The Health Care Team at University of Florida Congenital Heart Center has many members, all working together to provide the best possible care for your child and family. The roles of some team members are described below. See the Staff Directory to learn more about our doctors.
Pediatric Cardiologist : Pediatric cardiologists are the leaders of the medical team. They work closely with other doctors-in-training such as pediatric cardiology fellows and pediatric residents. They diagnose and treat congenital heart disease, perform heart catheterizations, decide with the surgeon about heart surgery, and provide care before and after heart surgery. Some pediatric cardiologists implant pacemakers and defibrillators.
Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon: Pediatric cardiac surgeons are leaders of the surgical team. They perform heart surgery. They too, work closely with doctors-in training such as pediatric cardiovascular surgery fellows and surgery residents.
Pediatric Cardiology Fellow: Pediatric cardiology fellows are pediatricians who are completing a three-year training program to become pediatric cardiologists.
Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Fellow: Pediatric cardiovascular surgery fellows are thoracic surgeons who are completing a one-year training program to become pediatric cardiovascular surgeons.
Surgery resident: Surgery residents have completed medical school and have nearly completed an eight to nine-year training program to become thoracic surgeons.
Pediatric Resident: Pediatric residents have completed medical school and are completing a three-year training program to become pediatricians.
Pediatric Intern: The pediatric intern is a first year pediatric resident.
Pediatric nurse practitioner: Pediatric nurse practitioners are Masters prepared nurses who provides advanced nursing care. Pediatric nurse practitioners work closely with attending physicians and jointly manage the care that is provided in the general care unit after heart surgery and pre- and post heart catheterization.
Pediatric nurses: Pediatric nurses provide expert nursing care to children and families using state of the art technology. Registered nurses provide care in our clinic and procedure areas as well as in our intensive care and general care units. They are specially trained eyes and ears available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Child life therapist: Child life specialists help support children during stressful hospital experiences. This is done largely through play and other fun activities.
Medical social worker: Medical social workers also help support children and families during stressful hospital experiences. They offer counseling and assist with lodging, finances, insurance, and link children/families with resources near home.
Nutritionist: Nutritionists assess the dietary needs of children with heart problems and suggest diet changes. They help with infant formulas and write recipes for high calorie or other special formulas. They suggest diets for children with obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Practice management nurse: These nurses work with you and the medical team to plan for your child's needs at home. They can arrange for visiting nurses and supplies or equipment as needed.
You will also meet many other team members such as clerks, clinic coordinators, medical assistants, medical technicians, respiratory therapists, and others.
Go back