Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Names New Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery


ATLANTA (January 2017) – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has named E. Dean McKenzie, MD, as Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery for the Children’s Sibley Heart Center. In his new role, effective Jan. 9, 2017, Dr. McKenzie will oversee the Children’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Program and joins current Chief of the Children’s Sibley Heart Center, William Mahle, MD, as Co-Chief of Children’s Cardiac Services.

Dr. McKenzie previously served as Associate Surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital and Professor of Surgery in the Division of Congenital Heart Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He has considerable experience and has developed innovative surgical techniques for many congenital heart conditions, including coarctation of the aorta.

“Dr. McKenzie is an expert in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and we are honored that he has chosen our program,” said Dr. Mahle. “His recruitment is emblematic of Children’s commitment to building the premier pediatric cardiac program in the country.”

Dr. McKenzie received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in 1991. Following a surgical internship at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, he completed his residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine, specializing in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery in 1998.

"Surgical outcomes for children and adults with congenital heart disease are dependent on many factors," said Dr. McKenzie, who plans to build upon the accomplishments of the Children’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Program since its inception more than 40 years ago. "Our aim is to achieve the best possible surgical outcomes for the youngest and most complex patients by creating better consistency within the system in which they receive care."

In 2016, the Children’s cardiothoracic surgery team performed 1,013 surgical procedures. Ranked one of the country’s top pediatric cardiac programs by U.S. News & World Report, the Children’s Sibley Heart Center is recognized for innovative treatments and leading‐edge research. 

For more information:

Alanna Gardner

Public Relations Coordinator

404-785-7741

Alanna.Gardner@choa.org

About Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

As the only freestanding pediatric healthcare system in Georgia, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is the trusted leader in caring for kids. The not-for-profit organization’s mission is to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow through more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs, top healthcare professionals, and leading research and technology. Children’s is one of the largest pediatric clinical care providers in the country, managing more than one million patient visits annually at three hospitals, Marcus Autism Center, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, urgent care centers and neighborhood locations. Consistently ranked among the top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has impacted the lives of kids in Georgia, across the United States and around the world for more than 100 years thanks to generous support from the community.

About the Children’s Sibley Heart Center

Treating more than 38,000 children annually, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sibley Heart Center provides comprehensive cardiac services for congenital and acquired heart disease from infancy through young adulthood, as well as prenatal diagnostics. Ranked one of the country’s top pediatric cardiac programs by U.S.News & World Report, the Sibley Heart Center is recognized for innovative treatments and leading‐edge research. Visit www.choa.org/heart or call 404‐256‐2593 or 800‐542‐2233 for more information.

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