Surgeon Spotlight: Kevin E. Hodges, MD
Kevin E. Hodges, MD, is an attending heart surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. His clinical interests include mitral valve repair, robotic heart surgery, minimally invasive aortic valve repair and replacement and complex valvular heart disease, including reoperations. He has performed approximately 650 heart surgeries, of which 500 involved heart valve disease repair or replacement.
One of my main areas of expertise is mitral valve repair,” says Dr. Hodges. “Every patient is unique, and every mitral valve is unique. This requires collaboration with the entire team and creative problem-solving.”
The path to becoming a heart surgeon
Dr. Hodges describes his journey to becoming a heart surgeon as “gradual,” as his interest was initially sparked by helping his mother through her own heart care journey. Growing up, Dr. Hodges accompanied his mother, who has a congenital heart condition called Ebstein’s Anomaly, to medical appointments. As she underwent tricuspid valve replacement surgery, Dr. Hodges became interested in the intricacies of the heart valves.
While in medical school at The University of Chicago, Dr. Hodges was increasingly drawn to heart surgery, specifically heart valve surgery, because of the creative thought process needed to problem-solve when repairing heart valves. Dr. Hodges explains that unlike other specialties within surgery that focus on removal, “heart valve repair surgery requires you to recreate or reconstruct a diseased heart valve to make it properly function once again.”
Dr. Hodges especially finds fulfillment in helping patients and families through their heart care journey, as he can empathize with how they feel. “Performing heart valve surgery is what I do every day, but for patients, this is an intimidating time in their lives. It’s exceptionally rewarding to get to know patients and help them through this journey from start to finish.”
Coming home to Northwestern Medicine
Joining the Northwestern Medicine heart surgery team is a homecoming of sorts for Dr. Hodges, as he grew up in the Chicagoland area.
It was also a major draw for Dr. Hodges to work with two exceptional Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute heart surgeons. Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, is the Executive Director of the program. “Dr. McCarthy is a world expert in mitral valve repair, who I have professionally admired my entire medical career.”
Douglas R. Johnston, MD, is the chief of Cardiac Surgery at Northwestern Medicine. “I have tremendous respect for Dr. Johnston. I have worked with Dr. Johnston for a number of years, and I’m excited to be part of this world-class heart surgery program.” In 2023-24, U.S. News & World Report named the Northwestern Memorial Hospital cardiology, heart & vascular surgery program a top ten program in the nation (No. 7) and the highest ranked program in Illinois for 16 consecutive years.
Leading the Northwestern Medicine Robotic Heart Surgery Program
One of Dr. Hodges’ main clinical interests is robotic heart surgery, specifically using robotic surgery for mitral valve repair.
“People always ask me, ‘Is there a robot that does surgery?’ And the answer is no. I perform the surgery, but there are specific tools or instruments unique to robotic surgery that allow me to repair the valve.” During robotic surgery, from a special console that is inside the OR, Dr. Hodges controls the instruments that are inside of the heart. These instruments are extensions of Dr. Hodges’ hands that perform the movements necessary to repair the valve.
“Robotic surgery is a less invasive surgical method performed through a small incision that leaves minimal scarring, achieves exceptional results and allows patients to get back on their feet faster. With robotic surgery, Northwestern Medicine achieves the same high quality, durable valve repair results that people expect when they come to Northwestern Medicine.”
Focus on family
While not working, Dr. Hodges spends his free time with his family. He and his wife enjoy taking their four-year-old daughter to the zoo, watching movies and going on walks with their dog.
Page last updated: December 15, 2023
