Alexander Nissen, MD

Alexander P. Nissen, MD, is a cardiac surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He specializes in aortic surgery, valve surgery, coronary revascularization, and structural heart therapies.

Dr. Nissen offers surgery for the full range of adult cardiac diseases, including aortic aneurysm and dissection, aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, endocarditis, tricuspid valve disease, and coronary artery disease. He is particularly interested in all aspects of aortic root surgery, including full root replacement and valve-sparing techniques, which may involve reoperative cardiac surgery and TAVR-explant.

Since cardiac surgery relies on several cutting-edge technologies, Dr. Nissen is deeply committed to constantly refining his techniques and approaches to offer his patients the best care and outcomes. He is active in clinical research and has presented at national and international conferences. Dr. Nissen is an active member of the Society of …Thoracic Surgeons and the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society.

Known for his clear, honest communication, Dr. Nissen takes time to explain all treatment options to help patients make fully informed decisions. Ultimately, his goal is to execute the best treatment plan for each patient in terms of quantity and quality of life while respecting patients’ wishes.

Dr. Nissen attended the Uniformed Services University for medical school, where he won the James A. Zimble Valedictorian award. He completed his general surgery residency training at Brooke Army Medical Center, where he won the BAMC Commander’s Research Award and the BAMC House Staff Hall of Fame award for the quantity and quality of his research and publications. While in residency, Dr. Nissen completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Texas at Houston / Memorial Hermann Heart and Vascular Institute. He then completed his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship training at Emory University, serving as administrative Chief Fellow, and earning the Robert A. Guyton Outstanding Chief Resident Award.

In his free time, Dr. Nissen enjoys spending time with his wife, exercising, and rock climbing. 

Philosophy of Care 

 "I aim to treat every patient as if they were a member of my own family and to provide the same level of care I would expect for my wife, parents, or siblings. To that end, there is no matter too large or small for my full attention when it comes to my patients. My patients should feel at ease and confident in my office. Ultimately, I want to help my patients have the best quality of life possible using the most up-to-date and evidence-based treatment options available."