
Updated Feb. 16, 2022
We are limiting the number of people in clinic to help decrease exposure and risk and to allow for social distancing. Two adults may accompany a minor child to an appointment at one of our outpatient clinics. This can include two parents/guardians OR one parent/guardian and one healthcare professional. No other family members, individuals or anyone under the age of 18 may attend the appointment. We are NOT allowing siblings in clinic due to our high-risk patient population.
Your child's heart is precious and requires specialized pediatric care. That's why where you take your child matters. As the largest cardiac program in the Southeast, one of the top five largest pediatric heart centers in the nation for Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and Cardiac Acute Care Unit (CACU) volumes, and the only nationally ranked cardiac surgery and cardiology program in the state, the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center provides exceptional treatment to infants, children and teenagers who have complex heart defects.
The number of patients we see and the excellent outcomes we have mean that our doctors have experience treating many different heart problems within a wide range of patient ages. So, whether you're looking for care for your newborn or your high school senior, our committed team of specialists, advanced technology and compassionate family support services make our Heart Center the right place to take your child's heart.
Our facilities include:
- 32 beds in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), one of the largest dedicated CICUs in the U.S.
- 35 bed, fully equipped Cardiac Acute Care Unit (CACU)
- 3 catheterization labs; 2 with hybrid capabilities, 1 EP lab
- 3 cardiovascular operating rooms (CVORs)
- 20+ outpatient cardiology clinics across Georgia
- Dedicated fetal cardiology clinic
Heart Center Highlights
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How Dax’s Family Gives Back After Tetralogy of Fallot Surgery
At the Children’s Heart Center, surgeons performed a surgery to repair Dax’s heart when he was just 5 months old. The Betkowski family believes that, if it weren’t for the incredibly skilled Children’s Heart Center team, Dax might not be here today, building forts in the woods and cracking jokes with his sister.
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Meet Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Subi
For a parent, a child’s heart surgery can be one of the most challenging experiences of their lives. But for pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Subhadra Shashidharan, MD, these high-stakes procedures are just part of the job. See how “Dr. Subi” channels her unparalleled skill as a surgeon and her empathy as a parent to provide the most promising outcomes for patients like Charles.
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Learn about the nationally ranked Heart Center at Children's
Congenital heart defects affect one percent of newborns born each year. The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center is one of the largest heart centers in the country, and it is our priority to provide the best care for infants, children and teenagers who have complex heart defects.
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Our Fetal Cardiology Program Provides Comprehensive, Collaborative Care
As the largest fetal cardiology program in the Southeast, we treat more than 2,100 patients each year and work collaboratively with local and regional obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists and delivery centers to help make sure each patient receives specialized care for their individual needs. Our team of experts is skilled in caring for the tiniest hearts before and after children are born to help them live healthy lives.
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Diagnosed With a Rare Heart Defect, Nathan Tackled Open-Heart Surgery
When 6-year-old Nathan was diagnosed with a rare heart defect, his family turned to Children’s for a heart surgery others deemed impossible.
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Rynli Receives a New Heart as Children’s Marks its 400th Heart Transplant
Born with dilated cardiomyopathy and adopted from China at just 10 months old, Rynli needed frequent medical attention and, ultimately, a heart transplant for the best chance at a full and healthy life.
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Developing 3D-printed heart valves for kids with CHD
Michael Davis, PhD, and his team are developing a valve that will grow with a child and uses their own stem cells to help limit the number of surgeries and medications they will need.
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Heart surgeon spotlight: Paul Chai, MD
As a parent and our Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Paul Chai, MD, knows that where you take your child for heart care matters. Learn about Dr. Chai and what makes our Heart Center unique.

“The emotions I feel as a mom push me to be a better surgeon.”
Performing more than 200 heart surgeries each year, Dr. Subi is dedicated to becoming a better heart surgeon every day and providing the best care possible to each patient she treats.
Learn moreTour the Heart Center below:

A hospital reimagined
Children’s is building a new, state-of-the-art campus designed to improve outcomes, help clinicians deliver high-quality care and bring lifesaving research directly to our patients.
Learn MoreWhen it comes to your child's heart, you'll go to any length to receive specialized, high-quality care, and in the Atlanta area, you don't have to go far to find it. We're ranked as one of the top pediatric cardiac and cardiology programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Our team collaborates with other specialists to help your child's specific needs. We work with you through each step of treatment, often from before your child is born through adolescence and into young adulthood. You'll always know what to expect and how to take the best care of your child.
