Our specialists:
Pediatric cardiologists
Congenital heart surgeons
Pediatric intensivists
Pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists
Neonatologists
Nurses and support staff
Perfusionists

The Institute is comprised of pediatric cardiologists, congenital heart surgeons, pediatric intensivists, pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and a large team of nurses and support staff, all dedicated to specialized pediatric cardiac care.

Christus Santa Rosa Children's Hospital has the region's only dedicated, pediatric interventional heart catheterization laboratory, a specialized surgical team able to perform all complex cardiac operations for newborns through adulthood, continuous (24/7) in-hospital intensive care management by highly trained intensivists and neonatologists, and the support of a full range of pediatric

Taking care of you and your child throughout your hospitalization is a team effort. You will meet more people than you will probably be able to remember during your stay. We would like to introduce you to our team members and tell you a little bit about what each one does.

Attending Cardiologist - This is the heart doctor that is in charge of planning and directing your child's care as needed throughout their lifespan. The cardiologist is the physician that diagnoses your child's condition using data obtained from physical exam, echocardiograms and/or cardiac catheterizations. The attending cardiologist will recommend treatment options after reviewing your child's case with the cardiac surgeons and fellow cardiologists. The cardiologist helps direct your child's care when in the hospital by working closely with the cardiac surgeon and the physicians in the intensive care unit.

The cardiologists work in teams as well. You may see several different cardiologists during your hospitalization based on which one is "on service" (making rounds and seeing patients). The team members communicate with each other on a daily basis to stay informed of your child's condition. If your child requires a heart catheterization, a different cardiologist other than the one "on service" may perform this test.
Meet our the pediatric cardiologists

Attending Cardiothoracic Surgeon - If your child needs surgery, the cardiac surgeon will perform the surgery and be very involved in directing and planning your child's care even after the surgery is done. They will see your child daily usually until discharge and then schedule your child for a final follow-up appointment about a week after discharge from the hospital.
Meet our the cardiothoracic surgeons

Pediatric Anesthesiologist - A pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist is a specially trained physician whose main role is to safely provide anesthesia to a child with heart disease and to ensure that your child is comfortable during a procedure. Prior to surgery or cardiac catheterization, the anesthesiologist will meet with your family to make sure that your child is physically ready to undergo the planned procedure. During this pre-operation meeting, the anesthesiologist will discuss with you your child's recent health problems, how your child will fall asleep, what kind of special devices will be placed once your child is asleep to monitor their vital functions, and the plan for pain medication or sedation after the procedure. The anesthesiologist will help take care of your child throughout the procedure until he or she is transferred to the care of the intensive care unit or recovery room team.
Meet our the pediatric anesthesiologists

Pediatric Attending Intensivist - These are physicians who are specially trained in the care of critically ill children requiring intensive care, and collectively have many years of experience caring for cardiac patients. The team is made up of multiple physicians who work together and communicate daily to assist in managing and directing your child's care while in the intensive care unit. These doctors are present in the intensive care unit at all times during the day and are available in house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Meet our the pediatric intensivists

Pediatric Attending Neonatologists - These are physicians who are specially trained in the care of critically ill new borns requiring intensive care, and collectively have many years of experience caring for cardiac patients. The team is made up of multiple physicians who work together and communicate daily to assist in managing and directing your child's care while in the neonatal intensive care unit. These doctors are present in the intensive care unit at all times during the day and are available in house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Meet our the neonatologists

Pediatric Fellows - Fellows are doctors that have completed their pediatric residency and are pursuing advanced training in a specialty area. These doctors also work closely with the team to assist in managing your child's care and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while in the intensive care unit.

Pediatric Residents - Residents are doctors that are completing their pediatric training. These doctors work closely with the fellows and attending physicians to assist in managing your child's care while in the hospital.

Patient Care Coordinator - This is a registered nurse who works with all of the physician team members to help coordinate the overall care of your child while in the intensive care unit. This individual is at times the "charge nurse" and at times providing direct patient care. This individual has advanced training in the care of children with heart disease and can be a valuable resource to answer many of your questions regarding your child's care. This individual can also be an important link in the communication of plans and information between you and the members of the health care team.
Meet our patient care support team

Clinical Nurse Educator - This is a registered nurse who assists with the education of patients, families and nurses caring for the cardiac patients. This individual has advanced training in the care of children with heart disease and can answer many of your questions regarding your child's condition. If you would like more education about your child's condition, please request that your bedside nurse set up a meeting.
Meet our patient care support team

Bedside Nurses - These are the nurses that will directly care for your child on a day to day basis. They will be able to give you information regarding your child's condition and the plan of care for the shift. They, too, can answer many of your questions regarding your child's care and can assist in communicating plans and information between you and the members of the health care team.
Meet our patient care support team

Social Worker - Social workers are available to assist with lodging, meals, finances, employment issues, and referrals to community services. If you need this kind of assistance, you can request that your bedside nurse contact them.
Meet our patient care support team

Child Life Specialist - These individuals have advanced training in the developmental and emotional needs of children requiring hospitalization. They can assist you in preparing your child (and any siblings) in a developmentally appropriate way for the hospitalization and/or procedure they are to undergo. They will visit your child each day in the hospital and to see what they can do through play to help your child cope with the stress of hospitalization. Your bedside nurse can contact them at any time during the weekday to come and visit, provide toys, movies, games, etc.
Meet our patient care support team

Chaplains - A chaplain from our spiritual care department is available any time they are needed. They are here to provide spiritual and emotional support and help family members deal with hospitalization. They can also provide blessings and baptize your child if you'd like. Your bedside nurse can contact them at any time you'd like to have a visit.

We are a family centered facility and would like to encourage you to be as involved in your child's care as you'd like. We would also like to encourage you to ask lots of questions and have a thorough understanding of your child's condition and plan of care, even if that means asking the question multiple times. All of our team members want you and your child to be as comfortable and as well-informed as possible throughout your hospitalization. Knowledge is power and helps lessen the anxiety produced by the fear of the unknown. Our goal is to provide your child and family with the highest level of service and the best medical care possible while making your stay as pleasant as possible.