Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system, has named internationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon and researcher Dr. Ibrahim Sultan as the new vice president of clinical operations for its cardiovascular service line.
In his new role, Sultan will direct strategy, quality enhancement, and growth across Virtua’s comprehensive cardiovascular programs, working alongside regional clinicians and healthcare leaders to expand patient access to advanced heart and vascular treatments.
“Virtua has established itself as a leader in delivering high-quality cardiovascular care,” Sultan said. “I look forward to partnering with Virtua’s exceptional clinicians and leaders to expand access to complex cardiovascular therapies, strengthen multidisciplinary programs and deliver care that reflects the highest standards of quality, innovation, and patient-centered outcomes.”
Before joining Virtua Health, Sultan served in prominent academic and clinical roles at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, functioning as professor and chief of cardiac surgery, executive vice chair for cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, and co-director of the Heart and Vascular Institute.
An expert in complex heart disease, Sultan specializes in thoracic aortic conditions—including aneurysms and dissections—alongside advanced surgical and transcatheter approaches for mitral and aortic valve repair. His extensive research portfolio includes authoring more than 500 peer-reviewed publications, leading over 20 clinical trials as a principal investigator, and delivering upwards of 200 lectures worldwide. He also maintains an active leadership presence nationally, serving on the board of directors for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons alongside key governance positions within the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.
“Dr. Sultan is an extraordinary physician, researcher, and leader whose accomplishments have earned him national and international recognition,” Dr. Jennifer Khelil, executive vice president and chief clinical officer for Virtua Health, said. “His commitment to innovation, quality, and patient-centered care aligns perfectly with Virtua’s mission. We are thrilled to welcome him to Virtua and look forward to the impact he will have on our cardiovascular programs and the communities we serve.”
Sultan earned his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College, completed his general surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and finished his cardiothoracic surgery training and advanced fellowship in aortic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Multilingual in English, Hindi, and Urdu, he begins his clinical and operational leadership across Virtua’s South Jersey network, with patient care locations including Cherry Hill and Voorhees.
