Cardiology & Heart Surgery

Nikki Posnack, PhD

Nikki Posnack, PhD, named as Foglia-Hills Professor of Pediatric Cardiac Research

Nikki Posnack, PhD

Dr. Posnack joins a distinguished group of Children’s National physicians and scientists who hold an endowed chair.

Children’s National Hospital has appointed Nikki Posnack, PhD, as the Foglia-Hills Professor of Pediatric Cardiac Research.

Dr. Posnack serves as a principal investigator for the Sheikh Zayed Institute of Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National. Her laboratory is part of both the Children’s National Heart and Lung Center and the Sheikh Zayed Institute.

The big picture

Dr. Posnack joins a distinguished group of Children’s National physicians and scientists who hold an endowed chair. Children’s National is grateful to generous donors who have altogether funded 51 professorships.

Professorships support groundbreaking work on behalf of children and their families and foster new discoveries and innovations in pediatric medicine. These appointments carry prestige and honor that reflect the recipient’s achievements and the donor’s commitment to advancing and sustaining knowledge.

Why it matters

Dr. Posnack’s research is transforming our understanding of pediatric cardiac health. She leads a multidisciplinary team conducting pioneering studies on cardiac electrophysiology, environmental exposures during heart surgery and personalized treatments for children. Notably, the team’s findings on plastic chemical exposure during cardiopulmonary bypass operations are influencing clinical care for young patients with congenital heart disease.

“I am deeply honored to be named Foglia-Hills Professor of Pediatric Cardiac Research,” Dr. Posnack says. “It is a powerful opportunity to amplify the mission of my lab: to help make cardiac care safer, less invasive and more effective for kids. The role will help accelerate discovery and bring meaningful innovations from the lab to bedside.”

Moving the field forward

Paul and Barbara Hills and Vincent and Patricia Foglia established this endowed professorship over a decade ago. Through their vision and generosity, they are ensuring that Dr. Posnack and future holders of this professorship will launch bold, new initiatives to rapidly advance the field of pediatric cardiac research, elevate our leadership and improve the lifetimes of children with special hearts.

“This professorship shows the incredible foresight of the Foglia and Hills families, who believe in driving progress through research,” says Wayne J. Franklin, MD, MBA, senior vice president of the Children’s National Heart and Lung Center. “Dr. Posnack is a true leader in the field, and this support will help her continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in caring for patients with heart disease.”

doctor listening to woman's heart with a stethoscope

National guidelines for adult congenital heart disease updated for the second time

doctor listening to woman's heart with a stethoscope

Today, nearly 2 million adults in the United States are living with a congenital heart defect — more adults than children.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA), and several other leading medical associations, have collaborated on a guideline to help care providers manage congenital heart disease in adults. The updated guideline replaces a previous iteration issued in 2018 and draws on research published from 2017 to 2024.

“When the first guideline came out in 2008, it served to educate providers that adults with congenital heart disease have unique recommendations for their care, said Anitha John, MD, medical director of the Washington Adult Congenital Heart Program at Children’s National Hospital, and co-author of the new guideline. “This third iteration delivers a series of important additions and updates that will guide our practice patterns and continue to improve quality of life for our patients.”

What it means

The guidelines are created based on a rigorous process that includes literature reviews, a classification system for recommendations and specific levels of required evidence for inclusion.

The new version adds evidence-based guidance in several key areas:

  • The vital role of clinicians with specialized expertise to guide care
  • Updates regarding the importance of mental health assessment and support
  • More robust physical activity recommendations
  • Additional insight into managing care for pregnancy or people with congenital heart disease who wish to become pregnant
  • Clinical recommendations related to:
    • Heart failure
    • Treatment approaches for specific types of heart defects

Why it matters

Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect. As treatments for congenital heart defects have improved, children with these conditions are living long into adulthood. Today, nearly 2 million adults in the United States are living with a congenital heart defect — more adults than children.

“It was an honor and privilege to be part of the writing group for this iteration of guidelines,” noted Dr. John. “It’s a testament to how far we’ve come that this latest version was able to draw on a new, significant body of evidence aligned with many of our patients’ own priorities for their care. That’s the magic of patient-centered research — findings from our studies can improve clinical knowledge about what matters most to the people we care for.”

Dr. John and her team at Children’s National led the Congenital Heart Initiative (CHI), a study focused on developing the first patient-powered registry for adults with congenital heart disease. Registry data and participants contributed evidence and insight on topics people with congenital heart disease identify as important, including pregnancy, neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health.

Read the AHA press release: ACC/AHA issue new guideline on managing congenital heart disease in adults

Read the full guideline: 2025 ACC/AHA/HRS/ISACHD/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

A presentation at at the 62nd Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual Meeting

Cardiac surgery team brings pediatric cardiac surgery innovation and research to STS Annual Meeting

A presentation at at the 62nd Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual MeetingThe division of pediatric cardiac surgery at Children’s National Hospital had a record number of oral and poster presentations at the 62nd Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual Meeting. The STS Annual Meeting is one of the most preeminent education events for both adult and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.

