Holly D. Bauser-Heaton, MD, PhD, FSCAI, FACC

Biography

Holly Bauser-Heaton MD, PhD, FSCAI, FACC, is is a nationally recognized physician-scientist and leader in pediatric cardiology. Dr. Bauser-Heaton currently serves as Professor and Chief of Pediatric Cardiology at McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston and Co-Executive Director of the UTHealth Children’s Heart Institute. She holds the prestigious John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Distinguished Chair.

Dr. Bauser-Heaton earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry (with honors) from Butler University, followed by both a PhD in Cellular and Integrative Physiology and an MD from Indiana University. She completed her pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and advanced fellowships in pediatric cardiology and congenital interventional cardiology at Stanford University. Her clinical expertise includes complex congenital and structural heart interventions, with over 250–350 procedures performed annually. She founded and directed the Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, which has gained national recognition for its outcomes.

Dr. Bauser-Heaton’s research bridges basic science and clinical innovation. Her work focuses on endothelial dysfunction, nitric oxide signaling, and 3D bioprinting of vascular constructs for pulmonary disease modeling and treatment. She has received continuous federal and foundation support, including NIH grants and awards from the American Heart Association and Saving Tiny Hearts Foundation. She is a prolific author with over 70 peer-reviewed publications, multiple patents in cardiovascular device innovation, and frequent invitations to speak at national and international conferences. Her leadership extends to national committees such as the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), where she serves as a Fellow Course Director and Health Care Disparities Council Leader, and the American College of Cardiology.

Dr. Bauser-Heaton is deeply committed to education and mentorship, having supervised numerous PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and medical trainees. She also contributes to community outreach as a foster/adoptive parent and Girl Scouts troop leader.