Pediatric Heart Transplant Program
Vanderbilt Health is one of the top heart transplant programs in the world, providing patients with outstanding outcomes and access to innovative new research and treatments. We provide our smallest patients with outstanding outcomes and access to innovative new research and treatments. By pioneering new approaches, we serve more patients, including those at high-risk who may not be candidates for transplantation at other medical centers. As a leader in adult and pediatric transplantation, we provide world-class expertise and a seamless transition as your child reaches adulthood.
Conditions We Treat
- Graft failure (retransplant)
- Valvular heart disease
Meet Your Care Team
We are here to support your child through every step of their transplant journey. This includes a comprehensive team of physicians, pharmacists, transplant coordinators, financial counselors, child life specialists, social workers and nutrition experts.
Debra A. DoddMD, BA
- General Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Heart, Pediatric Heart Transplant
David W. BearlMD, MA
- Cardio-Oncology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Heart, Pediatric Heart Transplant
David P. BichellMD
- Adult Congenital Heart and Valve Disease, Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Heart Transplant, Pediatric Surgery
Justin A. GodownMD, BS
- Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Medicine, Congenital Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Heart Failure, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy & Inherited Disease
Why Choose the Heart Transplant Program at Monroe Carell
- Knowledge and experience
Vanderbilt Health is one of the top heart transplant programs in the world, providing patients with outstanding outcomes and access to innovative new research and treatments. Our specialists have the expertise and advanced training to perform even the most complex transplant procedures with excellent outcomes.
- Team approach
We know our smallest patients require a dedicated team of specialists as knowledgeable as they are comforting in their approach to pediatric care. Our team members collaborate with experts in various medical specialties to provide your child with personalized care that addresses their unique needs.
- Innovative research
Our doctors and surgeons are at the forefront of pediatric research and education. Our nationally recognized researchers are committed to finding new ways to better understand, treat and ultimately prevent childhood diseases and maximize child health.
- Follow-up care
Children who receive a transplant at Monroe Carell receive follow-up care throughout their lives. Studies show that patients have fewer complications and better outcomes when families work closely with a post-transplant medical team.
- VAD implantation
We are experienced in the implantation of ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplant, including neonatal implantation.
- Better recoveries
We don't use steroids to maintain immune system suppression. Instead, we use newer drugs that cause fewer side effects and are helping children recover faster and stay healthy longer.
- Noninvasive testing
The noninvasive tests we use, such as echocardiograms, are better at pinpointing heart problems. They hurt less and reduce your child's stress.
