Timothy Slesnick, MD: Advancing Pediatric Cardiac Imaging

Discovering a Passion for Pediatric Cardiac Imaging

Although he first thought he would become a surgeon, Timothy Slesnick, MD, discovered a strong affinity for imaging – specifically pediatric cardiac imaging – in medical school. When Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology came calling in 2010, he was already following the pioneering work in biomedical engineering taking place at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and wanted to be part of it.

“The puzzle-solving aspect of imaging drew me in early in my career, and the opportunity to marry the intellectual satisfaction of doing things no one else was doing with being on the cutting edge of patient-centric care was exciting,” Dr. Slesnick said. “Not many people can say they genuinely love what they do, and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to do just that.”

Raised in Kentucky, Dr. Slesnick attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. His clinical focus is non-invasive imaging, which includes echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and cardiac computed tomography (CT). These tools help physicians evaluate the form and structure of the hearts of children born with congenital heart disease (CHD). In addition, Dr. Slesnick is a key member of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Heart Center’s Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Program, where his imaging expertise plays an important role in diagnosing and managing this rare and complex condition.

Leading Global Collaboration Through FORCE

Dr. Slesnick continues to work with the biomedical engineers at Georgia Tech. Currently, he serves on the executive leadership team of a collaboration designed to create the largest and first-of-its-kind single ventricle/Fontan registry entitled, “Fontan Outcome Registry using CMR Examinations” (FORCE).

With 38 large heart centers worldwide contributing data on 4,000 patients and 7,000 MRIs, physicians are learning things about single ventricle kids that were previously impossible to study.

“The numbers of patients in the database are unheard of,” he said. “By comparing and studying these children and young adults, you can better predict who does well and why. It will help us pick up subtle cues on patients, identify trends and produce more accurate risk profiles, all of which improve treatment and outcomes.”

Pioneering Advances in Imaging

One of Dr. Slesnick’s current passions is leading a team pioneering the use of cross-sectional imaging as director of Pediatric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Cardiac Computed Tomography for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University.

New advances in imaging technology are helping his team facilitate communication with heart warrior families and educate them about their child’s specific congenital heart defect using 3D models and digital reproductions families can refer to.

“I constantly ask myself how I can, as a leader, put the team in a better position to innovate and come up with new ways to deliver care,” he said. “Seeing each other’s successes helps us realize what we can accomplish together.”

Supporting Families with CHD

Dr. Slesnick values communication highly and believes in talking things through with patient families on multiple occasions, even when he must deliver challenging news.

“It’s important to give our families realistic information and an accurate road map, while also encouraging them to not let the unknowns overwhelm them,” he said. “We let them know their options and what potential outcomes look like and that we’re in it with them every step of the way.”

He also advocates for CHD families to connect with one another. With CHDs occurring in 1 out of 100 children, connecting with others—especially through online communities—can provide invaluable support and education that would have been impossible in the past.

Life Beyond Medicine

Dr. Slesnick said his two young children have sharpened his empathy as he witnesses both the joys and trials of parenting. He loves to travel with his family and jokes that his wife doesn’t consider it a vacation unless sand is involved.

Areas of Focus