Children born with congenital heart disease require lifelong follow-up care, and the transition from pediatric to adult services is an important process. Every patient needs proper preparation to avoid any disruption in their medical care, such as missing appointments or running out of medications. This is critical to prevent complications including arrhythmias, heart failure, infection, stroke or even death.
Our Transitional Program’s goal is to empower every patient to manage their own care and have a successful transition from pediatric to adult care. Every patient in our program receives evaluation, education, a medical passport and plan that is specific to their situations.
We have a multidisciplinary team to address heart-associated concerns as well as other health issues that may arise.
Our services include:
- Education on your child’s condition and the importance of lifelong follow-up
- Education on lifestyle habits and exercise
- Education on healthy diet and weight control
- Screening for anxiety and depression
- Education on contraceptive options and pregnancy risk
Team
Jose Alfonso Silva Sepulveda, M.D., Director, Single Ventricle Program and Transitional Program; Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Howaida El-Said, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory; Co-director, Adult Congenital Heart Programs at UC San Diego; Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
James Perry, M.D., Director, Electrophysiology and Adult Congenital Heart Programs; Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Affiliate Professor of Bioengineering, UC San Diego
Laith Alshawabkeh M.D.,Director, Adult Congenital Heart Programs at UC San Diego; Assistant Professor of Medicine, UC San Diego
Akilah Weber, M.D., Associate Physician in Gynecology, UC San Diego
Other team members include a coordinating nurse specialist, a neurodevelopmental practitioner, social workers and registered dietitian.
Resources
Making the move to adult care: https://iheartchange.org
Congenital heart disease facts: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/facts.html
Adult Congenital Heart Association: https://www.achaheart.org
Locations
Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego (Map it)
Rose Pavilion, 1st Floor South
3020 Children’s Way
San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: 858-966-5855
Fax: 858-966-7903
Contact Us
For more information about the program and other cardiology services, contact the Cardiology division at 858-966-5855.