CiCHD researchers develop groundbreaking human-based model for Fontan-associated liver disease
Researchers at the Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease (CiCHD) at UTHealth Houston have developed a first-of-its-kind, human-based model designed to advance understanding and treatment of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD), a serious and increasingly recognized complication affecting survivors of…
Graeme McDaniel Foundation visits Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease
On April 10, 2026, the Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease (CiCHD) at UTHealth Houston welcomed members of The Graeme McDaniel Foundation (external link) Board of Directors for a special visit and discussion focused on the future of congenital…
CiCHD researchers publish groundbreaking 3D bioprinted model of early human heart development in Nature Communications
Researchers affiliated with the Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease (CiCHD) have published a landmark study in Nature Communications introducing what is believed to be the first fully human-based, 3D bioprinted, and perfused model of the embryonic heart tube—the…
Rapid funding fuels momentum for CiCHD
Since its official launch in March 2026, the Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease (CiCHD) has received more than $1.1 million in grants and support to drive their research. The newly awarded $650,000 Additional Ventures grant will support the…
2026 Pediatric trainee research symposia showcase scholarly work
Each year, the Department of Pediatrics hosts engaging symposia that provide learners at all levels the opportunity to present research, quality-improvement initiatives, and other innovative projects developed throughout the academic year. These events foster an interactive and supportive environment where…
In the media, June 2026
Sandy McKay, MD, FAAP, featured in LinkedIn post (external link) by UTHealth Houston President Melina Kibbe, MD, recapping Healthcare Policy for Health Professionals Elizabeth Hillman, MD, MEd, featured on UTHealth Houston social media (external link) honoring moms and mother figures…
Team updates, June 2026
Welcome Melissa Webb, MD, Associate Professor, Pediatric Cardiology Saba Abutaseh, Administrative Manager, Medical Genetics Angelica R. Sanchez, Senior Administrative Manager, Child Safety and Integrated Care Congratulations Claire N. Singletary, MS, CGC, celebrates 20 years as director of the UTHealth Houston…
Resident life highlights, June 2026
AAP CATCH Grant event at Children’s Museum As part of her American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) CATCH Grant (external link), PGY-3 resident Dominique “Nikki” Dagdag, MD, hosted the second of two successful events with Project DOCC families and pediatric/med-peds residents….
Pediatrics honors, June 2026
Faculty and staff Don’t miss the 2026 Department of Pediatrics recipients of the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Awards. Residency and Fellowship Program Coordinators Melodie Allison and Judith Cerino (pictured above) won the First Place Viewer’s Choice award for their poster “Everyone…
McGovern Medical School honors 2026 teaching excellence awardees
[As seen in The Scoop, May 6, 2026] Congratulations to the 2026 winners of the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Awards. May is Teaching Excellence Month at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. Since 2025, the awards have shifted focus toward junior…