Rima N. Dababneh, MD, MSCR, FAAP

Biography

Rima Dababneh, MD, FAAP, is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Cardiology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. She is board-certified in pediatrics and holds additional certifications through the American Board of Pediatrics, ECFMG, and the Jordanian Board of Pediatrics.

Dr. Dababneh earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Jordan, followed by a Master of Science in clinical research from Rush University. She completed her pediatric residency training at Jordan University Hospital and the University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, where she also served as chief resident. She went on to complete dual fellowships in pediatric cardiology at Rush University Medical Center and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Her academic and clinical work focuses on advanced cardiac imaging, congenital heart disease, and quality improvement. She serves on multiple national committees, including the Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC³), where she leads the Feeding Quality Improvement Workgroup. She is also the PAC³ Local Clinical Champion at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Dr. Dababneh is actively involved in medical education, contributing to the Cardiology Fellows Simulation Program and leading didactic sessions for fellows and advanced practice providers.
Her mentoring includes guiding APPs and cardiology fellows on clinical care and quality initiatives. Her scholarly work includes numerous abstracts, peer-reviewed publications, invited articles, and textbook contributions, with notable research in echocardiography, congenital heart disease, and neonatal outcomes. She has received several awards, including the AAP Young Investigator Award Selection and multiple teaching awards recognizing her educational leadership.

Dr. Dababneh maintains active clinical responsibilities in inpatient cardiology, advanced cardiac imaging, and outpatient cardiology, delivering comprehensive cardiac care across the continuum.