Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Heart Institute Expands with 14 Renowned Cardiologists Across Four Counties

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is proud to announce a significant expansion of its Heart Institute, solidifying its position as Florida’s leader in pediatric cardiac care. The addition of 14 world-class pediatric cardiologists and more than 40 clinical and administrative team members extends advanced cardiac care to families across 140 miles of South Florida, with access expanding to locations throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Saint Lucie counties.

The Heart Institute offers the most advanced care at every stage of a child's development, providing advanced diagnostic imaging, including fetal imaging, early interventions, life-saving heart transplants, groundbreaking heart surgeries, and comprehensive long-term care for congenital and acquired heart conditions. It is also the only accredited adult congenital heart disease program in South Florida, ensuring seamless continuity of care from childhood into adulthood.

“This growth is transformative for our Heart Institute and for the care of children in Florida,” said Caitlin Stella, MPH, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “Our team and facility are unparalleled. As a team of experts utilizing cutting-edge technology, we are proud to continue to raise the bar treating every heart condition, no matter how complex, at any age or stage.”

Families throughout the region will receive expert heart care in the compassionate, family-centered environment that has long defined Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital’s reputation. The program remains committed to taking on complex cases that other programs cannot, now offering life-saving care even closer to the children and families who need it most.

“This expansion marks the culmination of years of dedicated effort,” said Frank Scholl, MD, chief of Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Heart Institute and Pediatric & Congenital Cardiac Surgery. “It allows us to deliver comprehensive and continuous care like never before. We are excited about the opportunity to offer long-term care with measurable outcomes, ensuring the highest standards of heart care for our young patients.”

The pediatric cardiologists recently received the Adult Congenital & Pediatric Cardiology Quality Network Award from the American College of Cardiology (ACPC). This award is given to clinics participating in the ACPC Quality Network that have demonstrated dedication to ensuring the overall quality of care provided to patients.

The team includes:

• Todd Roth, MD, Chief, Adult Congenital Heart Disease, and Chief, Ambulatory Pediatric Cardiology Services
• Debbie Friedman, MD, Pediatric Cardiology – Medical Director, North Region
• David M. Drossner, MD, Pediatric Cardiology – Medical Director, Fetal Cardiology – North Region
• Maximo Raul Aguirre, MD, Pediatric Cardiology
• Orlando Arce, MD, Pediatric Cardiology
• Maria del Pilar Brinez Giraldo, MD, Pediatric Cardiology
• Jay Chandar, MD, Pediatric Cardiology
• Sundar Chandrasekhar, MD, Pediatric Cardiology
• Renato Dubois, MD, Pediatric Cardiology
• Leslie Flores, MD, Pediatric Cardiology – Medical Director, General Cardiology – South Region
• Jocelyn Garcia De Viera, MD, Pediatric Cardiology – Associate Medical Director, General Cardiology – South Region
• Jeffrey Skimming, MD, Pediatric Cardiology
• Katelyn Snyder, MD, Pediatric Cardiology – Medical Director, Fetal Cardiology South Region
• Rowena Gomez Uy, MD, Pediatric Cardiology

“For over 30 years, our dedicated and experienced pediatric and fetal cardiologists have served the communities of South Florida with exceptional care and compassion,” said Todd Roth, MD, chief, Adult Congenital Heart Disease, and chief, Ambulatory Pediatric Cardiology Services. “Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital has always stood by us, supporting our mission, and providing unparalleled care to our patients. The opportunity to join forces will undoubtedly give our patients and their families a level of care that they truly deserve.”

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital continues to earn national acclaim for its excellence in pediatric care. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top-ranked Orthopedic Center in Florida  and among the top 50 nationwide for neonatology and pediatric behavioral health, the hospital has also achieved the prestigious Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). These accolades highlight its commitment to clinical excellence across specialized programs. With the recent expansion of its Heart Institute, the hospital further solidifies its position as a leader in comprehensive pediatric care.

For more information on the expanded pediatric cardiology program and the services offered, please visit our Heart Institute or contact 954-276-2000.