Introducing UH Rainbow's New Heart Expert | Harinder Singh, MD
November 12, 2023
UH Clinical Update | November 2023
Dr. Singh joined the Congenital Heart Collaborative in July following a national search and recently took a few moments for our brief interview
Harinder Singh, MD, FHRS, CEPS-(P), CCDS
Co-Director, The Congenital Heart Collaborative
Chief, Pediatric Cardiology
Director, Pediatric Electrophysiology
Harinder Singh, MDQ: What unique expertise do you bring to your dual appointment as Chief of Pediatric Cardiology and Director of Electrophysiology? Anything that has not been available in our region before in terms of procedures and devices?
As division chief of pediatric cardiology, I bring experience in building a cohesive division to meet the goals of growing volume and achieving clinical excellence and academic success. I plan to take the time to thoroughly understand the needs and culture of the heart team in order to build a robust division that provides the most advanced care for patients.
With more than 17 years of electrophysiology experience, I am excited to provide advanced diagnostics and therapeutic electrophysiology (EP) procedures for patients of all ages with congenital heart defects. Some of the best practices I use include performing EP procedures without the use of fluoroscopy to prevent radiation exposure to patients and staff members. In addition, I perform cardioneuroablation as indicated for patients with dysautonomia. I am also experienced in using innovative approaches to treat heart disease with novel devices. I hope that the heart patients of Northeast Ohio will benefit from my years of experience as a congenital electrophysiologist who has successfully performed both routine and innovative procedures.
Q: Where did you train and what has been your career trajectory to date?
I completed my medical graduation, pediatric residency and neonatal training in Mumbai, India. I then moved to the U.S., where I completed a repeat pediatric residency and fellowships in pediatric cardiology and pediatric/adult electrophysiology at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. In 2007, I joined the faculty at Children’s Hospital of Michigan as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2014. At that time, I relocated to San Antonio to help launch a pediatric cardiology program affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. I was promoted to Section Chief of Pediatric Cardiology in 2018 and honored with an Endowed Chair in 2021.
Q: When was it that you decided to center your career on pediatric heart disease? What was it about congenital heart disease and the electrical systems within the heart that captured your interest?
I love kids and enjoy playing and interacting with them. I marvel at their innocence, admire the changes in their persona with growth and development and find their smiles invaluable and invigorating. This is what incited my interest to be a pediatrician. Early in my medical career, learning the different types of heart defects and the electrical properties of the heart fascinated me the most. As I pursued pediatric cardiology, the electrophysiological aspects, the evaluation and management of rhythm disorders that made most physicians uncomfortable, seemed the most inviting aspect to pursue. Some of the electrical conditions can be cured and the ability to achieve that and make a difference in their lives, was the reason to pursue the field of electrophysiology.
Q: What drew you to join The Congenital Heart Collaborative team and UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital?
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is a renowned institution that is well-known for its contributions to children’s healthcare. The Congenital Heart Collaboration is a comprehensive team of subspecialists that are leaders and pioneers in their respective areas. I was excited at the prospect of joining this talented group and rounding out the great expertise with my strength in electrophysiology. I hope my added experience will help keep the team strong, cohesive and collaborative while remaining on the cutting-edge of pediatric cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery innovation.
Q: If you have had a chance to explore Cleveland and Northern Ohio, are there any aspects that has captured your interest?
I am enjoying exploring Cleveland and the rich history and culture that exists in every part of the city. I am still exploring the different communities around the Cleveland suburbs and in Northeast Ohio. I love the density of vegetation and trees, the proximity to the lake, and the wonderful Metroparks system.
Q: There are few FDA–approved devices specifically aimed at the pediatric patient with arrhythmia. Is there hope for families with children affected by arrhythmias on the horizon?
Hope is what sustains the world. We are fortunate to live in era of constant progress and advances in medicine, and pediatric electrophysiology is no different. Most of the devices and procedures are first tried in the older population after FDA approval. The pediatric world takes the necessary time to put new technology and treatments into practice. Therefore, the advances in pediatric EP mirror the advances in adult EP. For example, the procedure of cardioneuroablation has been more commonly performed in the adult patient group and recently has been explored in pediatric patients as well. The use of innovative devices also follows suit and shall continue to do so. So there is definitely hope for families with children affected by arrhythmias.
Q: What goals have you mapped out for the Division of Pediatric Cardiology and the services and programs we will provide?
From a division standpoint, my goals are to build a stable, collaborative and stimulating work environment for everyone in the UH Rainbow Heart Center. I want to use an academic approach in achieving excellent patient outcomes, provide comprehensive, quality-driven standard of care options and enhance patient care. I am also focused on training the next generation of pediatric cardiologists and encouraging their pursuit of research to advance the science of pediatric cardiology. To achieve these goals, I will need to push myself and our team to pursue excellence, accountability and continuously aim for improvement.
Q: Can you share your research goals and interests, as well as your goals for educating the next generation of pediatric cardiology specialists?
The focus of my research is in the field of pediatric electrophysiology and disorders of the autonomic nervous system. My work centers on improving the techniques and modalities in pediatric EP and evaluating the role of artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enhance our work. I am hopeful to spur the interests of our trainees – to be inquisitive, encouraging their research/career interests and working to mold them into well-trained, competent physicians that will advance the field of pediatric cardiology. I am also eager to work with our team to grow the pediatric cardiology fellowship program at UH Rainbow into a destination program that attracts the brightest and best candidates.
Q: Is there an aspect about your new role at UH Rainbow that particularly excites you?
I am excited to build upon the existing prestigious pediatric cardiology program, to help recruit new team members, and to align our collective focus on providing the highest quality heart care for children and their families. At this juncture in my career, this seems to be an exciting challenge that I am looking forward to.