Dr. Michael “Mickey” Ising, brings more than surgical skill to the St. Elizabeth cardiac surgery team – he brings the mindset of an engineer. Before he ever stepped into an operating room, Dr. Ising was immersed in the world of biomedical engineering. He worked on artificial heart technology – designing mechanical systems that could replicate the rhythm and reliability of the human heart. But something was missing.
“I realized I wanted to be the one helping the patient directly – not just designing the devices,” he explains. “I wanted to be in the room, talking to the person whose life might depend on what I do.”
That realization led him to medical school, where he traded circuit boards for scalpels and began a new journey: repairing the real thing. Today, Dr. Ising brings the same analytical mindset to cardiac surgery, approaching each case with precision, planning and a deep understanding of how structure affects function.
Bridging Two Worlds
Dr. Ising’s engineering background isn’t just a footnote – it’s a foundation. He approaches surgery like a systems problem, thinking through flow, pressure and structure with the same clarity he once applied to mechanical design. “Surgery is problem-solving. You’re working with anatomy, timing and mechanics – it’s about understanding how everything fits together,” he says.
His methodical approach and clear communication style helps him explain complex procedures to patients in ways that make sense. “I might compare a valve to a gasket, or a bypass to rerouting traffic around a blocked road,” he says. “When patients understand what’s happening, they feel more confident going into surgery.”
Bringing Expertise Home
Dr. Ising grew up in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and after years of training and practice, he chose to return to the region to serve the community that helped shape him. At St. Elizabeth, he’s part of a team that delivers nationally recognized cardiac care. Whether he’s performing coronary bypass surgery or valve repair, Dr. Ising combines technical skill with genuine compassion, earning the trust of patients and families across the region. “It’s a privilege to do this work,” he says. “To hold someone’s heart in your hands and know they trust you – that’s not something I take lightly.”
Ready to Meet Dr. Ising?
Visit our website to learn more about Dr. Ising’s approach, specialties and philosophy of care.
Call (859) 301-9010 to schedule a heart surgery consultation with Dr. Ising.