Children’s National presentations:

Posters

  • Outcomes of Ross Procedure using Freestanding Technique versus Ross Inclusion Technique: A Single Surgeon Experience, Yves d’Udekem, MD, PhD
  • After the Lateral Tunnel Fontan, the Intra-atrial Channel Grows and Remains Pulsatile, Expanding in Systole, Muhammed Ikbal Aydin, MD
  • Tricuspid Valve Repair with Annular Base Patch Leaflet Augmentation in Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Muhammed Ikbal Aydin, MD
  • Recurrence Risk in Subaortic Stenosis: A Comparative Study of Primary and Secondary Lesions, Aybala Tongut, MD
  • Incomplete AVSD: Subtype-Specific Risk Factors and Outcomes Over Two Decades, Aybala Tongut, MD
  • Unroofing Versus Reimplantation Surgical Techniques for Anomalous Aortic Origin of Coronary Arteries Yield Similar Outcomes, Manan Desai, MD
  • Implementation of Elective Exit Angiography after Pediatric Repair of Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Coronary Artery, Manan Desai, MD

Oral abstracts A presentation at at the 62nd Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Annual Meeting

  • Longitudinal Assessment of Laryngeal Ultrasound for Vocal Fold Screening in Pediatrics Post Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lauren Praiss
  • Vocal Cord Palsy in Neonates and Infants after Cardiac Surgery Carries Significant Burden of Care, Aybala Tongut, MD
  • Relationship between Timing of Surgery and Procedure-Specific Outcomes in Neonatal Congenital Heart Surgery, Syed Bukhari, MD
  • Comparative Study of Long-term Outcomes in Infants Undergoing RVOT Reconstruction using Femoral Vein, Pulmonary and Aortic Homograft Conduits, Manan Desai, MD
  • Salvage Left Main Coronary Artery Reimplantation During Arterial Switch Operation, Muhammed Ikbal Aydin, MD

The society’s meeting theme, Teaching for Tomorrow Together, celebrated STS’s dedication to innovation, training the next generation and moving the specialty forward through collaboration and community. This theme aligns closely with the collaborative approach to clinical care, research and education embraced by the Children’s National Heart and Lung Center, leading to the launch of a pediatric cardiac research hub called the Heart Research Institute at Children’s National Hospital.

illustration of a heart

Children’s National announces Heart Research Institute, advancing pediatric cardiac research

illustration of a heart

The research institute aims to transform care and enhance long-term quality of life for children and adults with heart disease — from prenatal stages throughout their lives.

A new dedicated research arm within the Heart and Lung Center at Children’s National Hospital will supercharge efforts to improve the safety, effectiveness and accessibility of pediatric heart care locally, nationally and around the world. The initiative was made possible by over $12 million in philanthropic support for pediatric cardiac research.

“We care for the sickest children and the most complex cases here,” says Yves d’Udekem, MD, chief of Cardiac Surgery at Children’s National and executive director of the Heart Research Institute. “Every challenge in the operating room pushes me back to the lab, to asking questions and finding new ideas that can make care better for children and families. The Heart Research Institute is a place where we can test new ideas, change practice and build new programs. Here, we will change our field. It is already happening.”

The research institute aims to transform care and enhance long-term quality of life for children and adults with heart disease — from prenatal stages throughout their lives. It will focus on five core pillars:

  • Transformative research to uncover the inner workings of heart disease and drive both earlier detection and better interventions for mothers and their babies.
  • Brain and mental health care investigations to support both maternal well-being and the developing brains of children with heart disease.
  • Studies to improve lifelong care for children with critical and chronic heart conditions.
  • Optimization of cutting-edge technology to improve short- and long-term outcomes.
  • Exploring evidence-based strategies to increase heart care accessibility so everyone gets the right care when they need it.

graphic showing research that will occur at the Heart Research Institute

As an integral component within the Children’s National Heart and Lung Center, the Heart Research Institute’s focus on earlier detection, better treatments and wellness support for children and families facing heart conditions can, and will, be directly translated into research-backed, family-centered clinical practices.

“Research is the backbone of every medical breakthrough,” says Wayne J. Franklin, MD, MBA, senior vice president of the Children’s National Heart and Lung Center at Children’s National. “It drives us to refine and enhance our clinical practices, to deliver the best possible care for children and families and never settle for ‘good enough.’ Our dedicated focus on research and innovation through our Heart Research Institute will set new benchmarks in cardiovascular care.”

The Lead in Peds logo

Podcast: Beyond Survival: Redefining cardiac rehab to improve quality of life

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Cardiac Research Symposium flyer

Advancing Pediatric Heart Care: Highlights from the 2026 Children’s National Cardiac Research Symposium

Cardiac Research Symposium flyerOn February 6, 2026, Children’s National Hospital hosted its second annual Cardiac Research Symposium at the Research and Innovation Campus, bringing together leading clinicians, scientists and researchers from across the US and Europe to showcase innovations in pediatric and congenital heart care. The symposium highlighted how collaboration and discovery are driving improvements for children and families.

The symposium was organized around four key themes:

  • Artificial Intelligence in Cardiology: Researchers shared how AI is transforming diagnosis and treatment, from predicting Kawasaki Disease outcomes to improving survival in critical heart conditions.
  • Genetics & Environment: Experts explored the impact of genetics, environmental exposures, and industrial contaminants on congenital heart health.
  • Heart Start: Presentations highlighted family-centered research in the pediatric cardiac ICU, including stress reduction programs for parents, the benefits of feeding post-operative cardiac infants with human milk, and skin-to-skin care initiatives.
  • Exercise & Rehabilitation: The latest findings from pediatric cardiac rehabilitation, including the QUALIREHAB trial, demonstrated ways to improve activity, outcomes and quality of life for young patients.

In addition to the presentations, the event featured poster sessions highlighting emerging research in areas such as fitness assessment, preventive cardiology and novel surgical techniques.

The symposium reflects Children’s National’s commitment to turning research into real-world impact — bringing innovations from the bench to the bedside, impacting outcomes and creating new possibilities for patients with congenital heart conditions.

