Texas Children’s names Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program leadership team

September 30, 2019

Texas Children’s Hospital has announced the two new leaders of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program at Texas Children’s Heart Center® – esteemed cardiologist, Dr. Peter Ermis, as medical director and Dr. Edward Hickey, a recognized cardiovascular surgeon, as surgical director. Beginning on October 1, they will together guide the largest ACHD program in the state.

Texas Children’s is ranked No. 1 in the nation for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report, but for years the hospital has also offered expert care for adults with congenital heart disease. Texas Children’s ACHD Program allows patients with congenital heart disease to receive seamless continuity of care from birth throughout adulthood. As pediatric patients with congenital heart defects transition into adulthood, the program’s multidisciplinary team of experienced congenital heart disease specialists advises them on health and lifestyle choices for their adult needs, including physical challenges, exercise options and family planning. The program offers comprehensive medical and surgical care in collaboration with colleagues at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women® and Texas Children’s Fetal Center®. The hospital’s ACHD Program is accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) and is one of only three accredited programs in Texas.

Ermis, a native Houstonian and dedicated member of Texas Children’s ACHD Program team since 2014, also serves as assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s academic partner.

“I’m honored to take on a leadership role in the program where I began my cardiology career,” said Ermis. “As this population of patients grows, it is even more important they are cared for by congenital heart disease specialists who recognize their specific needs as they transition to and live through adulthood. Our team is revolutionizing the way we care for these patients, and I look forward to continuing to do so in partnership with Dr. Hickey.”

Ermis received his undergraduate degree at Rice University. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and went on to complete his residency and pediatric and adult cardiology fellowship at Baylor. He is board certified in pediatric cardiology, adult cardiology and adult congenital heart disease. Ermis is a fellow in the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Texas Heart Institute Cardiac Society and the International Society on Adult Congenital Heart Disease.

Hickey, a proven leader in cardiovascular surgery, most recently served as associate professor of cardiac surgery at the University of Toronto and cardiac surgeon and chief of the ACHD program at The Hospital for Sick Children. In addition to his leadership role, he will also perform congenital heart surgeries and serve as associate professor of surgery at Baylor.

“I’m thrilled to join Texas Children’s and lead the ACHD Program alongside Dr. Ermis,” said Hickey. “Treating these unique patients requires dedication from an entire team, and it is evident Texas Children’s is paving the way in this field. I’m looking forward to joining this innovative and collaborative group as we continue to develop tailored approaches for our patients.”

Hickey received a Bachelor of Medicine degree from the University of Southampton in the U.K., where he also completed his general surgery residency. He went on to complete higher surgical training in cardiothoracic surgery and simultaneously earned his Doctorate of Medicine research thesis from Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Southampton, respectively. Later, he received the John Kirklin Fellowship from the Congenital Heart Surgeons’ Society, University of Toronto and spent two years at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He then pursued residency training in Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Toronto, followed by a clinical fellowship in congenital heart surgery.

Learn more about Texas Children’s ACHD Program.