Physicians with Heart: Dr. William McEachern
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology pediatric cardiologist William McEachern, M.D., knew when he was in medical school that he was best suited to work as part of a fast-moving team that managed the most complex cases of congenital heart disease. The diversity of cases he sees at Children’s – along with the privilege of caring for kids – attracted him to Atlanta in 2022.
Dr. McEachern completed his fellowship training at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where he established his clinical interest in noninvasive imaging by completing an advanced fourth year. He currently serves as one of four physicians on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology cross-sectional imaging team, acquiring and interpreting cardiac MRIs and CTs. Being a part of the Fetal Cardiology Program, he also performs and interprets transthoracic and fetal echocardiograms. Additionally, he performs transesophageal echo imaging to assist Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center surgeons in the operating room. Dr. McEachern sees patients at Children’s Cardiology’s Canton clinic with a dedicated slot in the afternoons to scan the babies of expectant mothers to screen for congenital heart defects or fetal arrhythmias. Dr. McEachern also serves on the City Call Program team, where he provides consultations and patient care to hospitals in the greater Atlanta area.
“The volume and diversity of cases at Children’s is unparalleled in this region, and our group brings years of multidisciplinary experience,” Dr. McEachern said. “Practicing pediatric cardiology is a lifelong opportunity to continue to refine best practices for taking care of these patients. Experiencing the degree of camaraderie between colleagues weighing in on the most complex patients is highly valuable and enjoyable for me.”
Part of the job of the pediatric cardiologist is educating families about their child’s congenital heart defect. Dr. McEachern said events like February’s American Heart Month can open conversations and bring awareness to research, resources and networks that support CHD parents.
“Bringing awareness to the relative frequency of CHDs allow parents to connect with others at a similar stage because a CHD diagnosis can be very isolating,” Dr. McEachern said.
As a father to 5- and 7-year-old boys, Dr. McEachern said he considers it a privilege to walk with other parents through difficult and vulnerable times, often being able to reassure and provide good news to encourage them.
When he’s not shuttling his boys to their activities, Dr. McEachern enjoys staying active by running, biking and playing tennis and basketball.
William McEachern, MD
Education
- Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
- Residency: Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
- Fellowship: Pediatric Cardiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
- Additional Fellowship: Pediatric Cardiovascular Imaging, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Areas of Focus
- General Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR)
- Fetal Echocardiography
For more information about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology and our pediatric cardiology specialists, click here.