Meindert Palmen graduated (cum laude) in 2001 as a medical doctor at the Maastricht University. In 2003 he obtained his PhD and started his residency in cardiothoracic surgery at Maastricht University Medical Centre. After finishing his residency in cardiothoracic surgery in 2009, he moved to Leiden University Medical Centre to be appointed to his current position as consulting cardiothoracic surgeon in both Leiden University Medical Centre Leiden, where he is also involved in both clinical and basic scientific research programs. His areas of interest are reconstructive valve surgery and mechanical circulatory support. Currently he is eading the mechanical circulatory support program and the (robotic and conventional) mitral valve repair program. He is a member of the EACTS task force on Robotic Cardiac surgery and member of the EACTS Innovation Working group, robotic section. In 2025 he was appointed as full professor in cardiothoracic surgery for Leiden University and LUMC.