Dr. Michael Fiocco, MD

Michael Fiocco, MD, is the chief of cardiovascular surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. He is board certified in thoracic surgery.

Dr. Fiocco specializes in complex coronary artery bypass, arterial disease, and all valvular disease, including the aortic and mitral valve, and aortic aneurysm. He approaches valve treatment with the goal of repair, but through his wide range of expertise, can perform replacement when needed. Dr. Fiocco selects surgical techniques with a long-term outlook for each patient. For example, when considering coronary bypass, he stresses the use of multiple arterial grafts, trying to use as few veins from the legs as possible, which offers better longevity.

For the last two years, Dr. Fiocco has led the cardiac surgery team at MedStar Union Memorial in receiving a 3-star rating for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and combined aortic valve replacement plus CABG procedures from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons–the highest achievable metric in the United States for these procedures. This puts the team in the top seven percent of high-performing hospitals nationwide.

Dr. Fiocco is a member of the American College of Surgeons and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. He also participates in the Maryland Cardiac Services Quality Initiative, started over 10 years ago as a way to improve quality outcomes across the state.

After earning his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine, Dr. Fiocco completed a general surgery residency at St. Agnes Hospital. He then received specialty training through a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Dr. Fiocco has served as a primary or secondary investigator on several research studies, including one that evaluated the difference between coronary artery stents versus bypass surgery. He has participated in studies of the transcatheter valve, including the important expansion of use from high-risk patients to intermediate-to-low risk candidates. His clinical research has also helped determine the best treatment (stent versus bypass surgery) for the often-fatal blockage in the left main coronary artery–also known as the ‘widow maker’ heart attack.

Dr. Fiocco’s expertise and reputation has earned him peer recognition by Baltimore Magazine as a ‘Top Doctor’ for the past 10 years.

Philosophy of Care

“My father and grandfather were both doctors, and I take great pride in being a heart surgeon. It’s important to me that my patients feel confident about their care, so I make sure they are fully informed. I attribute my patients’ success not only to the great care they receive at MedStar Union Memorial but also to their assurance that surgery is the right and best option for them – a decision we make together.”