CHIEF Program at Phoenix Children's

CHIEF Program Turns Out Healthy Graduates

The Complex Congenital Heart Infant Evaluation and Follow-Up Program, otherwise known as CHIEF, is designed to monitor infants born with heart conditions that frequently require a series of heart surgeries. The program is unique to Phoenix Children’s and is the first to offer it in the Southwest. CHIEF relies strongly on a plan developed by the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and draws on elements procured from various other institutions across the country. The end result ensures that each family leaves the hospital with a meticulous checklist in hand, open lines of communication and an established network of support.

The CHIEF program is one of only a handful in the country, and accepts any infant deemed high risk for any sort of complex congenital heart problem. This program monitors patients throughout their course of treatment, ensuring that all involved parties, including parents and pediatricians, are well-informed and kept in the loop regarding all steps of the process.

In addition to offering patients a state-of-the-art facility and world-renowned surgeons capable of performing the most complex of procedures, one of the standout elements of the CHIEF program is its commitment to continuity of care and open communication. Cardiologists within the Children's Heart Center have noted significant improvements in family satisfaction as a result of the program.

For more information about the program, please call Shelley Akey
at (602) 933-3535.