Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta – The Medicity, stands as one of India’s most accomplished cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeons. With over 48,000 successful open heart surgeries and 50 years of medical experience, Dr. Trehan has transformed cardiac care in India and earned international recognition as one of the “Seven Wise Coronary Surgeons of the Golden Era.”
Quick Facts About Dr. Naresh Trehan
- Position: Chairman & Managing Director, Medanta – The Medicity
- Experience: 50+ years in cardiovascular surgery
- Surgeries Performed: Over 48,000 successful open heart surgeries
- Age: 79 years (Born August 12, 1945)
- Education: MBBS from King George Medical College, Lucknow (1968)
- Specialization: Cardiovascular and Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Awards: Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Shri (1991), Dr. B.C. Roy Award (2002)
Early Life and Educational Journey
Born on August 12, 1945, Dr. Naresh Trehan comes from a family of medical professionals. His mother was a gynecologist and father an ENT specialist who practiced in Lyallpur before India’s partition. Despite facing early challenges, including an incident where his left hand was broken to force him to write right-handed due to social stigma, Trehan persevered in his medical aspirations.
In 1963, Dr. Trehan secured admission to King George’s Medical College in Lucknow, one of India’s premier medical institutions. After completing his MBBS in 1968, he moved to the United States in November 1969, beginning his journey as a first-year resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
International Training and Recognition
Dr. Trehan’s training in the United States shaped his career trajectory. From 1971 to 1988, he practiced at New York University Medical Center in Manhattan, where he honed his skills in advanced cardiac surgery techniques. During this period, he achieved significant milestones:
- 1977: Diplomate, American Board of Surgery
- 1979: Diplomate, American Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery
- 1981-1988: Assistant Professor of Surgery at NYU Medical Center
His 17 years in America equipped him with cutting-edge knowledge and a vision to bring world-class cardiac care to India.
Returning to India: The Escorts Heart Institute Era
In 1988, Dr. Trehan made the pivotal decision to return to India. He founded the Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre in Delhi, which quickly became a landmark institution for cardiac care in the country. As Executive Director and Chief Cardiovascular Surgeon from 1987 to 2007, he:
- Established India’s first dedicated cardiac care center with international standards
- Introduced minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques
- Trained numerous Indian cardiac surgeons
- Performed thousands of complex heart surgeries with excellent outcomes
Founding Medanta – The Medicity
In 2009, Dr. Trehan realized his ultimate vision by founding Medanta – The Medicity in Gurugram (Gurgaon). This multi-specialty hospital was conceived to provide:
- Advanced medical technology at affordable prices
- 1,400+ beds dedicated to comprehensive healthcare
- Over 30 medical specialties under one roof
- World-class infrastructure following international healthcare guidelines
Medanta’s Expansion Across India
Under Dr. Trehan’s leadership, Medanta has expanded to multiple cities:
- Gurugram (Flagship Hospital) – 1,400 beds
- Lucknow
- Patna
- Indore
- Ranchi
- Noida (Under construction)
As of March 2024, the Medanta network operates 2,823 installed beds across five hospitals, spanning 4.7 million square feet and engaging over 1,700 doctors.
Awards and Recognition for Medanta
For six consecutive years (2020-2025), Medanta Gurugram has been ranked as the Best Private Hospital in India. In 2024, it was featured in Newsweek’s Top 250 World’s Best Hospitals Survey, cementing its position as a global healthcare leader.
Revolutionary Surgical Achievements
Dr. Trehan’s surgical expertise spans multiple groundbreaking procedures:
Advanced Cardiac Procedures
- Minimally invasive coronary artery surgery
- Heart port access surgery
- Reduction ventriculoplasty (Batista Operation)
- Cardiomyoplasty for heart failure
- Robotically assisted cardiac surgery
- Cardiac arrhythmia corrections
- Coronary artery bypass grafting
- Heart valve replacements
- Carotid artery surgery
- Aortic aneurysm repairs
Record-Breaking Surgery
In a remarkable achievement, Dr. Trehan led a team that successfully performed coronary bypass surgery on a 98-year-old Iraqi patient, Mohammed Kadhim Saeed, believed to be the oldest person to undergo such a procedure.
International Recognition and Honors
Dr. Naresh Trehan’s contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards:
National Awards
- Padma Bhushan (2001) – Third-highest civilian award in India
- Padma Shri (1991) – Fourth-highest civilian award in India
- Dr. B.C. Roy Award (2002) – India’s highest medical honor
- Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award
International Recognition
In June 2024, the International Congress of Cardiac Surgery honored Dr. Trehan as one of the “Seven Wise Coronary Surgeons of the Golden Era of the 90s” at a ceremony in Athens, Greece. This recognition acknowledged his pioneering role in advancing cardiac surgery globally.
Other Prestigious Positions
- President, International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (ISMICS), 2004-05
- Honorary Consultant, Cromwell Hospital, London, UK (1994)
- Personal Surgeon to the President of India since 1991
- Ranked #35 in India Today’s 50 Most Powerful People of 2017
Forbes Billionaires List
In 2024, Dr. Trehan joined the Forbes World’s Billionaires List with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, reflecting his successful healthcare ventures.
