At Transonic, we know that behind every innovation, breakthrough, and successful career is a mentor who made a difference. We’ve seen it in our own products and in our own people. 

This year, we invited our community to nominate the mentors who’ve shaped their journeys. The responses were incredible: From guiding new surgeons through their first procedures to advancing the science of flow measurement, these mentors have inspired excellence and progress across our field.

We’re honored to recognize the individuals who stood out for their extraordinary impact. Meet the 2025 Mentors in Medicine: the leaders, teachers and lifelong supporters of those around them.

Mohammed Aslam, MD

“Dr. Aslam’s mentorship has been a transformative experience for my career, shaping both my academic achievements and professional growth. His guidance has had a lasting impact, and I am confident that the skills and values I developed under his supervision will continue to guide me throughout my career.

“Dr. Aslam’s guidance has been pivotal to my success and growth, and the lessons I learned under his mentorship will continue to shape my career. I am deeply grateful for his support and the opportunities he provided, and I carry forward the skills and experiences I gained with confidence and pride.”

Nominated by: Wael Faqihi

Saeed Ashraf, MD

Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Morriston Hospital, College of Medicine, 
Swansea University, UK

“He believes in bringing young surgeons forward. Cardiac surgery training is not just training in the OR but it is a lifestyle turnover. He is a true mentor who has guided me at every step of this journey.”

Nominated by: Khuzaima Tariq

Filip De Somer, MD

Chief of Perfusion at University Hospital Ghent, 
Ghent, Belgium

“Since the early 1990s, Pr. De Somer told us, ‘Precise flow measurement in ECC heart-long equipment wasn't thinkable without the involvement of Transonic hardware and other Transonic applications.’ Further, Transonic became our scientific partner in the development of Stöckert - Maquet HLM, ECMO equipment (Cardiohelp), cannula and independent flow-pressure modules. 

“Life wouldn't be that easy without the scientific help and vision of Filip De Somer and the partnership with Transonic.” 

Nominated by: Patrick Blyau

Guillermo Diaz, MD

“Dr. Diaz is the ultimate example of vision, honest work, perseverance, and how to positively impact his employees. For me, Dr. Diaz changed my life. He gave me the opportunity to grow under his mentorship. He taught me the entire cardiovascular surgery process in an integral service approach, he taught me to be a better person, and every day he shows me the importance of trusting his subordinates, always leading by example. 

“I couldn’t be prouder to nominate the best mentor life could have placed in front of me.”

Nominated by: Aaron Zaga

Richard M. Engelman, MD

Chief, Cardiac Surgical Research
Baystate Health, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

“Dr Engelman’s mentorship included pushing me to achieve heights that were not on my list prior. His integrity, drive, intelligence and humanity were just the beginning. 

“His quest for knowledge and drive to always perfect cardiac surgery through experimentation taught me how to be a scientist, how to approach a scientific problem without prejudice and be open-minded when analyzing results.

“Thank you, Dr. Engelman.”

Nominated by: Roger Vertrees, Ph.D.

Saulat Fatimi, MD

Chief of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Department and Professor of Surgery,
Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

"Dr. Saulat Fatimi has been an incredible mentor whose influence on my career and life is immeasurable. His guidance has extended far beyond the surgical realm, leaving a lasting impact on my personal and professional development. 

“From the very beginning, he took the time to teach me essential skills that have been the backbone of my academic and clinical growth. Dr. Fatimi’s mentorship wasn’t limited to technicalities; he provided invaluable advice on navigating the challenges of life and career. Whether it was guidance on balancing professional demands or sharing wisdom from his own experiences, he consistently offered thoughtful insights that helped me make informed decisions.

“He has been a steadfast source of encouragement, pushing me to aim higher and believe in my potential. His belief in me has been a driving force, and I carry the lessons he has imparted in every step of my journey. Dr. Saulat Fatimi’s mentorship has not only enriched my career but also shaped the person I strive to be every day."

Nominated by: Anonymous 

Stephen Fremes, MD

Professor of Surgery at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

“He helped perfect [my skills] in CABG.”

Nominated by: Saad El Gaoud 

Diego Gonzalez Rivas

Department of Thoracic Surgery, Coruña University Hospital,
Coruña, Spain

“Diego Gonzalez Rivas has been an extraordinary mentor to me since 2013, profoundly shaping my career and surgical journey. Under his guidance, I mastered the uniportal VATS technique, a skill that transformed my approach to thoracic surgery. He not only taught me the technical nuances but also inspired me with his innovative vision and dedication to the field.

“His mentorship has been instrumental in my development, ultimately helping me gain recognition as a well-known surgeon in the global thoracic surgery community.”

Nominated by: Firas Abu Akar

Frank Hurley

Clinical Perfusionist at Resurrection Health Care,
Chicago, Illinois, USA

“Frank is responsible for my involvement as a volunteer in perfusion professional societies. When I started my position as a new perfusionist, I worked with Frank and he has always been very involved as a volunteer. I truly believe he was the reason that I have continued in my many roles as not only a volunteer but an elected volunteer to leadership positions.”

Nominated by: Gregory Mork

Nicole Michaud and Mark Meholchick

Vanderbilt University Medical Center,
Nashville, Tennessee, USA

“Nicole was the program director, she was an outstanding instructor. She went above and beyond to graduate a competent perfusionist.

“Mark was a clinical instructor, he was an ideal instructor, he made sure to go over clinical cases with the students and highlight strengths and performance flaws. He deeply cared about his role as instructor. I do believe Nicole and Mark set a great example of teaching and for that I'm forever grateful. Thank you.”

Nominated by: Mohammed Mohammed

Shahid Sami, MD

Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon,
Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan 

"Dr. Shahid Sami has been more than just a mentor to me—he has been a guiding light in every facet of my journey as a cardiothoracic surgeon. His support extended far beyond the operating room, where his expertise and calm demeanor set an unparalleled standard. In the OR, he didn’t just teach surgical techniques; he instilled the values of precision, patience, and compassion that define great surgeons. Outside the OR, his influence was equally transformative.  

“His mentorship wasn’t just about imparting knowledge—it was about shaping a mindset of continuous learning, humility, and dedication. I am who I am today because of his unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in my potential."

Nominated by: Anonymous

Gianluca Torregrossa

Cardiac Surgery, Heart and Vascular Care,
Lankenau Heart Group, Penn Wynne, Pennsylvania, USA

“Wonderful person, fascinated by his knowledge!!”

Nominated by: Salvatore Scianna

Igor Zivkovic, MD

Cardiac Surgeon, Dedinje Cardiovascular Institute,
Belgrade, Serbia

“I did a training program in endoscopic vein harvesting at Dedinje Institute in Belgrade with Dr. Igor Zivkovic. It was a wonderful experience, he was a great teacher and I have learned a lot of things from him. He was very inspiring and dedicated to his job.”

Nominated by: Reza Nayyerani

Thank You to All Who Go Above and Beyond in Medicine

To all of the mentors featured (and to the many, many more who inspire behind the scenes!): thank you. Your generosity, leadership and commitment to shaping the next generation of medical professionals continue to elevate our field each and every day.

Stay tuned as we share more about these outstanding mentors throughout the year across our channels. 

Is there someone who has helped shape your career in hemodialysis? Nominate them by June 30, 2025!