SITE NAME
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
Role
Medical Director, Heart Transplant and Ventricular Assist Device Programs
WHAT MADE YOU JOIN ACTION?
I saw the excitement, enthusiasm, collaboration, and productivity within ACTION and wanted to be part of it. It felt like a group of people who genuinely enjoyed working together and were actually getting things done.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTION MEMORY?
It’s hard to pick a single moment. Some of my favorite memories have been sitting around with ACTION colleagues, talking through an idea or a problem, and realizing how quickly a casual conversation can turn into a meaningful collaboration or project.
WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT MOVING FORWARD IN ACTION?
I’m incredibly excited about the RISE-HF trial and ACTION’s growing focus on using VADs not simply as a bridge to transplant, but as tools to promote myocardial recovery. I think there is a real opportunity for ACTION to change how our field approaches recovery in children with heart failure.
WHY IS ACTION IMPORTANT TO YOU?
For several reasons. I believe the infrastructure Angie and David have built gives us a real opportunity to make meaningful changes in our field—and we need that. It’s also incredibly valuable to have people at other centers whom you trust, can collaborate with, and can call when you need advice or help. And, maybe just as importantly, ACTION has led to friendships with people I probably never would have gotten to know otherwise.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION, AND WHY?
Martha’s Vineyard. I grew up going there with my family, got engaged there, and later got married there. I’ve now spent part of almost every summer there for about 40 years, so it has become one of those rare places that feels tied to nearly every stage of my life. More than a travel destination, it feels like home.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, AND WHY?
Adrift by Steven Callahan. It’s the true story of a sailor who survived 76 days alone at sea in a life raft after his boat sank. I love the resilience, creativity, and optimism he maintained in the face of enormous uncertainty. My dad read it to me when I was a kid, and I’ve since read it to my own boys, so there’s a sentimental attachment to it as well.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
Take the time to figure out what you truly value, and be honest with yourself about what those things are. If you can organize your life around those priorities—whatever they may be—you’re much more likely to be happy.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
In high school I worked as a carpentry apprentice.
WHO IS SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors who inspire me, particularly people who have shown me that you can be ambitious about changing the field while still prioritizing your family and being generous with your time, ideas, and support of others.
WHAT’S ONE THING THAT OTHER ACTION MEMBERS WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Before medicine, I spent time working on a vegetable farm. I still have a soft spot for the combination of hard work, being outside, and being able to see exactly what you accomplished at the end of the day.
