Children’s Heart Institute ranked among nation’s best

From left: Holly Bauser-Heaton, MD, PhD; Damien LaPar, MD; Jon Meliones, MD. (Photo by Felix Sanchez)

The Children’s Heart Institute at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital was named one of the nation’s top hospitals for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-27.

“Behind this recognition are incredible teams who show up every day for children and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” said Melina R. Kibbe, MD, president of UTHealth Houston and Alkek-Williams Distinguished Chair. “That is what makes this work so meaningful, the expertise, the collaboration, the compassion and commitment to giving every child the best possible care and a healthier future.”

The institute collaborates with pediatric subspecialists at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. Together, the teams earned a national designation by providing comprehensive care for newborns, children, and adolescents, as well as a smooth transition into adult congenital cardiac care through UTHealth Houston Heart & Vascular, which is accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association.

“This recognition belongs to our entire team. Every day, our physicians, nurses, staff, and partners work together to provide exceptional care for children with the most complex heart conditions. I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the trust our patients and families place in us,” said Holly Bauser-Heaton, MD, PhD, professor and chief of pediatric cardiology at McGovern Medical School, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Distinguished Chair, and co-executive director of the Children’s Heart Institute at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. 

Among the 79 pediatric hospitals evaluated nationwide, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital ranked No. 12 in cardiology and heart surgery based on multiple measures of clinical excellence. Its Pediatric Cardiology and Heart Surgery program at the Children’s Heart Institute received a very high rating for outcomes related to congenital heart surgery and survival after Norwood/hybrid procedures, reflecting strong patient outcomes during hospitalization, 30 days after surgery, and one year following initial reconstructive procedures.

The program also earned a high rating for survival and complication prevention after complex cardiac procedures. In addition, the hospital demonstrated exceptional performance in infection prevention across inpatient and intensive care settings.

UTHealth Houston Heart & Vascular physicians are world-renowned for their expertise in complex cardiac care. The partnership between UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann Health System brings together innovative clinical expertise, advanced surgical techniques, and multidisciplinary care to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients and families.

“The Children’s Heart Institute is committed to bettering the lives of our patients and their families through compassionate and innovative medical and surgical care, cutting edge research and education. We are able to deliver leading care for the most complex congenital heart conditions in North America with superior outcomes through our team-centered, multi-disciplinary approach,” said Damien LaPar, MD, professor and chief of pediatric congenital heart surgery and John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Distinguished Chair at McGovern Medical School. “Our most recent USNWR ranking reflects the transformative impact our institute is having on our community, and the tireless dedication our team of health professionals brings to Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital each and every day.” LaPar also serves as co-director at the UTHealth Houston Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease; and executive co-director at Children’s Heart Institute at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

The rankings further highlight the Pediatric Cardiology and Heart Surgery program’s depth and experience in treating the most complex forms of congenital heart disease. The program received very high ratings both for the volume of high-complexity heart surgeries it performed and for catheter-based and open-heart procedures for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease program at UTHealth Houston Heart & Vascular also earned an excellent designation. With more than 12 specialty services and expertise in treating 15 congenital heart conditions, UTHealth Houston is one of only 50 healthcare institutions in the United States to be designated an Adult Congenital Heart Disease Accredited Comprehensive Care Center.

“Together, these recognitions underscore UTHealth Houston’s commitment to advancing world-class cardiovascular care and improving outcomes for children and adults with complex congenital heart disease,” said Jon Meliones, MD, professor of cardiac critical care at McGovern Medical School and a pediatric critical care specialist at the Children’s Heart Institute at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

The program also received an excellent rating for quality improvement initiatives and patient support services, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to advancing care and improving outcomes for patients with congenital heart disease throughout their lives.

“This national recognition reflects the extraordinary expertise our faculty bring to pediatric cardiovascular care,” said LaTanya Love, MD, executive vice president of university affairs, H. Wayne Hightower Distinguished Professor in the Medical Sciences and dean of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “Through our partnership with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, our faculty are advancing care, discovery, and education while making a meaningful difference for children with the most complex heart conditions.”