Complex neonatal and pediatric cardiac surgery is performed in Tthe pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery program at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, a major teaching hospital located on the campus of the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. Over 100 congenital heart and thoracic surgeries are performed each year. These operations include complex single ventricle repair in the form of Modified Norwood/Sano operation for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), arterial switch operation for transposition of great arteries, and repair of coarctation of the aorta and Tetralogy of Fallot, among many other procedures.

Our practice is not confined to complex neonatal and infant cardiac surgery as we treat congenital cardiac surgery in all ages, including treatment of patients with adult congenital cardiac defects. Our service is comprised of a congenital cardiac surgeon, pediatric intensivists, cardiologists, a nurse practitioner, and a physician assistant all working in close collaboration.

The rotating medical student is expected to will work actively as a member of a team of these complex patients. The student will be exposed to the preoperative, operative and postoperative care of children undergoing cardiothoracic surgeries. Patients’ clinical and hemodynamic data are discussed in detail during preoperative cardiac catheterization conferences which provide the student with a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of congenital cardiac defects and the surgical and medical treatment options. Students have ample opportunities to participate in the operating room and to their patients closely in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, under the supervision of the Pediatric Critical Care and Pediatric Cardiovascular Services.

Students interested in this exciting and unique opportunity should apply for this elective through the office of Academic Affairs.

Kamal Pourmoghadam, MD
Director, Pediatric Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
kkpourmoghadam@geisinger.edu