Our specialty heart programs include:
- Aorta and Vascular Program
- Arrhythmia Program
- Cardiomyopathy Program
- Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery Program
- Fetal Cardiology Program
- Heart Transplant Program
- Preventive Cardiology Program
- Project S.A.V.E.
- Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction Program
- Pulmonary Hypertension Program
- Pulmonary Vein Stenosis (PVS) Program
- Single Ventricle Program
- Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Infants Program
- Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program
We also offer supportive programs for our heart patients and their families, including:
- Kids at Heart Program: Our Kids at Heart community provides support and resources to families, parents and caregivers of children with congenital heart defects. With more than 900 member families, Kids at Heart offers opportunities to learn from one another about the challenges that come with having a child with heart defects.
- Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program: Our Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program provides critical mental health support to cardiac patients and families, as these patients typically have long periods of hospitalization.
A Spotlight on Our Pediatric Heart Specialties

Heart patient outcomes: by the numbers
We monitor and report our overall cardiac surgical outcomes and volumes to provide the most accurate information to patient families. Our mission is to continually improve and help our heart patients live their best lives.
Learn MoreWhat is a congenital heart defect (CHD)?
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects that affect the structure of a baby’s heart and the way it works, affecting 1% of newborns each year.
As a top-ranked center for pediatric heart care, we’re experienced with treating all kinds of heart problems in infants and children. We provide comprehensive cardiac services for congenital and acquired heart disease for babies to young adults, as well as prenatal (before birth) diagnostics. Treating more than 48,000 children every year, the Heart Center has gained national recognition for our innovative treatments, leading-edge research and compassionate care.
Heart defects and conditions we evaluate and treat include:
- Arrhythmia
- Atrial septal defect (ASD)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Chest pain
- Congestive heart failure
- Complex congenital heart disease
- Heart murmur
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypertension
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)
- Long QT syndrome
- Myocarditis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Tetralogy of fallot (TOF)
- Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
Congenital Heart Defects Explained
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How Does Your Child’s Heart Work?
Have you ever wondered what your child’s heart looks like and how it works? Our team of experts at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center is here to explain how the heart works.
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Transposition of the Great Arteries
It can be overwhelming to learn that your child has a congenital heart defect. Our team of experts is here to provide the best care possible for children with transposition of the great arteries.
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Tetralogy of Fallot
Learning that your child has a congenital heart defect can be scary. Our team of experts is here to provide care for children with Tetralogy of Fallot so that your child can live a healthy life.
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Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Learning that your child has a congenital heart defect like Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) can be overwhelming. At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, our team of nationally ranked surgeons perform hundreds of heart surgeries each year and will help identify the right procedure for your child.
With more than 50 pediatric cardiologists in more than 20 locations across the state, our Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology clinics provide accessible outpatient care for your child's cardiology needs. During your first appointment, our team will provide a thorough evaluation, including an exam and diagnostic testing, if needed. Our pediatric cardiologists will take time to personally discuss their findings and recommendations. Each patient receives individualized specialty care, and we offer convenient locations throughout Georgia to provide high-quality heart care to patients throughout the state.
How do I make an appointment?
- Complete an appointment form or call 404-256-2593 or 800-542-2233.
What information do I need to bring to my child's first appointment?
- A completed patient form.
- A form of payment—we accept all major credit cards and insurances. Please note that copayments are due upon service.
Refer a patient (physicians only)
For physician resources, forms or to refer a patient to Children’s Cardiology, physicians can access our Cardiology referral page.
Helpful forms and resources to prepare for your child's Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology visit
- New patient form: Download and complete our form for new and existing patients before your appointment.
- Cardiac risk assessment form (en Español): Download and complete the pediatric cardiac risk assessment form before your appointment.
- Prepare for your child's first visit (en Español): Learn what to expect during your first visit at Children's Cardiology.
- Insurance and billing: Payment for your child’s medical services is determined when an appointment is scheduled. If you do not have medical coverage, payment is expected at the time of the visit. If you do have medical coverage, review your coverage benefits to determine if there are referral guidelines and to ensure that the physicians treating your child are in network. For your convenience, we accept cash, check, money orders and all major credit cards. Call 770-488-9204 to speak with one of our financial counselors prior to your visit.
- Financial assistance policy: Learn more about our financial assistance policy.
