Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects one percent of all babies born, making it the most common birth defect. Thanks to the establishment of CHKD's Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) program, caring for patients with CHD does not stop when a patient moves into adulthood. Established in 2007 by CHKD congenital cardiologist, Dr. Alexander Ellis, this program has seen continuous growth over the past 17 years. Today, more than 500 adult patients with CHD are treated at CHKD’s Heart Center through diagnostic imaging services, and cardiac catheterization or electrophysiology labs.

"As these patients become adults, they continue to require ongoing treatment, including medical management, imaging, and subsequent cardiac procedures," says Dr. Ellis. "That is why our comprehensive ACHD program is so vital."

CHKD's pediatric and congenital cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are experts in treating CHD. For more information, visit CHKD.org/HeartCenter.

Direct Admission for Regional Emergency Departments

Children’s Pavilion (CPAV), CHKD’s 60-bed inpatient psychiatric hospital and outpatient center for children, is now accepting referrals for direct admission to inpatient care.

Providers from community emergency departments may refer patients for direct admission by simply sending their emergency mental health evaluation and medical clearance information to our dedicated fax line: (757) 668-2047. Intake staff will review the information immediately, and discuss the patient’s needs directly with referring ED providers until an appropriate admission decision can be made.

Click here for information on open units, admission/exclusionary criteria, and transport.

Introducing CHKD's New Chief Nursing Officer

CHKD is pleased to announce, Kristi McGowin, DNP, EMBA, RN, CPNP, has joined the organization as the new Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). In this role, she will have leadership over the different inpatient nursing departments at CHKD.

McGowin comes from Children’s Mercy Hospital, in Kansas City, Missouri, where she served as the senior director for the emergency department, burn, trauma, and the Center for Childhood Safety as well as interim senior director of pediatric intensive care/cardiac intensive care. She has over 25 years of experience in diverse roles, including pediatric nursing, business development, and practice management.

Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) Events

Eastern Region VMAP Open House

Virtual – Thursday, February 22, 6-7 p.m.

Learn more and understand how integrating VMAP into your practice can significantly benefit your patients and streamline your approach to behavioral health care. Explore opportunities for collaboration and learn how you can play a vital role in supporting VMAP's mission and goals.

This event will not be recorded. Participants must attend live.

REACH PPP Training

Virtual – March 1-3

Are you a Virginia clinician seeking professional education in pediatric mental health? Join us for a dynamic three-day, 16-hour interactive course focused on building skills and confidence in diagnosing and treating pediatric mental and behavioral health problems.

This event will not be recorded. Participants must attend live.

Meet Jordyn Lucas, MD

Dr. Jordyn Lucas is a board-certified otolaryngologist practicing pediatric otolaryngology at EVMS's ear, nose, and throat practice.

She completed her residency at Wayne State University School of Medicine and her fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Her clinical interests include aerodigestive issues, pediatric thyroid disease, rhinology, head and neck masses, ear disease, and vascular anomalies.

Pediatric Grand Rounds

Pediatric grand rounds, sponsored by EVMS continuing medical education, are offered weekly to faculty, community faculty, residents, medical students, and other healthcare professionals. Come and learn about various topics led by local and national clinical experts. All participants receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit for attending. 

Click here to see the list of upcoming topics.

Hiding in Plain Sight Film and Discussion

Virtual event — Thursday, February 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
This event will not be recorded. Participants must attend live.

Self-Compassion for Burned Out Parents and Providers

Virtual event — Monday, March 4, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
This event will not be recorded. Participants must attend live.

Didn't receive this in your inbox? Make sure you're on our mailing list!

The preferred distribution method of the Physician Liaison newsletter is via email. Please contact a CHKD Physician Liaison to be added to our email distribution list.

With warm regards,
Dr. Marc Tsou and Jill Armstrong, RN
Marc.Tsou@CHKD.org  |  Jill.Armstrong@CHKD.org

Meet your CHKD physician liaisons.