Episode 28: Every Heart Has a Story: Understanding the Pediatric Heart

February 21, 2024

Guest: Daniel Penny, M.D., Ph.D., MHA
Chief of Pediatric Cardiology, Texas Childrens Hospital

In this episode:

List at least one reason why neonates are more susceptible to congenital heart defects.
Name two advancements in pediatric cardiac care in the last decade.
Explain the most common symptoms of two of the three heart conditions: PDA, VSD or HLHS.

Dr Daniel Penney, Hand to Hold NICU Heroes Podcast

Dr. Penny grew up in Cork where he obtained his medical degree and did his residency training in Dublin, working in several hospitals, including St. James Hospital, The National Children’s Hospital and The National Maternity Hospital. While in Dublin, he had the opportunity to meet with the pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Desmond Duff who had a huge influence on his decision to become a pediatric cardiologist. He spent time in both the UK and Australia practicing medicine. In 2010, he moved to the United States where he became a Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and the Chief of Cardiology and Co-Director of the Heart Center at Texas Children’s Hospital. In November 2023, Dan was promoted to the title of Executive Co-Director for The Heart Center. Dr. Penny has led a number of projects, which aim to build healthier lives for children with heart disease globally, with one of the most significant in Vietnam. He has contributed to the training of approximately more than 100 pediatric cardiology fellows and a number of PhD students. He lectures regularly to students, residents and fellows. Dr. Penny and his wife, a Nurse Anesthetist, have two daughters in their late 20s, who live in Australia.