- Statement of nondiscrimination
- Consent to treat (en Español)
- Authorization to obtain PHI (en Español)
- Authorization to release PHI (en Español): To request copies of medical records, a parent, guardian or patient over the age of 18 should complete an authorization form and fax it to 770-488-9403 or mail it to:
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology
Health Information Services
2835 Brandywine Road, Suite 400
Atlanta, GA 30341

Innovative research and clinical trials at the Heart Center
We use innovative technology and work closely with other heart centers across the country to develop treatments for pediatric heart defects to help our patients live healthy lives.
read moreLed by Paul Chai, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and William Mahle, MD, Chief of Cardiology, our multidisciplinary team includes pediatric cardiologists, pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists, advanced practice providers, pediatric cardiac nurses, cardiac researchers and family support professionals.
Leadership
- Paul Chai, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Co-Chief, Children’s Heart Center
- William Mahle, MD, Chief of Cardiology, Co-chief, Children’s Heart Center
Cardiothoracic surgery
- Paul Chai, MD
- Joshua Rosenblum, MD, PhD
- Subhadra Shashidharan, MD
- Fawwaz Shaw, MD
- Mohan John, MD
- Kimberly Woodall, CPNP
- Melanie McBrayer, CPNP
Cardiology
- William Mahle, MD
- Alaa Aljiffry, MD
- Asaad Beshish, MD
- Holly Bauser-Heaton, MD, PhD
- Wesley Blackwood, MD
- William Border, MD
- Arene Butto, MD
- Brian Cardis, MD
- Nikhil Chanani, MD
- Martha Clabby, MD
- Shanelle Clarke, MD
- Andrew Dodgen, MD
- Matthew Ferguson, MD
- Peter Fischbach, MD
- Michael Fundora, MD
- Alice Hales-Kharazmi, MD
- Brandon Harden, MD
- Susan Hupp, MD
- Glen Iannucci, MD
- Shannon Jones, MD
- Usama Kanaan, MD
- Dennis Kim, MD, PhD
- Lazaros Kochilas, MD
- P. Andrea Kropf, MD
- James Kuo, MD
- Brooke Lewis, MD
- Allen Ligon, MD
- Clifford Wesley Lindsey, MD
- Kevin Maher, MD
- Heather Phelps Maloney, DO
- Chad Mao, MD
- Meghann McKane, MD
- Rachel McKay, MD
- Erik Michelfelder, MD
- Marcos Mills, MD
- James Nelson, MD
- Matthew Oster, MD
- Andrew Porter, MD
- Sanghee Ro, MD
- Fred Rodriguez, MD
- Saidie Rodriguez, MD
- Ritu Sachdeva, MD
- Denver Sallee, MD
- Cyrus Samai, MD
- Timothy Slesnick, MD
- Clayton Smith, MD
- Richard Urbano Garcia Soriano, MD
- John Stevens Jr, MD
- Divya Suthar, MD
- Benjamin Toole, MD
- Heather Viamonte, MD
- Neill Videlefsky, MD
- Michelle Wallace, MD
- Timotheus Watson, MD
- Stephanie Wechsler, MD
- Robert Whitehill, MD
- Hunter Wilson, MD
- Michael Wolf, MD
Cardiac anesthesiology
- Anne Elisa Cossu, MD, MS
- Laura Downey, MD
- Michael Fiedorek, MD
- Stephanie Grant, MD
- Nina Guzzetta, MD, FAAP
- Anna Hartzog, MD
- Scott Kolesky, MD, PhD, FAAP
- Matt Lilien, MD
- Justin Long, MD, MHI, FAAP
- Bruce Miller, MD
- Katie Roddy, MD
- Steven Tosone, MD
Perfusion Services
The Perfusion Services team at Children’s is comprised of a specialized group of individuals who are integral to the Heart Center team. The Perfusion Services team provides a variety of vital functions, including preparing, priming and managing ventricular assist devices for patients in heart failure and providing extracorporeal support for children undergoing cardiac surgery. Each of our six perfusionists are licensed and accredited, and partner with heart center clinicians during surgery to ensure children receive the best possible care.
- Kathy K. Spitzer, CCP, CCT, FPP, Manager, Perfusion Services
- Marney Moore, CCP, Lead Perfusionist
- Ann Marie McGoldrick, CCP
- Noble Isac, CCP
- Yana Ivasko, CCP
- Ramiro Torres
- Alex Gum, CCP
- Alexandra Hank, CCP
We're Here to Help with Matters of the Heart
Contact Us 404-256-2593