Fawwaz Ridwan Shaw, MD, completed residencies in family medicine and general surgery at the University of Tennessee. He later completed a cardiothoracic surgery residency at the University of Washington and a congenital cardiac surgery fellowship at Seattle Children's Hospital before joining the faculty at West Virginia University. Since 2018, Dr. Shaw has served as Surgical Director of Advanced Cardiac Therapies and Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta – Emory School of Medicine.
Dr. Shaw joins Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as Medical Director of the Cardiac Operating Rooms, Surgical Director of CHOP’s new Biventricular Repair Program, and Program Director of the Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship.
Here, he discusses his approach to clinical care, his professional inspiration, and what to expect from CHOP’s Biventricular Repair Program.
Q: What inspired you to specialize in the field of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery?
During my surgical training, I became attracted to the technical challenges, focus and knowledge required of an outstanding pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon. As my interests evolved, I began to understand that pediatric patients with congenital cardiac conditions face unique challenges, including access to care, the development of new technologies, and innovation in medicine. I believe we have an important role in advocating for these patients – in the research we perform, the clinical care we provide and the leadership responsibilities we accept.
From a personal perspective, I am inspired by my own children to provide the same level of care and compassion that I would like them to receive. This is one of the reasons I’m committed to providing the highest quality of care for the patients CHOP is fortunate enough to care for.
Q: What is CHOP’s new Biventricular Repair Program?
When a child is born with a small or undeveloped portion of their heart, their best option has previously been living with a single ventricle (pumping chamber). This is an opportunity to advance the care we provide through innovative clinical medicine, surgery and research. The Cardiac Center has assembled an incredible multidisciplinary team to develop a center for patients who may instead be candidates for surgical reconstruction that creates a normal two-ventricle circulation. CHOP is uniquely poised to become a leader in this area, and I am very excited to be part of this new project.
Q: How do you approach working with Heart Warrior families?
CHOP Heart Warriors and their families are an amazing, resilient group who inspire so many. I always try to spend time with the families of my patients, to make sure they understand the nature of their child’s heart condition, the surgery being offered and how it will benefit their child. Sometimes, I draw pictures, which can help explain complex conditions or surgical procedures. It is incredibly rewarding to me to get to play even a small part in my patients’ remarkable journeys.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my children, fishing, collecting plants and antiques, and traveling. I also love animals, and even own two parrots!
Q. What are you most looking forward to about your new role at CHOP?
I am delighted to be a part of the Cardiac Center team and am looking forward to spending each day with remarkable, like-minded people who exude kindness and compassion for the children and families we care for.
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Fawwaz Ridwan Shaw, MD, completed residencies in family medicine and general surgery at the University of Tennessee. He later completed a cardiothoracic surgery residency at the University of Washington and a congenital cardiac surgery fellowship at Seattle Children's Hospital before joining the faculty at West Virginia University. Since 2018, Dr. Shaw has served as Surgical Director of Advanced Cardiac Therapies and Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta – Emory School of Medicine.
Dr. Shaw joins Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as Medical Director of the Cardiac Operating Rooms, Surgical Director of CHOP’s new Biventricular Repair Program, and Program Director of the Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship.
Here, he discusses his approach to clinical care, his professional inspiration, and what to expect from CHOP’s Biventricular Repair Program.
Q: What inspired you to specialize in the field of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery?
During my surgical training, I became attracted to the technical challenges, focus and knowledge required of an outstanding pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon. As my interests evolved, I began to understand that pediatric patients with congenital cardiac conditions face unique challenges, including access to care, the development of new technologies, and innovation in medicine. I believe we have an important role in advocating for these patients – in the research we perform, the clinical care we provide and the leadership responsibilities we accept.
From a personal perspective, I am inspired by my own children to provide the same level of care and compassion that I would like them to receive. This is one of the reasons I’m committed to providing the highest quality of care for the patients CHOP is fortunate enough to care for.
Q: What is CHOP’s new Biventricular Repair Program?
When a child is born with a small or undeveloped portion of their heart, their best option has previously been living with a single ventricle (pumping chamber). This is an opportunity to advance the care we provide through innovative clinical medicine, surgery and research. The Cardiac Center has assembled an incredible multidisciplinary team to develop a center for patients who may instead be candidates for surgical reconstruction that creates a normal two-ventricle circulation. CHOP is uniquely poised to become a leader in this area, and I am very excited to be part of this new project.
Q: How do you approach working with Heart Warrior families?
CHOP Heart Warriors and their families are an amazing, resilient group who inspire so many. I always try to spend time with the families of my patients, to make sure they understand the nature of their child’s heart condition, the surgery being offered and how it will benefit their child. Sometimes, I draw pictures, which can help explain complex conditions or surgical procedures. It is incredibly rewarding to me to get to play even a small part in my patients’ remarkable journeys.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my children, fishing, collecting plants and antiques, and traveling. I also love animals, and even own two parrots!
Q. What are you most looking forward to about your new role at CHOP?
I am delighted to be a part of the Cardiac Center team and am looking forward to spending each day with remarkable, like-minded people who exude kindness and compassion for the children and families we care for.
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