Welcome to the Heart of the Matter: Cardiology Conversations at CHOP. In this podcast, made by and for the Cardiac Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, we interview members of our community about our history, innovative research, clinical programs and advocacy within our institution.

In this episode, Dr. Meryl Cohen speaks with Dr. Susan Nicholson about her nearly 40-year career as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist at CHOP and the evolution of the field itself. Dr. Nicholson reflects on her path into pediatric cardiac anesthesia, the mentors who shaped her career, and her role in building CHOP’s integrated Cardiac Center. She also shares what continues to bring her joy—from caring for critically ill patients over time to training the next generation—offering thoughtful insights on leadership, lifelong learning, and professional fulfillment.

Welcome to the Heart of the Matter: Cardiology Conversations at CHOP. In this podcast, made by and for the Cardiac Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, we interview members of our community about our history, innovative research, clinical programs and advocacy within our institution.

In this episode of Heart of the Matter, Dr. Felina Mille speaks with Dr. Aaron DeWitt and Jessica Eichner, CPNP-AC about the evolution of the Advanced Cardiac Therapies (ACT) Program and its growing impact within the Cardiac Center. Learn how ACT is transforming care for children with complex heart disease as these leaders share how collaboration, innovation, and continuity have reshaped patient outcomes.

In this episode of Heart of the Matter: Cardiology Conversations at CHOP, Meryl Cohen speaks with three Cardiac Center researchers, Amy Jo Lisanti, Laura Mercer‑Rosa, and Michael O’Byrne, about their paths into research and their work driving innovation. They discuss diverse research programs spanning family‑centered and developmental care, multicenter registries addressing complex congenital heart disease, and the importance of mentorship and persistence. The conversation highlights the role of research improving patient and family outcomes and what makes CHOP a uniquely supportive environment for patient‑centered research.