US News 2025-26 Honor Roll badge

U.S. News & World Report voting

US News 2025-26 Honor Roll badgeChildren’s National is ranked one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our faculty and staff are proud of the impact made on the lives of children and families in our community. Your participation in the U.S. News & World Report annual reputational survey validates the quality of care we provide and reflects the mutual respect and trust we share as healthcare professionals.

How to determine your voting eligibility

Voting for the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings can be done only through Doximity.

To participate, physicians must:

  • Be board-certified and meet the eligibility criteria for the voting categories.
  • For child and adolescent psychologists, your account must be up to date with your specialty and subspecialty correctly marked.
  • Be a credential-verified member of Doximity (you must have an active and claimed Doximity profile).
  • Have all certifications and board documents currently up-to-date in your Doximity profile.

View the full eligibility criteria

How to claim your Doximity profile to vote

  • You have to claim your profile on Doximity.com to participate in the online survey. If you have not yet claimed your Doximity profile, go to Doximity.com, and click “Find My Profile.”
  • Once your profile has been claimed, you must confirm your email address and board certifications.
  • Verified Doximity members will receive an email inviting them to participate in the U.S. News survey.
  • For more information on how to claim your profile, visit Doximity.com

How to update and verify existing Doximity account information

Your Doximity profile must have up-to-date licenses, certifications and board documents.

  • Once you are logged in, your profile will automatically be in “Edit Mode.” You are able to add new items or edit existing information.
  • Update your Doximity profile and ensure your information is current.

Once registered, users wishing to participate in the online survey should:

  • Watch for an email from Doximity about the annual member survey.
  • Even if you don’t see the email, if you are a registered Doximity user, you can still vote by logging in to Doximity.com with your username and password during the voting period.
  • Once logged in, look for a U.S. News graphic or button on the homepage and click on it.
  • The survey asks users to name the hospitals that provide the best care in your respective specialty, without consideration to location or cost. Pediatric specialists will list 10 hospitals. The order in which you list the hospitals does not matter.

Please note: Children’s National Hospital is listed as “Children’s National Hospital Washington, DC” on the survey.

Visit Doximity’s FAQs if you have issues or questions about registration or claiming your profile.

How to cast your vote

In February 2026 when voting opens, all survey-eligible physicians will receive a notification on the Doximity app for Android or iOS. If you do not use the Doximity app, you will receive an email when voting opens.

  1. Log in to your Doximity account at doximity.com or via the mobile app.
  2. Click the Notifications icon or tap the “Submit your Nominations” button on the homepage. You can also search for “U.S. News Best Hospitals”
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  4. Submit your vote

Having technical issues?

If you have difficulty registering with Doximity or completing the survey, please visit Doximity support for assistance.

Vote

The 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals reputation voting will open in mid-February. Look for your Doximity notification to vote.

Cast your vote
Advertisement for the 2025 World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac rehabilitation for children at WCPCCS

Advertisement for the 2025 World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

Dr. Amedro presented his research on three-pronged cardiac rehabilition for children at WCPCCS in Hong Kong.

Adult cardiac rehabilitation models can be applied to children with thoughtful pediatric adaptation, Pascal Amedro, MD, pediatric cardiologist and researcher from Children’s National Hospital, told the audience at the 2025 World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. Often, pediatric cardiac rehabilitation is reduced to exercise only, which is why previous trials have been unsuccessful, he added. When designed to incorporate developmental, psychosocial, cognitive and educational components, research shows these programs are very effective for children with a multitude of chronic illnesses.

What it means

Dr. Amedro presented evidence for the success of a multi-faceted pediatric cardiac rehabilitation program that is offered in a hybrid format: a mix of in-person training and virtual support. “Hybrid programs improve fitness, health-related quality of life and mental health,” he said. “Pediatric cardiac rehabilitation can be feasible, scalable and effective.”

Even better, the research shows that programs like Dr. Amedro’s QUALIREHAB are effective for more children, adolescents and teens than just those who are recovering from a heart condition. These programs make a big difference in physical, emotional and physical health for children with many different chronic diseases.

Why it matters

Dr. Amedro and pediatric colleagues noted that treatment advances over the last 20 years in pediatric medicine mean that more children are living long after treatment for a chronic condition. Instead of the sole goal being to survive these illnesses, researchers are focused on improving long term quality of life. Successful cardiac rehabilitation will help pediatric patients recover and get stronger physically and mentally.

Children’s National leads the way

Children’s National is shifting conventional thinking away from short-term survival and toward a focus on long-term quality of life. In 2025, the hospital began to publish first-of-its-kind data on long term outcomes after cardiac surgery, focused on helping parents and providers get a better idea of what life will be like for children up to 20 years after surgery.

Additionally, Dr. Amedro and Jared Hershensen, MD, plan to launch this evidence-based, three-pronged hybrid approach, QUALIREHAB,, as a clinical offering for children with chronic diseases, including congenital heart disease and cancers.

Two doctors discussing imagine results

3D modeling and virtual visualization takes cardiac surgery planning to the next level

Cardiac surgeons in the Children’s National benefit from 3D modeling for complex surgical planning and patient education.

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Anatomically accurate, illustrated image of atrioventricular septal defect repair

‘Delicate’ and thoughtful approach to AVSD repair shows promise in 5-year review

Anatomically accurate, illustrated image of atrioventricular septal defect repair

Anatomically accurate, illustrated images like this one enhance the article’s explanation of specific AVSD techniques that improve outcomes.

A five-year retrospective study of 63 complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repairs that applied a patience-filled, consistent and refined approach showed low operative mortality, reduced postoperative length of stay and low rates of readmission or reoperation at Children’s National Hospital. The approach, outlined by cardiac surgeon Aybala Tongut, MD and illustrated by medical illustrator Sofia Hanabergh, shows the artistry and technical expertise required for each patient’s unique anatomy.

