Your child’s heart care team
If you’re facing the possibility of a problem with your child’s heart, you’ll be meeting with many specialists who will work as a team to ensure your child receives the best of care. As parents, you are important members of that team, and we want you to feel comfortable. That means getting to know a little more about your child’s team and understanding what role they’ll have in your child’s care.
Types of pediatric providers that may be on your child’s care team
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Primary care physician or pediatrician
This is the doctor your child sees first when ill, and visits regularly for checkups. They provide a broad spectrum of health services and are a key member of any specialty care a child may need, including cardiac care.
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Cardiologist
This doctor is a medical specialist who provides comprehensive care to patients before birth through young adulthood, selecting and performing tests and evaluating the structural and functional performance of the heart, lungs and blood vessels.
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Cardiac surgeon
The pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon is skilled in correcting both congenital and acquired heart problems in children.
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Anesthesiologist
This medical specialist is skilled in providing sedation, anesthesia and analgesic services for children undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
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Cardiac electrophysiologist
An electrophysiologist is a cardiologist who is specifically trained and specializes in treating cardiac problems that cause abnormal heart rhythms.
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Interventional Cardiologist
Pediatric Interventional Cardiologists use catheter-based techniques to diagnose and treat heart disease in children.
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Cardiology nurse
The pediatric cardiology nurse coordinates and implements the doctor’s orders, educates patients and families, and offers emotional support.
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Cardiac sonographer
Cardiac sonographers use ultrasound to view internal structures of the heart. They measure heart wall thickness, chamber sizes and blood flow velocities. They calculate data, such as cardiac physiology and valve areas. They also review the test results with an interpreting physician, usually the child’s cardiologist.
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Surgery physician assistant
The physician assistant (PA) is a master’s-level trained professional who assists the heart surgeon during the operation. The PA is skilled in surgical techniques, can perform pre- and postoperative care, and can perform special procedures.
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Intensivist
Also known as a pediatric critical care specialist, pediatric intensivists are physicians with advanced training in caring for children in an unstable critical condition.
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Cardiac perfusionist
Perfusionists lead the selection, setup and operation of the heart-lung machine and any other equipment that is used to temporarily support a child’s respiratory or circulatory functions.
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Intensive care nurse
These nurses have been trained to specialize in the care of critically ill children recovering from heart surgery.
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Intensive care respiratory therapist
These medical professionals are called upon to provide respiratory care, from oxygen therapy to breathing treatments. They also monitor ventilator functions.
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Operating room nursing team
These specially trained registered nurses assist the heart surgeon during the operation.
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Pharmacist
Pediatric pharmacists are uniquely qualified to dispense medications for children.
Other members of your child’s care team may include:
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Child life specialist
Child life specialists provide a variety of activities to promote normal child development, as well as care for the emotional needs of children and their families. Special care is given to help children understand and cope with illness and their hospital experience. These specially trained individuals use medical play and age-appropriate language to help children deal with their fears and anxieties. They’re also a great resource for parents.
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Social worker
Social workers provide counseling and family support, as well as information about insurance coverage and financial options. If you need help arranging housing while your child undergoes cardiac evaluation, the social worker can provide you with many helpful resources.