As a general pediatric cardiologist, I see outpatients for congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, genetic disorders and other issues. In my practice, I talk to patients directly and take time to answer all questions from patients and their families.

I was inspired to pursue my career by David Goldring, MD, who was the director of pediatric cardiology at St. Louis Children’s Hospital for many years.

In addition to helping patients and their families, I’m involved in research. My colleagues and I are seeking to define gene mutations that cause pediatric heart disease so that we can better treat or prevent these conditions.

I was honored to receive the 2006 American Heart Association’s Basic Science Research Award for work that led to finding genetic defects that can cause heart failure and sudden death in infants and children. I also received the 1991 E. Mead Johnson Award for Excellence in Pediatric Research and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

In my spare time, I love watching baseball and going to the beach.