In the News
Danielle Kern knew she was in excellent hands when she decided to give birth to her son at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla.—it was the same hospital that saved her life when she born with a congenital heart defect 24 years ago. Because of her very complex condition, a multispecialty team of caregivers was on hand to help deliver Kern’s baby. Dr. Joel Hardin, Pediatrix-affiliated adult congenital cardiologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Pediatric Cardiology Associates, oversaw Kern’s cardiac care during the delivery. “It’s almost like launching a rocket into space,” he said. “There was a layering of support for mom and baby.” Dr. Hardin is one of about 500 physicians certified in the field of adult congenital cardiology nationwide, which helps people born with the condition transition their care from adolescence to adulthood. Success stories like Kern’s help him motivate parents who may be struggling with a child’s diagnosis or condition. “I get to share with them that this is why it’s worth it,” said Dr. Hardin. “This is why you’re putting the child into the hands of a team that can help them feel better and healthier, and maybe have a child of their own one day.”
View the full story at Tampa Bay Parenting