KIMS Bhubaneswar Cardiac Surgeon Dr Satyajit Samal Honoured Prestigious AATS Foundation Award in Chicago
Bhubaneswar, May 19: A major international recognition received by Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar, cardiac surgeon Dr. Satyajit Samal in the United States is expected to significantly strengthen the institute’s plans for launching advanced heart transplantation services, potentially making KIMS the first hospital in eastern India to conduct heart transplants in the near future.
Dr. Samal, Consultant in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CTVS) at KIMS, was awarded the prestigious 2026 Mussallem Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) Alliance Travel Grant by the renowned American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Foundation during the 106th AATS Annual Conference held in Chicago, USA, from May 1 to 5, 2026. The recognition not only honours his contribution to cardiothoracic surgery, but also opens up opportunities for international collaborations, mentorship and advanced training in heart transplantation for KIMS.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) is regarded as the world’s largest, most advanced and premier association in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Surgeons from across the globe were selected and recognised by the AATS Foundation for their outstanding contributions to cardiothoracic surgery, research, innovation and academic excellence.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Samal said it was a matter of immense pride that KIMS, Bhubaneswar, was officially recognised by AATS in its global database through his selection and participation. During the conference, he received mentorship in heart transplantation and other advanced cardiothoracic surgical procedures from some of the world’s leading cardiac surgeons. He was also interviewed and offered opportunities for advanced training in heart transplantation in the United States.
According to Dr. Samal, the exposure and collaborations developed through the AATS platform are expected to play a crucial role in strengthening advanced cardiac care services at KIMS and accelerating preparations for initiating a comprehensive heart transplant programme at the institute.
Dr. Samal is the first cardiothoracic surgeon from Odisha to receive this prestigious recognition from the AATS Foundation.
Founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, congratulated Dr. Samal on the achievement and said the honour further reinforces KIMS’ growing reputation for advanced healthcare, clinical excellence and specialised cardiac care.
Earlier this year, in February 2026, Dr. Samal was also selected and honoured by the AATS Foundation during IACTSCON 2026 in Mumbai under the Global Academic Exchange Program conducted jointly by AATS and the Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS). The programme provided him advanced exposure and training opportunities at leading medical institutions in the United States under eminent cardiac surgeons.
