Co-Chair (2023-2026)
Vice-Chair (2015-2018, 2019-2023)
Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery for the University of Rochester at Arnot Hospital in Elmira, NY (ret.)
Medical Humanitarian, Africa, Asia & South America

Nche Zama, MD, PhD, was the Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery for the University of Rochester at Arnot Hospital in Elmira, NY.

Dr. Zama trained in cardiothoracic surgery and pediatric cardiac surgery at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital.  He completed specialized training in cardiac valve and complex cardiac surgery at the University of Paris, Broussais Hospital under the tutelage of world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Alain Carpentier. Dr. Zama also trained at the Cleveland Clinic, where he served as Chief Resident and was awarded the George and Grace Crile Traveling Fellowship Award for Exceptional Clinical Skills and Performance.

He earned his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati, holds a PhD in Chemistry and a Master of Science Degree in Management from Harvard University. He was recently named by Consumer Reports among the Top 27 Heart Surgeons in America. Dr. Zama has a passion for Medical Humanitarianism and has conducted missions in Africa, Asia, and South America. Cameroonian by birth, he helped establish and supports the successful Nusan Elementary School in Bamenda, Cameroon. In addition, he is a longtime supporter of Good Shepherd Home and Good Shepherd Academy.