Medical Philosophy and Approach
Dr. Trehan’s medical philosophy centers on three core principles:
- Compassionate Care: Treating every patient with dignity and empathy
- Quality Healthcare for All: Making advanced treatments accessible and affordable
- Continuous Innovation: Adopting cutting-edge technology and techniques
At 79 years old, Dr. Trehan remains actively involved in both performing and teaching surgeries, ensuring his legacy continues through the next generation of cardiac surgeons.
Contributions to Medical Education
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Trehan has significantly contributed to medical education:
- Training hundreds of cardiac surgeons in India
- Mentoring young doctors at Medanta’s institutes
- Conducting workshops on minimally invasive cardiac techniques
- Publishing research on cardiac surgery outcomes
- Speaking at international medical conferences
Personal Life
Dr. Trehan is married to Madhu Trehan, a renowned journalist and writer. They have two daughters:
- Shyel Trehan Sahni – A lawyer married to Pankaj Sahni, who serves as CEO of Medanta
- Shonan Trehan
This family involvement ensures continuity in Medanta’s management and vision.
How to Consult Dr. Naresh Trehan
Dr. Trehan sees patients at Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram and is also available for online consultations. His expertise is sought for:
- Complex coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disorders
- Aortic aneurysms
- Minimally invasive cardiac procedures
- Heart transplantation evaluation
- Second opinions on cardiac conditions
Contact Information:
- Location: Medanta – The Medicity, CH Baktawar Singh Road, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
- Consultation: Available by appointment
- Online Consultation: Yes, available
Dr. Trehan’s Vision for Indian Healthcare
Dr. Trehan’s journey from a medical student in Lucknow to an internationally acclaimed surgeon exemplifies dedication and vision. His establishment of Medanta represents more than building hospitals—it’s about:
- Democratizing Healthcare: Making world-class treatment accessible to all income groups
- Retaining Medical Talent: Creating opportunities for Indian doctors to practice advanced medicine at home
- Medical Tourism: Attracting international patients to India
- Setting Standards: Raising the bar for healthcare quality in India
Impact on Indian Cardiac Care
The impact of Dr. Trehan’s work on Indian cardiac care cannot be overstated:
- Reduced Medical Migration: Indians no longer need to travel abroad for complex cardiac procedures
- Cost Savings: Providing surgeries at a fraction of costs in developed countries
- Technology Transfer: Bringing latest cardiac surgery techniques to India
- Quality Benchmarks: Establishing protocols matching international standards
- Emergency Care: Creating 24/7 cardiac emergency facilities
Recent Developments and Future Plans
As of 2024-2025, Dr. Trehan and Medanta continue to expand:
- Opening a new facility in Noida
- Expanding telemedicine services across India
- Implementing AI-assisted diagnostic tools
- Training programs for rural healthcare workers
- Research collaborations with international institutions
Why Dr. Naresh Trehan Stands Apart
Several factors distinguish Dr. Trehan from his contemporaries:
- Unmatched Experience: 50+ years and 48,000+ surgeries
- International Training: 17 years at top US medical centers
- Entrepreneurial Vision: Building India’s largest private hospital network
- Continuous Practice: Still performing surgeries at 79
- Mentorship: Training the next generation of cardiac surgeons
- Affordability Focus: Ensuring quality care remains accessible
Patient Testimonials and Success Stories
Thousands of patients have benefited from Dr. Trehan’s expertise. Medanta regularly documents patient testimonials showing:
- Recovery from complex cardiac conditions
- Successful outcomes in high-risk cases
- International patients choosing India over Western countries
- Elderly patients undergoing successful procedures
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
Dr. Naresh Trehan’s journey from a small-town medical student to one of the world’s most respected cardiac surgeons is an inspiration. His 48,000+ successful heart surgeries, establishment of Medanta – The Medicity, and commitment to making quality healthcare accessible have transformed India’s medical landscape.
At 79, he continues to perform surgeries, mentor young doctors, and expand Medanta’s reach. His recognition as one of the “Seven Legends” in cardiac surgery by international bodies validates his global impact.
For anyone seeking world-class cardiac care, Dr. Naresh Trehan and Medanta represent the pinnacle of medical excellence in India—combining decades of experience, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many heart surgeries has Dr. Naresh Trehan performed?
Dr. Trehan has successfully performed over 48,000 open heart surgeries in his 50-year career.
Q2: Where can I consult Dr. Naresh Trehan?
Dr. Trehan sees patients at Medanta – The Medicity in Gurugram, Haryana. Online consultations are also available.
Q3: What awards has Dr. Trehan received?
He has received the Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Shri (1991), Dr. B.C. Roy Award (2002), and was honored as one of the “Seven Wise Coronary Surgeons” in 2024.
Q4: Is Medanta ranked among top hospitals?
Yes, Medanta Gurugram has been ranked as the Best Private Hospital in India for six consecutive years (2020-2025) and featured in Newsweek’s Top 250 World’s Best Hospitals.
Q5: Does Dr. Trehan still perform surgeries?
Yes, at 79 years old, Dr. Trehan continues to actively perform and teach cardiac surgeries at Medanta.
Q6: What types of heart procedures does Dr. Trehan specialize in?
He specializes in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, coronary artery bypass, heart valve replacements, robotically assisted surgery, and complex cardiac procedures.
Q7: How can international patients consult Dr. Trehan?
International patients can contact Medanta’s international patient services or book consultations online through the hospital’s website.