Skip to Main Content
Back to search results

Dr. Jason W. Smith is a cardiac and transplant surgeon who specializes in heart transplantation and the use of mechanical circulatory support, such as artificial heart pumps and left ventricular assist devices. He has expertise in complex cardiac procedures that include mitral valve repair and replacement, aortic valve surgery, transcatheter aortic valve procedures (minimally invasive techniques to replace a failing valve), surgeries to treat the ascending aorta and aortic arch, treatment of endocarditis (infections of the heart's inner lining), operations to correct atrial fibrillation (irregular and often rapid heartbeats), and sternal repair and reconstruction. He also manages extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which supports the heart and lungs by using a machine to oxygenate blood outside of the body. He is the surgical director of UCSF's heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support programs.

Smith has been active in a national effort to increase access to heart transplantation by improving the use of donor organs. He served as a primary investigator for a nationwide clinical trial on donation after cardiac death.

Smith earned his medical degree from the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago, then completed a residency in general surgery and a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Loyola University Medical Center. He completed a fellowship in heart and lung transplantation at Stanford Medicine. Upon completing his training, he joined the surgical faculty at the University of Washington. Prior to joining UCSF, he served as surgical director of transplant and mechanical circulatory support at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Smith serves on the membership and professional standards committee of the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. He frequently makes presentations on issues related to organ transplantation and utilization and belongs to numerous professional and honorary societies. He is a San Francisco native.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, 2016

  • Fellowships

    Stanford University School of Medicine, Transplant Surgery, 2012

    Loyola University Medical Center, Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2011

  • Residencies

    Loyola University Medical Center, General Surgery, 2009

  • Internship

    Loyola University Medical Center, General Surgery, 2003

  • Education

    Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 2002

  • Languages

    English

Where I see patients (4)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    41 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 09, 2025
    He was extremely helpful and kind understanding and professional. I didn't quite fully feel he was able to inform me of why I was having so much pain well after the open heart surgery.
    Dec 23, 2024
    Great thank you
    Sep 26, 2024
    I love my Dr and his staff, they provide the best care.
    Aug 11, 2024
    Dr Smith is great!
    Apr 19, 2024
    Nice
    Nov 18, 2023
    It was at the end of a long day for Dr. Smith (5:30 PM) He was attentive, professional, a great teacher and very kind.
    Nov 17, 2023
    Again a step above the rest and in fairness we may not know what has caused the issue.
    Nov 03, 2023
    All your care teams were amazing for the most part
    Sep 02, 2023
    Best experience, lots of knowledge and well informed
    Decorative Caduceus

    Levothyroxine Supplementation for Heart Transplant Recipients

    Measured using the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) scale. VIS calculation: dopamine dose (μg/kg/min) + dobutamine dose (μg/kg/min) + 100 × epinephrine dose (μg/kg/min) + 10 × milrinone dose (μg/kg/min) + 10 000 × vasopressin dos...

    Recruiting

    My work

    An innovative approach to heart transplant surgery

    A new technique could shorten wait times for patients who need a heart transplant. Dr. Smith explains how.

    UCSF's 35 years of heart transplant experience

    A leader in treating advanced heart failure, UCSF performed nearly 80 heart transplants in 2023. Dr. Smith shares his perspective on our commitment to cutting-edge care.

    UCSF's first patient to receive a total artificial heart

    Dr. Smith led a surgical team that implanted a temporary pump system to replace Hans Oviedo's heart while he awaits a transplant.

    Share