Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Franjo Siric

Franjo Siric, MD, is an attending cardiac surgeon at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in Palos Heights, Illinois. He is also clinical assistant professor (cardiac surgery) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

As a teenager, Dr. Siric had always been fascinated by the heart as one of the most important organs in the human body. “Being a cardiac surgeon is a privilege which allows me to intervene and improve the function of human hearts. Cardiac surgery offers a unique opportunity to promptly improve patient lives and treat their medical conditions.” To Dr. Siric, being a cardiac surgeon is “a very dynamic and continuously evolving field which always inspires me to innovate and improve patient outcomes.”

“The most fascinating aspect of being a cardiac surgeon is the instant relationship that is formed with my patients,” says Dr. Siric. “During our initial interaction, the patient chooses to entrust their life to a complete stranger. The privilege of connecting with patients and the opportunity to put their minds, as well as the minds of their loved ones, at ease during challenging times is immensely gratifying. The complex interplay between human physiology, delicate surgical technique, and relentless attention to detail, allows me to tackle some of the most challenging cardiac conditions and improve patient lives.”

Dr. Siric completed his medical school at the University of Zagreb in Croatia in 2001, followed by completing his residency at University Hospital Rebro in Croatia. He then went on to complete his fellowship at Cleveland Clinic in 2013. He has been an attending cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in Palos Heights, Illinois since 2023.

Since arriving in the Chicagoland area, Dr. Siric has had the pleasure of interacting with a wonderfully dynamic population. “I look forward to partnering with patients, their families and my healthcare colleagues,” and feels his “commitment to patients does not end with the completion of their heart surgery, rather, it extends throughout their entire cardiac healthcare journey.”

Deep Interest in Mitral and Aortic Valve Repair

Dr. Siric has clinical interests in mitral and aortic valve repair and replacement surgery, including minimally invasive approaches where a keyhole approach is utilized. In regard to the keyhole approach, Dr. Siric says, “we can deliver excellent results with easier and quicker patient recovery.” Complex aortic aneurysm surgeries, as well as redo surgeries are additional areas of specific interest. “The ability to perform an excellent heart valve repair often makes the difference between a one-time surgery and durable long-term result versus the need for repeat surgical interventions.”

Dr. Siric’s clinical focus areas include a minimally invasive approach to aortic and mitral valve surgery, which he says “is associated with less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and easier recovery. Often times, patients are able to walk the same day of surgery, adding to their satisfaction with post-operative recovery.” He adds, “Additionally, complex aortic root surgeries, such as valve-sparing aortic root replacement, allow us to treat aortic aneurysms and preserve the patient’s native aortic valve, which translates to superior outcomes. These procedures allow patients to receive highly complex, specialized care within their communities and close to their homes.”

Dr. Siric was inspired to practice at Northwestern Medicine because of the “collaborative spirit, as well as its fundamental principle of placing patients first.” In his time at Northwestern Medicine, he appreciates the “innovation through collaboration, incredible talent, and an unwavering commitment to deliver the best care possible, every single day, is what separates Northwestern Medicine.”

When he’s not at work, Dr. Siric enjoys spending time with family, swimming, and playing tennis.

To contact Dr. Franjo Siric, please click here or call (708) 729-6839.