Dr. Sheahan Named Head of Surgery
Dr. Malachi (Mal) Sheahan III has been named as the next department head of surgery. Dr. Sheahan has served as interim department dead since September 2024.
“I am excited to assume this role at this critical point in time. I look forward to working with Dr. Nelson and Dr. DiCarlo in developing a truly modern department of surgery while honoring our deep roots in education and patient care.”
Dr. Sheahan obtained his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, with his internship and residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center of New York. He completed a clinical and research fellowship in pediatric cardiovascular surgery at Tufts, and a clinical fellowship in vascular surgery at Harvard/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He was recruited to LSUHSC as an assistant professor in 2004, became program director for the vascular surgery fellowship in 2006, and became program director of the integrated vascular surgery residency in 2011. In 2014 he became division chief of vascular surgery, was promoted to the rank of professor of surgery, and was also awarded the Claude Craighead Endowed Chair of Vascular Surgery.
“Dr. Sheahan was the clear choice from a large group of excellent applicants in the national search conducted for the department head,” said Richard DiCarlo, MD, Dean of the LSUHSC School of Medicine. “Since 2014, he has built a strong clinical division that provides excellent patient care in multiple hospitals across the city and a strong residency program. He is recognized as one of the best doctors in the city and state, and as an outstanding teacher by students and residents. He has also held numerous leadership roles on national committees.”
Dr. Sheahan has a national and international reputation for outstanding clinical work
and scholarship, with 90 peer reviewed papers and 18 book chapters published. He is
highly sought after as a speaker at meetings and seminars worldwide and serves as
an editor and reviewer for leading journals of surgery and vascular surgery.
Dr. Sheahan has a strong vision for the future of the surgery department.
“I am prioritizing the growth and excellence of our existing clinical divisions while also developing new divisions. I will continue to make sure that as a department we acknowledge the value of faculty through fair salaries and incentives and the mentorship of junior faculty,” Dr. Sheahan said. “I will ensure we maintain our world class residency programs and student clerkship, and bolster our collaborative relationships with clinical partners and other academic institutions.”