Southeastern Surgical Congress January 28 - 31, 1989; Naples, Florida.
4. Intraperitoneal Hemorrhage from Injury to the Gastroepiploic Artery: A Complication of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: at Southeastern Surgical Congress, January 28 - 31, 1989; Naples, Florida.
5. Retrohepatic Vena Cava Replacement with Gore-Tex at Southern Association of Vascular Surgery; January 25 - 27, 1990; Acapulco, Mexico.
6. Klatskins Tumor: New Orleans Surgical Society, May 5, 1990; New Orleans, Louisiana.
7. Celiac Artery Aneurysm: at Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society; September 14 - 15, 1990; Toledo, Ohio.
8. Thoracoscopic Resection of Pericardium for Symptomatic Congenital Pericardial Defect: at American College of Surgeons; October 11-16, 1992, New Orleans, Louisiana.
9. Lung Transplantation: University of Rochester Grand Rounds; January 16, 1993, Rochester, New York.
10. Lung Transplantation: Transplant Conference; April 5, 1993, Rochester, New York.
11. Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Treatment of Pericardial Disease; University of Rochester Thoracoscopic Surgery Course; May 22,1993, Rochester, New York.
12. Coronary Artery Revascularization. Presented to 3rd Year Medical Student Class, January 10, 1994; University of Rochester, Rochester, New York.
13. Intraoperative Echo in Valve Surgery: A Surgeon's Viewpoint. Convention Center, May 12, 1994, Rochester, New York.
14. Thoracic Aortic Disease: at Spring Cardiology Update, Holiday Inn South, June 8, 1994, Rochester, New York.
15. Aortic Disease: Grand Rounds Park Ridge Hospital Education Center, August 9, 1994, Rochester, New York.
16. Aortic Disease: O.R. Nursing Staff Conference Strong Memorial Hospital, October 13, 1994, Rochester, New York.
17. Surgery for Recurrent Coarctation of the Aorta: American College of Chest Physicians VII Annual Symposium in Cardiac Surgery, November 10, 1994, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
18. Imaging and Treatment of Non-Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Rupture. Department of Radiology Grand Rounds, September 28, 1995, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York.
19. Descending Aortic Thoraco-Abdominal Aneurysm: University of Rochester Grand Rounds; March 16, 1996, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York.
20. Aortic Dissections: Grand Rounds St. Mary's Hospital; April 9, 1996, Rochester, New York.
21. Aortic Dissection and Aneurysms. Cardiology Unit Summer School; July 25, 1996, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York.
22. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. Cardiology Unit; September 12, 1996, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York.
23. New Frontiers in Cardiac Surgery. Health Care Professionals; September 12, 1996, Strong Memorial Hospital Ambulatory Care Center, Rochester, New York.
24. Ross Procedure. Cardiothoracic Teaching Conference; September 13, 1996, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York.
25. Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. Mended Hearts and Friends; September 16, 1996, Jewish Community Center, Rochester, New York.
26. New Frontiers in Cardiac Surgery. Critical Care Quarterly Update; September 23, 1996, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York.
27. Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Surgery and Valve Surgery: What Is It For and How Is It Done. 2nd Annual Cardiology for Primary Care Provider; December 12, 1996, Holiday Inn-Rochester South, Rochester, New York.
28 Partial Left Ventriculectomy in the U.S. - Current Experience. Samaritan Health System, Partial Left Ventriculectomy (The Batista Operation); January 15-17, 1997, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
29. Advances in Cardiac Surgery and Cardiovascular Disease; February 27, 1997, Medical Society Co. of Genesee, New York, Batavia, NY.
30. Lecture on Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery; March 10, 1997, Ontario Ambulance Hall, Ontario, NY.
31. Left Ventricular Reduction Surgery: The U.S. Experience. Symposium on UpDate on Medical and Surgical Therapies for Chronic Congestive Heart Failure. April 17, 1997, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rochester, New York.
32. Aortic Dissection and Aneurysms. Cardiology Unit Summer School. July 31, 1997, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
33. Advances in Cardiac Surgery. Cardiology Unit Summer School. September 11, 1997, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
34. Recent Developments in Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery. Mended Hearts Inc. September 15, 1997, Jewish Community Center, Rochester, New York.
35. Heart Transplantation for CHF. SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (Dr. Liang Congestive Heart Failure Support Group Meeting), June 18, 1998, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
36. New Cardiac Surgery Techniques. Newark-Wayne Community Hospital Grand Rounds, July 17, 1998, Newark, New York.
37. CABG Beginning to End. Cardiology Unit Summer School Sessions. October 1, 1998, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
38. Aortic Dissection. Cardiology Unit Summer School Sessions. November 5, 1998, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
39. Thoracic Aortic Pathology. City Wide Cardiothoracic Dinner Meeting, February 10, 1999, Meliora (Formerly Faculty Club), Rochester, New York.