Dr. Tongut writes, “Each repair is a quiet dialogue with the heart. Our role is to listen with our hands.”

What it means

“Despite the wealth of knowledge in cardiac surgery, reliable technique guidance for AVSD repair especially one that addresses tactile judgment and intraoperative variability — remains surprisingly scarce,” says Dr. Tongut in the article’s introduction. This manuscript aims to provide more detailed outlines and images that will allow other surgeons in the field to replicate the approach that applies through “delicate traction and thoughtful positioning.”

The procedure is a two-patch repair strategy emphasizing tactile feedback, valve-centric technique and “surgical humility.”

Since 2020, Children’s National cardiac surgeons performed 63 two-patch repairs. Operative mortality was 1.59%. Median postoperative length of stay among discharged patients was 10 days. Readmissions occurred in 12.7%, and reoperations in 6.3% of patients.

These outcomes show remarkable consistency for a procedure that is known for its inherently variable nature.

Children’s National leads the way

Cardiac surgeons at Children’s National are leaders in the field and constantly refining new approaches to improve outcomes for children with congenital heart disease. In addition to creating new approaches or perfecting existing ones, the team aims to disseminate evidence-based techniques as widely as possible so that every child with AVSD has the best possible chance to not only survive their congenital heart defect, but also potentially avoid additional procedures for as long as possible.

For AVSD, physicians and families should consider both short-term outcomes, as reflected in Dr. Tongut’s manuscript, but also be aware of the long-term outcomes for these repairs. Children’s National is one of the only children’s hospitals in the U.S. to publish long-term outcomes for some of the most common cardiovascular surgeries performed at the institution.

Read the article, A Surgeon’s Reflection on the Refined Two-Patch Technique for Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect Repair, in the journal Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

2025 with a lightbulb instead of a zero

The best of 2025 from Innovation District

2025 with a lightbulb instead of a zero

In 2025, Innovation District readers gravitated toward stories that explored how research and clinical innovation are reshaping pediatric care in real time. This year’s most popular articles highlighted advances in complex surgical care, evidence-based treatments for chronic and neuropsychiatric conditions and emerging technologies — from wearable data to artificial intelligence — that are changing how clinicians diagnose, treat and support children and families. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2025.

1. Life-changing care: How Children’s National tackles pediatric cervical spine injuries

The Cervical Spine program at Children’s National Hospital is responsible for treating a range of conditions, including trauma, congenital abnormalities and tumors. These conditions can lead to instability or misalignment of the cervical spine. “There are unique challenges in pediatric cases due to anatomical differences. The cervical spines of children are more at risk for injury because of their developmental stage and structural characteristics,” says Matthew Oetgen, MD, MBA, chief of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Children’s National.
(2 min. read)

2. Pioneering evidence-based treatments for substance addictions

Increasing evidence-based treatment is a key component of the Addictions Program at Children’s National Hospital, created in 2022 and led by Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD. “We really want to focus on intervening in an evidence-based manner in the primary care setting because that is where most of our patients are going to first access care outside of the emergency room,” explains Dr. Kaliamurthy.
(3 min. read)

3. Breaking barriers in growth disorder treatment for families

For many children with short stature and other rare genetic growth disorders, there have been no next steps after usual treatment options prove ineffective. Researchers at Children’s National Hospital are digging deeper to find the root genetic causes of short stature disorders and creating novel, nuanced treatment options that have the opportunity to change how the field approaches these cases.
(4 min. read)

4. The link between metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular disease in children with CKD

Denver D. Brown, MD, nephrologist at Children’s National, is looking at whether untreated metabolic acidosis could potentially contribute to cardiovascular outcomes in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, she explains her motivation, findings and future directions for this critical research.
(3 min. read)

5. Therapy approach shows promise for PANS/PANDAS

A multidisciplinary therapy model developed at Children’s National shows promise for children with PANS and PANDAS, significantly reducing symptoms through structured cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-centered care. The approach could offer a new standard for treating these rare, complex neuropsychiatric disorders.
(2 min. read)

6. Wearable tech data shows promise in ADHD detection

A study from Children’s National reveals that common wearable devices like Fitbits may hold the key to improving how we identify Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents. By analyzing patterns in heart rate, activity levels and energy expenditure, researchers were able to predict ADHD diagnoses with striking accuracy, offering a glimpse into a future where objective, real-time data supports earlier and more personalized mental healthcare.
(2 min. read)

7. Novel pediatric pacemaker shows safety, effectiveness for fragile infants in multi-center study

A novel implantable pacemaker designed specifically for infants has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in stabilizing heart rhythms for at least two years. The multi-center study of 29 infants showed stable pacing, normal electrical parameters and expected battery life, offering a viable alternative to standard-size devices for the smallest children.
(2 min. read)

8. Socioeconomic disadvantage associated with higher long-term mortality for children after heart surgery

Children who had heart surgery and come from less advantaged neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C., region are much more likely to die in the long term than those from neighborhoods with more wealth and opportunity. The finding was part of a presentation titled, Socioeconomic Disadvantage Is Associated with Higher Long-Term Mortality After Cardiac Surgery, by Jennifer Klein, MD, MPH, cardiologist at Children’s National Hospital, during the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
(2 min. read)

9. Children’s National brings AI into the RHD early diagnosis equation

Experts from Children’s National traveled to Uganda to continue work on a pilot program applying artificial intelligence (AI) to the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The team created a tool that uses AI to predict RHD by identifying leaky heart valves on handheld ultrasound devices, then prompts a referral for a full echocardiogram.
(2 min. read)

