Dr. O. H. Frazier

Houston, TX

Dr. O. H. “Bud” Frazier is celebrated for his contributions to the field of mechanical circulatory support and pioneering treatments for patients suffering from heart failure. He performed over 1,200 heart transplants and implanted more than 900 left ventricular assist devices, more than any other surgeon in the world. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Dr. Frazier continued experimental work toward developing an implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to aid the failing heart. In 2011, Dr. Frazier implanted the first successful continuous-flow total artificial heart. Today he serves as the co-director of cardiovascular surgery research at the Texas Heart Institute.

Dr. Frazier holds a bachelor’s degree in history from The University of Texas at Austin and earned his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine, where he is now a tenured professor. Dr. Frazier and his wife, Rachel, are founding members of the Director’s Circle at the Briscoe Center.