New Transformational Leadership Team Announced for World-Renowned Texas Children’s Heart Center

HOUSTON, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Texas Children’s Hospital is pleased to announce the new executive leadership structure for Texas Children’s Heart Center, which has been ranked number one in the nation for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by US News and World Report for seven years consecutive. Dr. Daniel Penny, formerly Chief of Cardiology at Texas Children’s Hospital, was recently named Co-Executive Director of the Heart Center. This summer he will be joined by Dr. Caner Salihcurrently Head of Cardiac Surgery at Evelina Children’s Hospital, UK, as Executive Co-Director.

“We are extremely proud to announce our new Heart Center executive leadership team,” said Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, Pediatrician-in-Chief and Chair of Pediatrics at Texas Children’s Hospital. “These distinguished leaders are world-class, internationally recognized pioneers in pediatric cardiac care. At Texas Children’s, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes, and these exceptional leaders will continue to build on our exceptional cardiac program to provide the most advanced care and, in ultimately make a life-changing difference for our patients.”

Salih joined Texas Children’s from Evelina Children’s Hospital and Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, where he served as Chief of Congenital Heart Surgery. Dr. Salih obtained his medical degree from University of Glasgow in 1993 and completed his training in general surgery in 1997. He trained in adult and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at major UK centers and at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. A companion of Royal College of Surgeons (UK), Dr. Salih received a research doctorate from the University of London in 2005. His clinical interests include the full range of complex congenital cardiac surgical procedures, surgical performance, and outcome monitoring.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Salih to Texas Children’s and for this team of talented leaders to build on the success and excellent reputation that distinguishes our nationally ranked Heart Center,” said Dr. Salih. Larry Hollier, surgeon-in-chief at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Our new co-chief executives will undoubtedly bring new opportunities for growth and innovation that will benefit not only our team, but also, most importantly, our patients locally, nationally and internationally.”

“I am truly honored to join the leadership team at Texas Children’s Heart Center,” said Dr. Salih. “I look forward to working alongside some of the brightest leaders in pediatric care as we pursue new areas of excellence and innovation in the field of cardiology and heart surgery.”

Penny – prior to assuming his new role as Co-Executive Director – served as Chief of Cardiology at Texas Children’s Heart Center from 2010 to 2023. Prior to joining Texas Children’s, Dr. Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. A native of IrelandDr. Penny earned his Bachelor of Science degree from National University of Ireland in 1983 and his medical degree in 1986. He completed his PhD in neonatal cardiovascular physiology at Monash University in Australia. He is a globally respected leader in the field of pediatric cardiology who, throughout his career, has contributed to the development of cardiac programs not only locally, but in resource-poor settings, most notably with the establishment of a downtown heart hospital. Vietnam. Dr. Penny has served as a principal investigator for the NIH Pediatric Heart Network for more than a decade and has published scientific articles in top-tier journals. He has edited five books, including Moss and Adams, one of the key texts in the area of ​​Congenital Heart Disease.

“When it comes to pediatric and adult congenital cardiology, there really is no better place than Texas Children’s,” said Dr. Penny. “For many decades, Texas Children’s Heart Center has cared for the world’s rarest and most complex heart diseases. We are confident that our new executive team will help us continue to stand out as a global leader in diagnosing and treating children and adults with heart conditions .”

Succeeding Dr. Penny as the new Chief of the Cardiology Division, Dr. Jeff Kim previously held the title of Medical Director of Electrophysiology and Pacing at Texas Children’s for over 12 years and Chief of Strategic Operations at the Heart Center for two years. He is also professor and vice-president of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. He is on the faculty of the Department of Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine as well as the Cardiovascular Research Institute. Dr. Kim received his medical degree from University of Illinois at Chicago and completed his residency in University of Chicago Hospitals. His research interests include arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies, and he has published more than 130 articles in the area of ​​pediatric cardiology and electrophysiology. In his new role as Chief of Cardiology, Dr. Kim will join Dr. Jeff HeinleChief of Congenital Heart Surgery, to continue leading the teams of cardiologists and surgeons in the Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Divisions.

Texas Children’s Heart Center has been ranked number one in the nation for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by US News and World Report for seven consecutive years. The center treats 23,000 patients and performs more than 800 procedures annually, providing the highest quality care for patients with complex heart disease and children and adults with congenital heart disease.

Drs. Penny, Shekerdemian and Hollier are also professors at Baylor College of Medicineholders of the titles of professor of pediatrics-cardiology, professor and professor of pediatrics and professor of surgery, orthopedic surgery and pediatrics, respectively.

ABOUT TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Texas Children’s, a nonprofit health organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women across the global community by leading patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas and among the top in the country, Texas Children’s has won widespread recognition for its expertise and advances in pediatrics and women’s health. The system includes Texas Children’s Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive OB/GYN facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a suburban community hospital West of Houston; Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital dedicated to caring for children in communities north of Houston and Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin, the new state-of-the-art facility offering world-class pediatric and maternal care for Austin families. The organization also created the Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first health plan focused on children; Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the nation’s largest pediatric primary care network; Texas Children’s Urgent Care Clinics specializing in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that channels care to children and women around the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.

Media contact:
Katie KollsSenior Specialist, Public Relations
832.824.2193 | [email protected]

SOURCE Texas Children’s Hospital