Colombo, Sri Lanka – On January 10, 2025, at the prestigious Water’s Edge Hotel, the Association of Cardiothoracic and Thoracic Surgeons of Sri Lanka (ACTSSL) awarded Professor David Paul Taggart an honorary fellowship during its inauguration ceremony. This recognition highlights his unparalleled contributions to cardiothoracic surgery and his influence on cardiac care worldwide.

Professor Taggart, a graduate of the University of Glasgow in 1981, boasts a stellar career. He trained at elite institutions, including the Royal Brompton Hospital under Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub. Holding advanced degrees (MD and PhD), he has served as a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the Oxford Heart Centre and as a Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Oxford since 2004.

An authority in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Professor Taggart has been a global advocate for arterial grafting techniques. His groundbreaking research includes leading trials such as the ART, CORONARY, REQUEST, and VEST studies, which have reshaped myocardial revascularization methods. His contributions to medical literature, including over 365 peer-reviewed articles, have earned him international acclaim.

Beyond surgery, Professor Taggart’s passion for teaching has shaped the careers of countless surgeons worldwide. As a former President of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery of the UK and Ireland, his leadership continues to inspire.

ACTSSL’s honorary fellowship is a fitting tribute to a surgeon who has not only revolutionized cardiac surgery but also dedicated his life to advancing the field globally.