Inside Children’s Cardiology’s Fetal Cardiology Program

A doctor uses a probe to do a fetal scan on a expecting mom.

Fetal Echocardiogram being performed by Dr. Sanghee Ro.

Following the retirement of the previous program director, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta fetal cardiology program entered a new chapter with a carefully mentored transition in place. Today, under the leadership of Sanghee Ro, MD, the program continues its nationally respected legacy while expanding its reach, innovation, and national presence.

As Director of the fetal cardiology program, Dr. Ro brings clinical distinction, research expertise, and a deeply personal commitment to families facing life‑changing diagnoses. A pediatric cardiologist and award‑winning researcher, she is focused not only on maintaining the program’s high standards, but on ensuring families feel supported, prepared, and never alone.

Building on a Strong, Team‑Driven Foundation

Designed to be self‑sustaining, the fetal cardiology program is built on collaboration and trusted expertise. The multidisciplinary team includes nurse coordinators, sonographers, social workers, and leadership support—working together to provide comprehensive, family‑centered care.

The program is actively focused on expanding referral networks and strengthening trust with providers across Georgia, ensuring timely access and consistent communication.

“We have the best sonographers and the best team, which makes my job easy,” Dr. Ro said. “It’s not one person—it’s all of us working together.”

A Nationally Recognized Program with Room to Grow

The fetal cardiology team conducts more than 3,000 fetal visits annually, placing the program in the top 10% nationally by volume. It is widely recognized for timely appointments, high‑quality imaging, and comprehensive evaluations.

Strong communication with referring providers is a cornerstone of the program, including:

Same‑day consult calls
Monthly multidisciplinary case reviews
Coordinated care planning

Looking ahead, Dr. Ro envisions raising the program’s national profile through research collaboration and leadership, including involvement with the Fetal Heart Society.

Future areas of exploration include:

Fetal cardiac MRI
Artificial intelligence applications
Collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology on emerging technologies

Research‑Driven Care and Continuous Improvement

Dr. Ro places a strong emphasis on research and quality improvement. In 2022, she received the prestigious Arthur Weyman Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Echocardiography.

Her award‑winning study examined the association between prenatal levels of care and postnatal outcomes in fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart disease—marking the first time fetal cardiology–based research has received this recognition since the award’s inception in 1990.

“With my quality improvement background, I’m always thinking about what metrics we can use to measure our performance and what interventions I introduce to the team,” she said. “This is a fast‑growing field with innovations happening all the time.”

What Families Can Expect: Comprehensive, Compassionate Care

Dr. Ro recognizes pregnancy as a uniquely vulnerable time for families. Her approach extends beyond diagnosis and treatment planning to holistic, ongoing support.

“They are facing life‑changing diagnoses, and we want them to know there is a multidisciplinary team that will help them through the whole process,” she said.

Initial visits to the fetal cardiology program often last up to two hours, allowing time for:

Detailed diagnosis
Counseling and education
Emotional support

Families also gain access to multidisciplinary resources, including:

ICU tours
Meetings with cardiothoracic surgeons
Cardiac catheterization team consultations
Post‑surgical care simulations

Thoughtful coordination reduces travel burdens for families across a wide geographic area. Ongoing follow‑up from nurse coordinators and direct contact information help ensure continuity and reassurance.

Supporting Families Through Uncertainty

“One of the biggest questions a family will have is simply whether their baby is going to be okay,” Dr. Ro said. “What they’re really asking is: Will my baby live, and will they have a normal life? I counsel families with that in mind from the start.”

The program’s focus is preparation—medical, emotional, logistical, and financial—so families feel informed and supported at every step.

The Heart Behind the Program

Receiving a heart diagnosis can feel incredibly isolating. Dr. Ro emphasizes reassurance and connection, often reminding families: “You’re not alone—and this is not your fault.”

As a parent herself, Dr. Ro finds meaning in walking alongside families from diagnosis through birth and celebrating milestones after their baby is born.

“I’ve met so many incredibly strong moms and dads who remain hopeful and optimistic at a time when their whole lives are going to change,” she said. “They remind me every day why I love what I do.”

Contributing Cardiologist: Sanghee Ro, MD

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