10. Fighting food insecurity with fresh produce and education

Food insecurity is rising in Washington, D.C. and it’s hitting families with children the hardest. That’s why Children’s National Hospital created the Family Lifestyle Program (FLiP) – a multi-layered intervention, which offers Patient Navigation (FLiP-PN) and a Produce Prescription Intervention (FLiPRx). FLiP is a Food Is Medicine, clinical-community initiative that helps families get access to fresh food, build healthy habits and lower their risk of diet-related diseases like diabetes and obesity.
(3 min. read)

collage of news outlet logos

Children’s National in the News: 2025

collage of news outlet logosIn 2025, Children’s National Hospital was featured in major national news outlets for pioneering advances in pediatric care, groundbreaking clinical research and powerful human stories of healing and hope. From gene therapy for sickle cell disease and innovative pacemakers for newborns to breakthrough transplants, cancer trials and emerging mental health concerns like AI psychosis, these stories highlight the hospital’s leadership across the full spectrum of pediatric medicine. The following ten highlights showcase the patients, families and experts behind this impact, as reported by outlets including NBC News, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, USA Today, Healio, ABC News and ESPN.

1. Gene therapy treatment gives new hope to sickle cell patients

Children’s National patient Wedam, 19, begins the first steps for intensive gene therapy for sickle cell disease, discussing his skepticism while his mother expresses her joy and gratitude for the treatment. (NBC News)

2. Little pacemakers ‘reliable’ in stabilizing newborns needing pacing

Charles Berul, MD, pediatric electrophysiologist and emeritus chief of Cardiology, discusses his study highlighting the safety and efficacy of an innovative smaller pacemaker designed for newborns with critical congenital heart disease. (Healio)

3. Why this clinical trial is offering some young cancer patients hope

Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, senior vice president and chief research officer, and the NexTGen team are poised to recruit patients for a new clinical trial that will take on an old, implacable foe: children’s solid tumors. (The Washington Post)

4. 11-year-old receives living donor heart valve to replace artificial one in breakthrough surgery

Yves d’Udekem, MD, PhD, chief of Cardiac Surgery, talked to Good Morning America about how an 11-year-old’s groundbreaking partial heart transplant will change his life and the lives of other children in need of valve replacements. (Good Morning America)

5. 9-year-old fights brain cancer with magic in her heart

The Lilabean Foundation along with Brian Rood, MD, medical director of the Brain Tumor Institute, talked about how patients like Kasey Zachman are the motivation behind finding a cure for brain cancer. (ABC News)

6. How Little League helps father-son duo recover from kidney transplant

USA Today Sports spoke with Gavin Brown and his parents, as well as Yi Shi, MD, a pediatric nephrologist at Children’s National Hospital, about their kidney transplant journey. (USA Today)

7. Jayden Daniels surprises Children’s National patient

After Jayden Daniels visited Commanders fan Sarah Addison at Children’s National Hospital while she was being treated for myeloid leukemia, they quickly became friends. (ESPN)

8. At D.C. children’s hospital, opera singers offer light, hope and healing

International opera stars performed for children, their families and employees at Children’s National Hospital. (The Washington Post)

9. ‘Gift of life:’ Tiny heart transplant saves life of Maryland baby

A baby boy in Maryland is back home after being given a second chance at life, just before his first birthday. The boy’s mother and his surgeon, Manan Desai, MD, share the remarkable story of a moment that changed all of their lives. (NBC4)

10. AI psychosis: Kids left delusional and paranoid over conversations with chatbots

Ashley Maxie-Moreman, PhD, clinical psychologist, spoke to ABC7 about what AI psychosis is and what parents need to know. (ABC7)

Lillian Su, MD

Lillian Su, MD, returns to Children’s National to serve as chief of Cardiac Critical Care

Lillian Su, MDLillian Su, MD, has joined Children’s National Hospital as chief of Cardiac Critical Care. Dr. Su is a nationally recognized expert in cardiac critical care medicine and team dynamics.

“There is a lot of opportunity for innovation in cardiac critical care with the monumental leaps that technology and AI have taken in the past few years.” Dr. Su said. “Children’s National has the right type of experts who are both creative as well as clinically excellent to be at the forefront of that type of innovative care, especially in a city such as Washington, D.C.”

She is current president of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS) and returns to Children’s National where she was an attending cardiac critical care medicine physician from 2008 to 2016 and Medical Director of the Board of Visitors Simulation program.  Most recently, she was medical director of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and before that served as director of the simulation program at the Heart Center of Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital.

In addition to her clinical leadership, Dr. Su’s established research and academic work focuses on human behavior and team dynamics during cardiac arrest events. She has published research and presented on the complicated intersection of human skills and technology, including discussions of how to optimize partnerships between the necessary roles of humans in patient care and the integration of technology to enhance that care. Her work has been presented at the Academy of Management, the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, the American College of Cardiology, the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), PCICS, and most recently at the World Congress of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. She has been the co-editor of two simulation books, Comprehensive Healthcare Simulation: ECMO simulation and Neonatal and Pediatric ECMO Simulation Scenarios. She serves on the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines for Resuscitation Pediatric Task Force.

“I’m honored and delighted to welcome Dr. Su back to Children’s National,” says Wayne J. Franklin, MD, MBA, senior vice president of the Children’s National Heart and Lung Center. “She is a dedicated clinician and an international leader who is committed to excellence in patient care, research and education. The Heart and Lung Center team, along with the patients and families we serve, will greatly benefit from her exceptional expertise and leadership.”

