Physicians with Heart: Dr. Dongngan Truong

Her enjoyment of the study of the mechanics of the heart and how it makes sense to her is one of the factors that led Pediatric Cardiologist Dongngan Truong, MD, MSCI, to focus on the cardiac specialty when she became a doctor. But more importantly, she loves the mix of acute care with the opportunity to follow her patients as they grow into adults that pediatric cardiology provides.

“The opportunity to guide families through the journey, whether their child is facing a minor issue or a significant problem, is very rewarding,” Dr. Truong said. “Watching your patient grow up and being their cardiologist is a great feeling and a privilege.”

Dr. Truong came to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology in August of 2024 after 10 years at the University of Utah. She sees patients at the Marietta clinic, and her areas of focus include echocardiography, pediatric COVID-19 related cardiac diseases and Kawasaki disease. Her work researching 3D echocardiography promotes its usage in guiding surgeons as they operate on the heart and its valves.

Dr. Truong enjoys educating her patients and families as well as the next generation of pediatric cardiologists and general pediatricians. She says pediatricians often serve as the first line of defense in the identification of potential cardiac problems in children and the referrals to specialists like herself for early intervention and treatment.

“A big part of our role is to educate other clinicians about pediatric heart disease,” Dr. Truong said. “We also educate our patients, and as children get older, we help them understand what’s going on with their hearts for themselves. Watching cardiac patients grow into adults and become their own advocates is a joy to be a part of.”

Dr. Truong said that Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology and Heart Center stand out as a cardiac care provider in Georgia for several reasons including the new, state-of-the-art Arthur M. Blank Hospital, which opened its doors in September. She also appreciates how the Children’s model brings excellent cardiac care to families through its clinics across the state, making cardiac care more accessible and convenient for all Georgians.

“Georgia is such a large state, and not every family has the resources or ability to come into Atlanta frequently for their child’s ongoing cardiac care,” Dr. Truong said. “Children’s Cardiology really makes the effort to cover the state and provide the same great care all across Georgia.”

Dr. Truong says that everyone at Children’s Cardiology is an integral part of the team, from the call center staff to the nurses and physicians. She said that the team strives to act as a cohesive unit, and everyone is committed to being strong advocates for their patients.

“Everybody is really passionate about the care they provide, and my colleagues go above and beyond to make things work for the patients and families,” she said.

Dr. Truong said that while Atlanta is the largest city she’s ever lived in, the unique character of its various neighborhoods keeps it from feeling too big and overwhelming. She enjoys traveling with her husband, Ryan, dinner parties with friends, and taking care of her pandemic puppy, a Pomeranian named Bear.