Texas Children’s lost a legend on November 17, 2024. Dr. Charles Mullins, more commonly referred to as Chuck, was known far and wide for his contributions and innovations in the field of interventional cardiology. He spent the majority of his illustrious four-decade career working at Texas Children’s where he developed several groundbreaking techniques, and our world-renowned cardiac catheterization laboratories are named in his honor.
Ever the type to remain humble, when asked what his greatest contribution to the field was he would say training his fellows. A gifted teacher and educator, Chuck trained generations of pediatric interventional fellows working all over the world, many of whom still work at Texas Children’s today.
Several beloved colleagues have shared their thoughts on working with Chuck and the impact he had on medicine.
Dr. Wes Vick: “Dr. Mullins was internationally renowned for his innovative work in the treatment of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular disease. He is widely considered the “Father of Modern Interventional Pediatric Cardiology.” During his time at Texas Children’s Hospital, he invented the “Mullins Sheath” and pioneered the use of balloon expandable intravascular stents to alleviate congenital cardiovascular disease. These methods, originally developed at Texas Children’s Hospital, are employed on a daily basis all around world. These are just two of Dr. Mullins’s extensive contributions to medicine. Indeed, the “sun never sets” on his legacy of innovation, for the techniques he developed are used daily on every continent, and cardiologists that can trace their training to him are busily at work every day in catheterization laboratories all around the world.
So, we will miss Dr. Mullins but take joy in his life lived in the service of humanity. May God Bless him and his family. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”’
Dr. Dan Penny: “Dr. Mullins showed us all what a physician could be. He was innovative, caring, compassionate and humble. The medical profession was all the better because he was part of it. We will miss Chuck, but we will continue to build on his legacy, as he would have wanted us to.”
Dr. Athar Qureshi: “Dr. Mullins contributions to our field cannot be expressed in words. His innovations, including the “Mullins sheath” (still very much in use) and the introduction of stent technology paved the way for virtually every congenital cardiac intervention performed today. Dr. Mullins would travel the world as an invited expert and would pass on his art. Everywhere he went, people wanted to take pictures with him, shake his hand or even get his autograph on his textbook. His celebrity status was only surpassed by his humility. He made everyone feel as if they were the sole focus of his attention – friends, colleagues, patients and families alike. He worked with passion, yet never lost sight of his family and friends, who he loved so dearly.
What an amazing life he lived.”
Dr. Jeff Kim: “To us here at Texas Children’s Hospital, Dr. Mullins was known as a mentor and friend. His contributions to the field of cardiac intervention have been unmatched, and he has trained generations of pediatric cardiologists. Despite his pronounced academic legacy, when asked about what he was most proud, he would never hesitate to say his trainees. This is who he was. Indeed, our cardiac catheterization laboratories here are named in his honor as there are few who have touched us more significantly. Although sorrowful at his passing, we celebrate Chuck’s lifetime of service and the immense impact he has had on all of us.”
Dr. Aimee Liou: “To describe the career of Dr. Charles Edward Mullins is to recount an unfathomable number of accomplishments. Even before his time at Texas Children’s Hospital, he achieved high distinctions in the U.S. Army for being its first pediatric cardiologist and for serving internationally on tour as a consultant. His work in the services earned him the awards of a Commendation Medal and an Oak Leaf Cluster, and he left the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. He then came here to Texas Children’s Hospital in 1969, where he made formative contributions to what is now our #1 Heart Center and pioneering contributions to the discipline of pediatric interventional cardiology.
To reflect upon the man that Chuck was, however, is a lesson in humanity. His was a quiet, steadfast passion, and he viewed life simply and humbly, always wearing his signature black cowboy boots both outside and inside the catheterization laboratory. He was straight-shooting and earnest in his conversations, which revealed his wife and family to be his top priority. Approachable and down-to-earth in demeanor, he repeatedly eschewed his celebrity. He simply wished to be considered part of the Texas Children’s family.
It is such legendary figures as Dr. Mullins who comprise the beating heart of Texas Children’s Hospital itself. It is an honor to contribute to the enduring legacy of this remarkable individual, a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of so many all over the world.”
Dr. Carolyn Altman: “Dr. Mullins was an extra-ordinary clinician, educator, researcher, and mentor outside the cath lab as well. I count myself extremely fortunate to have been one of Dr. Mullin’s trainees. He readily made time for trainees and junior faculty, happy to share his wisdom and clinical expertise. He was truly interested in each of us, helping us to develop into the best clinicians possible, celebrating our successes, and becoming part of our families. We will miss him greatly.”
Dr. Mullins’ legacy, mentorship and contributions will continue to live on at Texas Children’s. We mourn his passing but are thankful for his pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to the study of cardiology and to the next generation of physicians.