Dr. Su is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric critical care. She completed fellowships in pediatric critical care medicine at Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh and cardiac critical care medicine at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Su attended medical school at Temple University in Philadelphia and completed residency and internship at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Pascal Amedro, MD, PhD

Pascal Amedro, MD, PhD, named as inaugural Dunn Family Professor of Cardiac Research

Pascal Amedro, MD, PhD

Dr. Amedro joins a distinguished group of Children’s National physicians and scientists who hold an endowed chair.

Children’s National Hospital named Pascal Amedro, MD, PhD, as the inaugural Dunn Family Professor of Cardiac Research.

Dr. Amedro began his role as a senior pediatric cardiologist and researcher in Children’s National Heart and Lung Center and as professor of pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in September 2025. He will focus on advancing care and research to improve rehabilitation and lifelong health for children and young adults with congenital heart disease and other chronic conditions.

The big picture

Dr. Amedro joins a distinguished group of Children’s National physicians and scientists who hold an endowed chair. Children’s National is grateful to generous donors who have altogether funded 51 professorships.

Professorships support groundbreaking work on behalf of children and their families. They foster new discoveries and innovations in pediatric medicine. These appointments carry prestige and honor that reflects both the recipient’s achievements and the donor’s commitment to advancing and sustaining knowledge.

Why it matters

Children with congenital heart disease and those with cardiovascular risks linked to chronic conditions are living longer than ever thanks to medical advances, but many still struggle with physical and emotional challenges that follow treatment.

Dr. Amedro is an internationally recognized physician-scientist with a long history of advancing pediatric cardiac care and research. At Children’s National, he plans to introduce QUALIREHAB, a research-based cardiac rehabilitation program he developed and validated in Europe. The 12-week hybrid model combines hospital sessions with guided home exercise, patient education and psychosocial support. Designed to help patients stay active and confident, it has been shown to improve aerobic fitness, patient autonomy, cardiovascular health, mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Previously, Dr. Amedro was a pediatric cardiologist at Bordeaux University Hospital and professor of pediatrics at University of Bordeaux. Currently on academic leave from France, he continues to lead the QUALIREHAB research program in Europe. Earlier in his career, he led the Department of Pediatrics at Montpellier University Hospital, where he founded the pediatric clinical research unit and launched several national and international programs in pediatric cardiology.

As the Dunn Family Professor of Cardiac Research, Dr. Amedro will lead efforts to make prevention a cornerstone of cardiac care — turning research in exercise and rehabilitation into real-world programs that help kids live fuller, healthier lives.

“It’s an honor to join Children’s National and become the first Dunn Family Professor of Cardiac Research,” Dr. Amedro says. “By intervening early and helping families integrate these tools at home, we can give patients a better quality of life and hopefully prevent many of the long-term difficulties they face. I’m deeply grateful to the Dunn family for helping us build a future where children have the chance to live not just longer, but better.”

Moving the field forward

The Dunn family, through their vision and generosity, are ensuring that Dr. Amedro and future holders of this professorship will launch bold initiatives to rapidly advance the field of cardiac research, elevate our leadership and improve the lifetimes of children with heart disease.

Laurie and Colin Dunn’s youngest son, Cannon, was born with congenital heart disease in 2020. He underwent open-heart surgery at four days old. Thanks to expert care at Children’s National, he is now thriving at almost 5 years old. Colin and Laurie — together with Colin’s parents, George and Carroll, and his sister Catie and her husband Jerry — have since given back to advance heart research and support other families. Their most recent $2.5 million gift established the Dunn Family Professorship in Cardiac Research and helped launch a nurse-led research initiative aiming to transform cardiac intensive care unit care to reduce stress for infants and parents and enhance coping.

“We’re forever grateful to the surgeons and care team at Children’s National who saved Cannon’s life,” says George Dunn. “This gift is deeply personal for our family, and we are honored to give back by supporting research that will improve care and outcomes for future generations.”

baby in the NICU

Understanding infant stress in intensive care is critical to patient long-term wellbeing

baby in the NICU

A comprehensive study of available peer-reviewed research found several common categories of stressors for all intensive care environments, specifically based on data from the NICU and PICU.

Critically ill infants who must spend their early days after birth in an intensive care environment such as neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) face a multitude of overlapping stressors that can impact long-term neurodevelopment and well-being. A comprehensive study of available peer-reviewed research found several common categories of stressors for all intensive care environments, specifically based on data from the NICU and PICU. However, the nurse-researchers did not find any studies looking at the additional challenges faced by infants with congenital heart disease who begin their lives in the CICU.

 The study, conducted by cardiac intensive care providers at Children’s National Hospital, including lead author Christine Riley, PhD, RN, APRN, a nurse practitioner in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), reiterates the importance of understanding these stressors, how they impact already fragile newborns and how best to mitigate them and give every infant their best chance to thrive during and after an intensive care unit stay.

Why it matters

The findings, that infants in intensive care face a multitude of overlapping stressors caused by their environment, routine care and painful procedures, show that these vulnerable patients experience a significant cumulative stress burden. As the authors note, these stressful encounters have profound short- and long-term physiological and neurodevelopmental impacts, highlighting the importance of finding these sources of stress and taking steps to reduce them wherever possible. They write that efforts to do so are, “fundamental to improving patient care and optimizing recovery in this vulnerable population.”

The review also revealed a missed opportunity in the research to date — the specific experiences of infants with congenital heart disease in the CICU. The unique anatomy of and different standards of care required for babies born with heart disease likely create additional stress factors influencing both short- and long-term growth and development.

