Judson Williams, MD, MHS

Dr. Williams specializes in coronary artery disease, aortic and mitral valvular heart disease, and pathology of the proximal aorta. Dr. Williams has unique expertise in transcatheter aortic and mitral valve replacements (TAVR, TAVI) and other minimally invasive approaches to structural heart disease as well as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Dr. Williams performs endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta (TEVAR) and well as complex repairs for aortic aneurysms in the chest including the aortic root, ascending, and arch. “As a cardiac surgeon, the operations I perform are designed to help my patients both feel better and live longer; that is, to improve not only the duration of their life but also the quality.”

Dr. Williams also serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member in the Department of Surgery at Duke University and is internationally known for cardiovascular clinical research. He has published over 60 major articles on the subject including studies published in the most prestigious medical journals: JAMA, Circulation, NEJM, and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. As a recognized expert, Dr. Williams has been an invited speaker at over 15 national and international meetings on topics including coronary artery disease treatment, surgical quality improvement, aortic aneurysm, vein graft preservation, hybrid revascularization, and clinical trials in cardiac surgery.

A North Carolina native, Dr. Williams believes in the mission of providing the best cardiovascular care that can be found in the world right here in his home state. He feels fortunate to be part of the WakeMed Heart Center because of the unique way he and his colleagues including anesthesiologists, physician assistants, surgical and heart center nurses, physical therapists, and many others commit to individual patient care.

Patients may expect from Dr. Williams a clear plan of care, compassion, and a patient-centered approach throughout their surgical consultation, procedures, and recovery. “I enjoy getting to know each of my patients as a person. When I see a patient, I join their team and commit to the best solutions for that patient and his/her family.”

Dr. Williams and his wife Margaret have three children.