UP Health System – Marquette Welcomes Cardiothoracic Surgeon Chris Liakonis, DO

UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette), a Duke LifePoint hospital, welcomes Chris Liakonis, DO, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, to its Heart & Vascular Center. Dr. Liakonis provides treatment for heart and lung conditions that may require surgical intervention, including heart bypass surgery, aortic valve repair and replacement, minimally invasive heart, lung and vascular surgery, and atrial fibrillation surgery—commonly referred to as a “maze procedure.”

Dr. Liakonis earned his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University in Iowa before returning to Michigan to continue his post-graduate training with Michigan State University, completing an internship and surgical residency with Oakland General Hospital and McLaren Macomb Hospital. Dr. Liakonis then furthered his medical training by completing the cardiothoracic surgical residency program with the Deborah Heart & Lung Center in Browns Mills, NJ.

"One-on-one, personalized and compassionate care is extremely important to me as a cardiothoracic surgeon, and I am privileged to have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives," said Dr. Liakonis.

Prior to joining UPHS – Marquette, he gained more than 20 years of experience in his field working for various health systems and medical groups in the southeast Michigan area including Corewell Health and, most recently, Ascension St. Mary's Hospital, where he was chief of cardiothoracic surgery.

“I’m thrilled to be in the Upper Peninsula and join the team at UPHS – Marquette,” he said. “This hospital has an amazing staff, and I’m fortunate to work alongside them and have wonderful partners in cardiothoracic surgery.”

According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States, and, about every 40 seconds, someone has a heart attack. Every minute matters when a cardiac emergency strikes. The Heart & Vascular Center at UPHS – Marquette is a nationally-recognized Cath Lab with PCI and Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI by ACC Accreditation Services, the accrediting arm of the American College of Cardiology.

“The addition of Dr. Liakonis to our Heart & Vascular Center team reinforces our commitment to making communities healthier. He brings the latest clinical resources and leadership experience to our world-class group of heart specialists within UP Health System,” said Tonya Darner, CEO of UP Health System – Marquette.

The Heart & Vascular Center at UPHS – Marquette offers a wide range of cardiovascular services including general cardiology, diagnostic testing, diagnostic and interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac rehabilitation and cardiothoracic surgery. As a Duke Health affiliate in heart, UPHS – Marquette has access to the latest Duke guidelines in heart care and we receive the most up-to-date staff training and education in heart care. All of this adds up to an enhanced quality of healthcare, right in your own community.

Dr. Liakonis joins the skilled and experienced team of more than 30 providers in the UPHS – Marquette Heart & Vascular Center, located at 850 W. Baraga Ave, Ste. 20, Marquette, MI 49855. 

Is it time for a heart checkup? We provide a range of cardiac services, from preventative care and screenings to a high level of emergency care in our Level II Trauma Center and Accredited Chest Pain Center. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath or an irregular heartbeat could be signs of a heart problem and should be evaluated by a physician. To learn more or make an appointment, call 906.449.3440 or visit UPHealthSystem.com/Heart-Vascular.

To learn more about your heart health and risk, take our free heart health assessment.