Children’s National leads the way

Dr. Riley and colleagues point out that, “studies to date overwhelmingly focus on preterm infants in neonatal intensive care settings, with limited research addressing the stressful experiences of infants with congenital heart disease, highlighting a crucial area for future investigation.”

An innovative nurse-led clinical research program in the CICU at Children’s National brings bedside care providers and families together in the unit for collaborations that will focus on identifying those CICU-specific stressors and create efforts to improve the neurodevelopment and long-term quality of life for infants who start their lives there.

The program’s research portfolio seeks to define and measure stress and the impact of the stress burden for both families and infants. The program hopes to also develop wellness tools for families that can be administered as part of routine bedside care to help set parents and their babies up for greater resilience in the face of current and future challenges.

Read the study, Understanding Infant Stress in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care: A Scoping Review, in the journal Intensive Care Medicine – Paediatric and Neonatal.

Lowell Frank, MD, with the 2025 Maria Serratto Master Educator Award

Lowell Frank, MD, honored with 2025 Maria Serratto Master Educator Award

Lowell Frank, MD, with the 2025 Maria Serratto Master Educator Award

A leader in pediatric cardiology education for nearly two decades, Dr. Frank has directed the fellowship program since 2015, mentoring nearly 70 fellows.

Lowell Frank, MD, has been awarded the 2025 Maria Serratto Master Educator Award by the American Academy of Pediatrics – Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. This prestigious honor recognizes exceptional leadership in teaching and mentorship in pediatric cardiology. Dr. Frank joins a distinguished group of Children’s National recipients whose work has helped shape the future of pediatric medical education.

About Lowell Frank, MD

Dr. Frank has been part of Children’s National for nearly 20 years, initially arriving for fellowships in pediatric cardiology and advanced imaging. He joined the fellowship leadership team in 2012 and has directed the program since 2015, mentoring nearly 70 fellows. A recognized educator, Dr. Frank has received multiple teaching honors, including the Jodi Pike Teaching Award and the Elda Arce Teaching Scholar Award.

Nationally, he served on the board of the Society of Pediatric Cardiology Training Program Directors (2015–2023), including as President, and represented pediatric cardiology on the Council of Pediatric Subspecialties. He has contributed extensively to national training standards, co-authoring key educational frameworks for the American Board of Pediatrics and ACGME and leading initiatives such as the EPA Revision and Workforce Modeling Project for pediatric cardiology.

“Dr. Frank’s dedication to cultivating future pediatric specialists has been manifested in his teaching, curriculum development and mentorship. His influence reaches beyond our walls — guiding trainees, enriching educational programs and exemplifying excellence to the pediatric community at large.”  said Wayne Franklin, MD, senior vice president of the Children’s National Heart and Lung Center.

Children’s National at the PCICS Annual Meeting

Empowering pediatric cardiac care teams: Highlights from Children’s National at the PCICS Annual Meeting

Children’s National at the PCICS Annual Meeting

Children’s National had a strong presence at this year’s Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS) conference. Our team members served as speakers, moderators, panelists and presenters—highlighting our ongoing commitment to research, collaboration, and innovation in pediatric cardiac intensive care.

Children’s National Hospital was well represented throughout this year’s Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society (PCICS) conference, with many team members serving as speakers, moderators, panelists and contributing podium presentations and posters—demonstrating our ongoing commitment to research, collaboration and innovation in pediatric cardiac intensive care.

The society hosted its Annual Meeting on October 9–12 in Austin, Texas, bringing together more than 500 clinicians and allied health professionals dedicated to advancing the care of children with heart disease.

Children’s National topics and speakers

Shri Deshpande, MD, at the PCICS Annual Meeting

Dr. Deshpande and several Children’s National team members delivered thought-provoking presentations at this year’s PCICS Conference in Austin, Texas.

Poster submissions and presentations

US News badges

Children’s National Hospital once again ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report

US News badgesChildren’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2025-26 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the ninth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.

For the fifteenth straight year, Children’s National ranked in 10 specialty services and is the highest U.S. News ranked children’s hospital in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Last year, U.S. News introduced pediatric & adolescent behavioral health as a service line in its rankings. While there are no ordinal rankings for behavioral health, the Children’s National program was named one of the top 50 programs in the country for the second year in a row.

“To be named among the nation’s top children’s hospitals for nine years in a row is a reflection of the extraordinary expertise, innovation and heart that our teams bring to every child and family we serve,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Children’s National. “Our leadership in specialties like neurology, cancer, and diabetes and endocrinology underscores the national impact of our work, and we remain focused on setting new standards in pediatric care.”

The annual rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals and recognizes the nation’s top 50 pediatric hospitals based on a scoring system developed by U.S. News.

“Being a top-ranked pediatric hospital means more than just excelling in a single specialty — it means being a pillar of outstanding care for your entire region,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Our rankings acknowledge these hospitals for their comprehensive excellence, helping families find the very best care conveniently located within their state and community.”

The bulk of the score for each specialty service is based on quality and outcomes data. The process includes a survey of relevant specialists across the country, who are asked to list hospitals they believe provide the best care for patients with the most complex conditions.

The Children’s National specialty services that U.S. News ranked in the top 10 nationally are:

The other six specialties ranked among the top 50 are Behavioral Health, Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Gastroenterology and GI Surgery, Neonatology, Pulmonology and Lung Surgery, and Urology.

Wayne J. Franklin

Wayne J. Franklin, MD, MBA, named as inaugural A. James & Alice B. Clark Distinguished Professor of Cardiac Care

Wayne J. Franklin

Dr. Franklin joins a distinguished group of Children’s National physicians and scientists who hold an endowed chair.

