Heart Transplant Program: 10 yr. Anniversary
It's two high-fives to 10 years and top 10 U.S. News ranking for our heart transplant program! To celebrate, heartfelt congratulations were given to care team members who dedicate their service and expertise to the program and its patients. On Nov. 6, nearly 100 colleagues of past and present gathered at the CMRI to reflect on the program, from their first heart transplant to all the lives they continue to impact today.
“We have accomplished a lot in the past 10 years,” said Brian Birnbaum, MD, FACC, FAAP, physician in the Ward Family Heart Center, proudly reflecting on the anniversary and serving the program since its inception. “I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and especially for our patients and families that have entrusted their care to us. It will be exciting to see what the next 10 years and beyond holds for us.”
A team evolving the complexity of care
On his journey from former transplant cardiologist to current Director of Heart Transplant, David Sutcliffe, MD, has seen the evolution of the Heart Transplant Program into the model of what heart failure management and heart transplant care should be.
“The care that this team provides is a constant example of their dedication to our patients, who we consider as part of our family,” said Dr. Sutcliffe. “What’s more, I see it as a great honor and responsibility to our community that we can provide elite level care for children suffering from heart failure here at their home and within their community.”
Many providers, specialists and others have been an integral part of the Heart Transplant Team since the beginning, including: Dr. Birnbaum; Aliessa Barnes, MD, Co-Director, Heart Center, and Chief of Pediatric Cardiology; Jami Gross-Toalson, PhD, clinical psychologist; Jim O’Brien, MD, FACS, Co-Director, Heart Center, and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery; and Beth Lang, RN, BSN, CCRN, CCTC, Solid Organ Transplant Coordinator III.
Beth recalls introducing comprehensive heart transplant care at CM was a major undertaking, but an even bigger advantage for the kids and families who were already receiving other long-term care here. “In order to be a successful program, it takes a multi-disciplinary team of individuals,” said Beth. “We are so proud to celebrate our colleagues and their contributions to our success.”
Keeping heart care close to home
When the Ward Family Heart Center added the Transplant Program in 2014, it changed the landscape of pediatric heart care in Kansas City. Dr. O’Brien recalls the impact of the launch and said: “It allowed us to provide care for patients challenged with heart failure right here in our community and expanded our capabilities to provide comprehensive care to patients with the most complex forms of congenital heart disease. The outstanding care and rapid growth of the program is a testament to the dedication and passion of this team.”
Below you will see a heartwarming collage of patients who’ve expressed gratitude for their care. For example, Tylee was born at CM and has had life-long care here. “Of course we are very passionate about Tylee, and words can't even describe how thankful and appreciative we are for all the nurses, doctors, surgeons and all staff at CM that have worked, and continue to work, with Tylee and saved her life.” said Adrienne Barns, Tylee’s mom. “We will forever be grateful.”
The next 10 years of excellence
Looking ahead, the Heart Transplant team is excited about health care’s evolving technology to help keep kids healthy as they await a new heart. For example, CM offers ventricular assist devices (VADs) as a bridge to support children in heart failure and is a regional leader in VAD patient volume. This gives kids freedom from the hospital while benefitting from VAD support in their own home.
“Our milestone represents not only a decade of groundbreaking medical achievements and innovative care, but also the countless lives transformed through our efforts,” said Dr. Barnes.
“It reflects the dedication of our exceptional team, the resilience of our young patients and the unwavering support of their families. Together, we have built a legacy of hope and healing, and I am committed to continuing this vital work for many years to come.”