Physicians with Heart: Dr. Timotheus Watson

When studying medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Timotheus Watson, MD, thought he wanted to be a general surgeon – until a rotation in pediatrics and pediatric cardiology changed his perspective. He said he was thrilled by the technology that gave physicians the ability to diagnose both simple and complex heart disease in the tiniest of human beings.

“There’s so much variety in the conditions we see and can diagnose prenatally,” Dr. Watson said. “It’s very fulfilling to be able to counsel families and let them know what’s going on with a child’s heart, even before birth, so they can be prepared. It makes an impact.”

Dr. Watson has been director of the City Call Program since 2017. His team provides pediatric cardiac consultations at more than 20 hospitals in Georgia. He also practices at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology’s Marietta clinic where he provides outpatient cardiology services to patients as well as fetal echocardiology for expectant mothers to confirm or rule out any heart issues prenatally. His practice includes a preventative cardiac component to treat patients with genetic issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.

“I do many of my own scans at the hospitals I visit through the City Call Program,” Dr. Watson said. “I like to form a relationship with families and follow up with them after the baby’s birth. Continuity of care is important, and the ability to figure out a baby’s heart issues and help them avoid having to be transported to Atlanta for evaluation if possible is an important service.”

Children’s Cardiology’s commitment to providing exceptional care throughout Georgia and knowing that he can give the best patient experience possible increases Dr. Watson’s job satisfaction. He said Children’s Cardiology supports its physicians by investing in new technology and participating in key research in pediatric cardiology. The variety of heart issues he encounters provides endless opportunities to learn and apply his experiences to his other patients.

Our team puts our patients first, and everyone is committed to the same mission,” Dr. Watson said. “I like to read scans myself so that my families can get answers and recommendations as soon as possible. Any concern about a child’s heart can be anxiety-provoking, but it’s our job to educate families and let them know they can rest easy because we’re going to take excellent care of their child.”

Dr. Watson says becoming a father himself of two daughters, ages 2 and 6, has made him a better physician. When one of his children had to have urgent surgery, he experienced how nerve-wracking having a sick child can be.

“I’ve been on the other side of giving medical news like that, but it really hit home for me in the moment. I better understood the fear, stress and uncertainty a lot of my patients and families experience,” Dr. Watson said.

He said his daughters have taught him patience and understanding, and they have a way of melting away a stressful day at work when they yell out “Daddy!” and run into his arms when he arrives home.

“It’s almost cleansing, and it takes away anything stressful that I’m going through at work,” Dr. Watson said. “My wife’s contributions as a mom are also something that cannot be underestimated, and they allow me to be a better father.”

Timotheus Watson, M.D.