Children’s National Hospital named Wayne J. Franklin, MD, MBA, as the inaugural A. James & Alice B. Clark Distinguished Professor of Care.

Dr. Franklin serves as senior vice president of the Children’s National Heart and Lung Center, a role he assumed in 2024. He leads a multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality and innovative pediatric cardiac and pulmonary care. Dr Franklin oversees cardiology, cardiac surgery, cardiac intensive care, cardiovascular anesthesia and pulmonary and sleep medicine, including heart and lung transplant services.

This new endowed professorship was made possible through a generous investment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation.

The big picture

Dr. Franklin joins a distinguished group of Children’s National physicians and scientists who hold an endowed chair. Children’s National is grateful to generous donors who have altogether funded 51 professorships.

Professorships support groundbreaking work on behalf of children and their families and foster new discoveries and innovations in pediatric medicine. These appointments carry prestige and honor that reflect the recipient’s achievements and the donor’s commitment to advancing and sustaining knowledge.

Why it matters

Dr. Franklin is nationally recognized for his research on adult congenital heart disease, specifically single ventricle-Fontan physiology, neurocognitive outcomes, pulmonary hypertension and cardiac disease in pregnancy. He is committed to advancing pediatric cardiac care through technology and innovation to improve the lives of children and families.

“I am deeply honored to become the A. James & Alice B. Clark Distinguished Professor of Cardiac Care,” Dr. Franklin says. “My goal is to ensure that children born with heart conditions can live full, thriving lives into adulthood. I am committed to advancing the care for patients with heart disease in ways that make a lasting difference for generations to come.”

Moving the field forward

The A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, through their vision and generosity, is ensuring that Dr. Franklin and future holders of this professorship will launch bold, new initiatives to advance the field of cardiovascular research and care, elevate our leadership and improve the lifetimes of children and families with congenital heart disease.

The Clark family and the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation have been steadfast partners of Children’s National for more than 30 years. Their first transformational investment established the A. James Clark Distinguished Professorship in Molecular Genetics, one of the hospital’s earliest endowed chairs. Since then, their thoughtful and strategic philanthropy has advanced programs that give children healthier childhoods and better outcomes. Their most recent $5 million investment created the A. James & Alice B. Clark Distinguished Professorship in Cardiac Care and will help build a flagship Cardiac Exercise and Rehabilitation Program to improve lifelong outcomes for children with heart disease.

“This professorship is both a vital investment in the future and a celebration of our remarkable partnership with Children’s National,” says Courtney Clark Pastrick, board chair of the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. “With Dr. Franklin as the inaugural chair, I know it will spark discoveries that give children with heart conditions the best possible start in life and the chance to thrive. We are deeply honored to stand behind advancements that truly redefine what’s possible for families.”

girl getting an echocardiogram

Cardiomyopathy, single ventricle anatomy patients have highest unplanned readmission risk

girl getting an echocardiogram

In general, cardiac patients have one of the highest unplanned readmission rates (12%) after going home.

Patients with the heart muscle disease cardiomyopathy and those with single ventricle anatomy are most likely to have an unplanned readmission to the hospital within 30 days of their initial discharge, according to a study published in Pediatric Cardiology.

The study was led by cardiology fellow Michael He, MD, with support from pediatric cardiologists at Children’s National Hospital, including Ashraf Harahsheh, MD, who served as senior author.

What it means

The single center retrospective cohort study reviewed 1,848 hospitalizations that included 223 unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge. The authors sought to identify whether directly discharging patients from the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) had an impact on readmissions. Typically, cardiac patients are “stepped down” to an acute care inpatient cardiology unit, the Heart and Kidney Unit (HKU) at Children’s National, prior to discharge. When census is high in the HKU, however, some patients can be sent home directly from the CICU.

The analysis showed no connection between CICU-based discharge or HKU-based discharge, but the authors found several other factors that made unplanned readmission more likely:

  • Single ventricle anatomy
  • Chromosomal anomaly
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Tube feeding
  • Increased length of initial stay

Why it matters

In general, cardiac patients have one of the highest unplanned readmission rates (12%) after going home. A deeper dive into the unplanned readmission rates for this group can help care providers identify gaps in discharge instructions and other areas for quality improvement initiatives. The overall goal for these studies is to identify ways to decrease return rates to the hospital for this fragile patient population.

What’s next

The study authors note that multi-center studies of unplanned readmissions would be beneficial to determine if these findings are limited to the specific population mix at Children’s National or if they are somewhat consistent across care centers.

They also recommend that quality improvement initiatives be targeted at patient groups with the highest risk of unplanned readmission, especially those with cardiomyopathy, single ventricle anatomy or those admitted for medical care. The lower unplanned readmission rates for surgical care patients may be due in part to decades of quality improvement initiatives and processes focused on surgical patients, the authors note. “Centers should strive to adapt these processes to medical admissions as well.”

Care providers should also take particular care when assessing discharge readiness and post discharge planning for patients requiring tube feeding and those with chromosomal abnormalities and syndromes, who also had higher risks for unplanned readmissions.

“Our study hopes to lay the foundation for both local and multi-center outcome initiatives to further better the health of our patients,” the authors write.

Read the full study, “Patient Characteristics Associated with 30-Day Readmission to a Pediatric Cardiac Center,” in Pediatric Cardiology.

Other authors from Children’s National include: Maria‑Theresa Balbin, Janet Kreutzer, Jenhao J. Cheng, Janika Peyasena, Lisa Hom, Mary Morgan, Tracy Baust and Yuliya Domnina, MD, medical director for quality and safety in the ICU.