About
Russell Russ Reiss, MD earned his undergraduate degree from La Salle University in Philadelphia in 1987 and his medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in 1993. He completed general surgery residencies at Hahnemann University Hospital and the University of Utah, then went on to a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Utah from 2001 to 2003. He later completed a fellowship in Interventional Cardiology, TAVR, and Hybrid Cardiac Surgery at New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center.
Earlier in his training, Dr. Reiss spent three years as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for Gene Therapy in Philadelphia, studying the regenerative properties of mesenchymal stem cells. That work led to a patented discovery and one of the first FDA approvals in the country to place stem cells directly into the hearts of patients during cardiac surgery. He holds board certifications from the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, with recertification in 2013. His clinical career has spanned the University of Utah, the George E. Wahlen VA, Dean and St. Mary's Cardiac Center in Wisconsin, and the University of Colorado Health System. He co-founded the Heiden Institute of Sports Science and Human Performance with Dr. Eric Heiden in 2016. On a personal level, Dr. Reiss survived Factor V Leiden and two pulmonary embolisms in 2002 and 2005, then leukemia in 2012. Those experiences deeply inform how he approaches recovery and resilience with his patients. A father of five, he lives in Park City and spends his time skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in the Wasatch Range.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA (BA, 1987)
Medical School
Hahnemann University School of Medicine (Drexel University School of Medicine), Philadelphia, PA (MD, 1993)
Residency
General Surgery, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA (1993-1999); General Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (1999-2001)
Fellowship
Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Utah (2001-2003); Interventional Cardiology, TAVR & Hybrid Cardiac Surgery, NYP-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY (2010-2011)
Additional Training
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The Center for Gene Therapy, Philadelphia, PA (1995-1998) — studied regenerative and protective properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Reiss right for?
Dr. Reiss is a strong fit for active adults over 40 who want a proactive approach to cardiac and overall health. Athletes and executives seeking detailed performance data, including VO2 Max, lactate threshold, and metabolic testing, benefit from his depth of expertise. 0 screening program. Those dealing with musculoskeletal injuries, including tendon, ligament, or joint issues, can access his regenerative medicine and PRP services. Dr. Reiss also works well with patients navigating recovery from serious illness who want a structured path back to peak function.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Reiss treats a wide range of cardiac and musculoskeletal conditions. On the cardiac side, he addresses coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, pulmonary embolism, heart valve disease, and cardiac arrhythmia. For musculoskeletal concerns, he treats osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, ACL tears, tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, iliotibial band syndrome, and tennis elbow.
Yes. Dr. Reiss holds board certification from the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, with recertification in 2013. He also passed the National Board of Medical Examiners in 1994. His clinical training spans general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and interventional cardiology.
Dr. Reiss earned his MD from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed general surgery residencies at Hahnemann University Hospital and the University of Utah. He then completed a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Utah and an interventional cardiology fellowship at New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center.
Dr. Reiss has over 20 years of experience in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Early in his career, he spent three years researching mesenchymal stem cells at the Center for Gene Therapy in Philadelphia. That research led to a patented discovery and one of the first FDA approvals in the nation to place stem cells directly into patients' hearts during cardiac surgery. He also co-founded the University of Utah Cell Therapy Facility and started Utah's only public umbilical cord blood bank.
Dr. Reiss offers VO2 Max testing, lactate threshold testing, aerobic and anaerobic threshold analysis, resting metabolic rate testing, and body composition analysis via DEXA scan. He also uses advanced ultrasound technology to evaluate muscle health, size, and glycogen content. Testing results feed into individualized training zones and health planning.
Yes. One of the distinctive elements of Dr. Reiss's approach involves spending time with clients in the field. He joins patients on hikes, bike rides, and ski runs in the Wasatch Range around Park City. This allows him to observe how patients perform and recover in real-world conditions.
Dr. Reiss believes that preventing cardiac disease is more effective than treating it after it develops. 0 program around screening and intervention before symptoms appear. After more than 25 years as a cardiothoracic surgeon, he shifted his focus entirely to helping patients avoid the conditions he once operated to correct.
Yes. Dr. Reiss survived Factor V Leiden and two pulmonary embolisms in 2002 and 2005, then battled leukemia in 2012. Those personal experiences with serious illness and recovery inform his deep commitment to prevention, resilience, and helping patients understand their own health trajectory.
Dr. Reiss co-founded the Heiden Institute of Sports Science and Human Performance in 2016 with Dr. Eric Heiden, an orthopedic surgeon and five-time Olympic gold medalist. The institute focuses on advancing human performance for active individuals. Park City Performance Medicine maintains an ongoing partnership with Heiden Orthopedics.
Doctor profile last updated June 9, 2026