40. Cardiac Transplantation and Ventricular Assist Device. Surgical Grand Rounds, Dept. Of Surg. U of R, September 30, 1999 – Rochester, New York.
41. Ventricular Assist Devices – Transplant Surgery-Clinical Results – High Risk Surgery-Alternatives to Transplantation. St. James Mercy Health Clinical Update, October 21, 1999, Hornell, New York.
42. Current Trends in Cardiac Surgery. University of Rochester’s Sixth Annual Critical Care Symposium. Rochester Marriott Airport Hotel, October 28, 1999, Rochester, New York.
43. Heart Workshop. Public Education Day for Cardiology. New Center for BioMed Learning Research Bldg., November 13, 1999, Rochester, New York.
44. “Need To Know”, WXXI-TV Public Broadcasting System, “Advances in Cardiac Care”. July 1999, Rochester, New York.
45. Greece Chamber of Commerce. “Heart Transplant Program”. November 16, 2000, Rochester, New York.
46. Greece Rotary Club. “Heart Transplant Program”. January 10, 2001, Rochester, New York.
47. Association of O.R. Nurses. “Thoracic Aortic Pathology”. April 16, 2001, Getinge-Castle Bldg., Rochester, New York.
48. “Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (Beating Heart)” Sanofi Pharm. (Plavix) May 23, 2001, Agatina’s Restaurant, Rochester, New York.
49. Mercy Hospital Department of Surgery Monthly In-House CME Program. “Aortic Dissection”, November 14, 2001, Buffalo, New York.
50. Rochester Marfan Syndrome Support Group. November 15, 2001, Helen Wood Hall, Rochester, New York.
51. Mended Heart Association, Rochester, N.Y. “What’s New In Cardiac Surgery”. October 21, 2002.
52. VNA Day, St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem, PA. “Aortic Aneurysm”. November 13, 2002.
53. Visions in Cardiovascular Nursing Symposium, Holiday Inn, Bethlehem, PA. “Advances in Heart Surgery”. April 24, 2003.
54. Mended Heart Association, Scranton, PA. “Advances in Heart Surgery”. May 15, 2003.
55. Clinical Management Conference, Bethlehem, PA. “Robotically Assisted Atrial Defect Repair”. May 21, 2003.
56. Cardiac Course For New Nurses, Bethlehem, PA. “Cardiac Surgical Procedures”. October 24, 2003.
57. St. Luke’s Regional Trauma Center, Bethlehem, PA. “Thoracic Emergencies”. September 21, 2004.
58. Advances in Heart Surgery, Moravian Hall Square, Bethlehem, PA.
59. What’s New in Cardiac Surgery, St. Luke’s Quakertown, Quakertown, PA. March 10, 2005.
60. Department of Surgery Grand Rounds, Bethlehem, PA. “New Advances in Cardiac Surgery”. March 30, 2005.
61. 3rd Annual Scientific Meeting, Keystone Chapter, American College of Surgeons, “Robotics in Cardio Thoracic Surgery” Tannersville, PA. May 13-14, 2005.
62. Advances in Heart Surgery, Masonic Temple, Bethlehem, PA, June 20, 2005.
63. TRIMM Conference “Thoracic Aortic Emergencies” St. Luke’s Hospital Education Center June 30, 2005.
64. Panelist for the Third Annual Heart Failure Grand Rounds, St. Luke’s Regional Heart Center. Bethlehem, PA November 8, 2005.
65. Dinner by Starlight Fundraising Event. Presentation on “The New St. Luke’s Regional Heart Center” Holiday Inn Conference Center, Breinigsville, PA November 17, 2005.
66. St.Lukes Allentown/Bethlehem Management Meeting. Clinical Presentation on “Cardiac Update” Laros Auditorium, August 25,2006.
67. “New Advances in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation”, Blue Grillhouse, November 2, 2006.
68. “What’s New in Cardiac Surgery?” Medical Staff Meeting, Brookside Country Club, November 8, 2006.
69. “What’s New in Cardiac Surgery?” Hi-Neighbors Community Program, The First Presbyterian Church, November 20, 2006.
70. Educational Lecture for Physician Assistants: Topics: Post-op cardiac surgery patients, Hemodynamics, Aortic Disease.
71. “Cardiac Update for the Practitioner” Bear Creek Mountain Resort, February 24, 2007, Course Director: Presented lecture on “Screening for thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.
72. Lecture to St. Luke’s Hospital Radiology Technicians on Aortic Aneurysms, May 5, 2007.
73. Radio Interview on WAEB to discuss latest issues in heart surgery including Atrial Fibrillation, September 13, 2007.
74. Lecture to St. Luke’s Hospital Radiology Technicians on “Aortic Dissection”, September 15, 2007.
75. Lecture to Allentown Emergency Medical Services on “What’s New in Cardiac Surgery”, November 6th, 2007.
76. Lecture to clinical staff at St. Luke’s North on “What’s New in Cardiac Surgery”, November 20th, 2007.