The First Pulmonary Ozaki in Florida and Among the First in the Nation, done at Nicklaus Children's Heart Institute: Meet Victoria

March 19, 2026 –

Eleven-year-old Victoria, an energetic swimmer and big sister, underwent open-heart surgery to repair her pulmonary insufficiency. Dr. David Kalfa and the cardiovascular surgery team reconstructed her valve using her own pericardial tissue through the Ozaki Procedure.

Tiny but Mighty: 1.2LB Baby Girl Leaves NICU After Three Months

March 04, 2026 –

Just a few days after baby girl Pierson was born, when she still weighed only 1.2 lb, a small catheter was placed through her vein to deliver a tiny device to treat her congenital heart defect all while she remained in her incubator.

Patient of the Month: Madison

November 30, 2025 –

Madison’s fight for life began just days after being born with a heart defect that required lifesaving surgery.

Patient of the Month: Jack

May 29, 2025 –

Kimberly's pregnancy was going well until a 20-week anatomy scan revealed concerns for her baby boy. After this initial shock, the family turned to The Prenatal Heart Program at Nicklaus Children's Heart Institute for further evaluation.

Jamie's Heart Saved Thanks to a Free EKG Screening

March 25, 2025 – Jamie was found to have a heart condition thanks to a free EKG screening held at a City of Miami summer camp in 2024. Nicklaus Children’s and the City of Miami joined forces to extend the hospitals free EKG screenings program to children in City of Miami parks. Jamie’s heart was repaired in the hospital’s cardiac catheterization laboratory and his family can feel comforted in knowing his heart is healthy.

Against the Odds: Jack's Fight for Life

February 04, 2025 – Kimberly and her husband learned their unborn son, Jack, had a congenital heart defect (Transposition of the Great Arteries), and after being referred to Nicklaus Children's Hospital for specialized care, Jack underwent open-heart surgery within days of his birth, leaving his future uncertain.

Jamie's Heart Story

October 28, 2024 – Jamie was found to have a congenital heart condition thanks to a free EKG screening held at a City of Miami summer camp in 2024.

Madison's Success Story

May 30, 2023 – Madison was born with a heart defect called truncus arteriosus. Despite having open-heart surgery at Nicklaus Children's when just 4 years old, she hasn't slow down one bit. From an early age she's enjoyed dancing, even competing. Now, she's in the race for the title of Miss Florida Teen USA!

Jacob's Success Story

February 09, 2023 – Before he was born, Jacob was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Overcoming multiple surgeries, he started experiencing seizures and even had a stroke. Now, with a combination of medications that helped him manage his seizures and keep his heart rate stable, Jacob is attending high school for students with special abilities and enjoys cooking and dancing.

Yuray's Heart Story

January 11, 2023 – Yuray Rodriguez was only 15 days old when he underwent heart surgery at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to repair a condition known as Coaction of the Aorta, a narrowing of the aorta that can lead to heart failure and high blood pressure. Now in college, one would never know he was born with a serious heart defect, if it wasn’t for a scar that runs down his chest.

Patient of the Month: Kateryna

December 05, 2022 – After being diagnosed with a heart defect in her home country of Ukraine, Kateryna needed surgery for treatment and full recovery. Then, because of the war, her family fled while still seeking medical. Finally, the family was referred to Dr. Daniel Duarte, a pediatric interventional cardiologist at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Cardiac Catheterization Procedure Helps Jackson's Start to Life

October 14, 2022 – Baby Jackson, born after only 24 weeks of gestation, was very fragile and required oxygen around the clock. His parents were referred to Nicklaus Children's Hospital to repair his patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) a congenital heart defect that occurs commonly in premature infants.

High School Wrestler Saved After Experiencing Cardiac Arrest

May 24, 2022 – Shortly after his 17th birthday, Miami Southridge Senior High School athlete Javon underwent cardiac arrest during wrestling practice. Thanks to the fast actions and lifesaving efforts of the athletic staff and their use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), Javon's heart was stabilized and he was transferred to Nicklaus Children's Hospital for care. 

 

Patient of the Month: Alexandra

February 23, 2022 – Born prematurely and with heart complications, Alexandra was described as a miracle baby. Just months old, she experienced respiratory distress and was eventually airlifted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to undergo multiple surgeries.

Taylor Outruns Heart Disease To Graduate College and Complete a Marathon

February 04, 2022 – Taylor was born at 28 weeks at St Mary's Hospital and was transferred to Nicklaus Children's hospital due to her patent ductus arteriosus. She was also diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot, a combination of four heart defects that affects one in approximately 2,500 children. Today, Taylor is a healthy 21-year-old who has completed three half marathons and recently her first full marathon.

Gabrien's Story

January 14, 2022 – During a routine ultrasound early in her pregnancy, Rebecca Jones and her husband Brent were devastated to learn there was something wrong with their baby’s heart. The expectant parents learned their baby, Gabrien, had a rare heart defect called transposition of the great arteries, a condition in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed. Their obstetrician referred them to Dr. David Drossner, a pediatric cardiologist and director of outpatient cardiology at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. 

Surgeons Use Mixed Reality to Plan Rosemaylee's Complex Heart Surgery

June 01, 2021 – Rosemaylee has always been an active child. The 13-year-old’s cheerleading activities came to an abrupt halt when her pediatrician noticed a heart murmur that had previously gone undetected. Further evaluation revealed she had a serious and complex heart condition. The Advanced Projects Laboratory at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital created multiple three dimensional models of her heart to plan the complicated surgery.

Alia's New Beginning

May 11, 2021 – Alia is one of the smallest babies to undergo open-heart surgery and one of the tiniest in the world to survive and thrive after her complex operation. Baby Alia faced several life-threatening problems when she was born three months early, creating unique new challenges even for veteran congenital heart surgeon, Dr. Redmond Burke.

Patient of the Month: Ezra

February 15, 2021 – Ezra was diagnosed with several heart defects and needed immediate corrective surgery. After being airlifted to Nicklaus Childrens Hospital, the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery team was ready and waiting. Since that first visit, Ezra has undergone two successful heart surgeries and will need an additional operation to accommodate his recent growth, but he's on track to living a happy, healthy life!

Patient of the Month: Lavondre

January 01, 2021 – At three weeks old, baby Lavondre was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), which means he had a hole in the wall that separates the right and left lower chambers of the heart, and he needed surgery to survive.

All About Sleep Training with Dr. Lauren Chiriboga

November 21, 2023 –

In today's episode, we discuss sleep training - the latest hot topic for parents. We are joined by Dr. Lauren Chiriboga, pediatrician at Nicklaus Children's, to get into specifics about sleep training and the different ways parents can teach their child how to fall asleep independently.

A Mother's Oath

November 22, 2017 – As mothers, we sometimes assume all responsibility for our children’s pain. We forget that it’s not only impossible to absorb or prevent all of their suffering, but it may also be detrimental to their well-being. Sure, we want to eliminate whatever stressors we can, but some obstacles will not be removable. And sometimes, just because a challenge can be avoided, doesn’t mean that it should be.

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Nicklaus Children's Among Nation's Top 50 Hospitals

October 07, 2025 –

Ranked among the nation's top 50 best by U.S. News & World Report, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is listed in its 2025-26 “Best Children’s Hospitals” survey results with seven specialty ranked programs, making the hospital the children’s hospital with the most ranked programs in South Florida.

Safer, Innovative 3D Imaging for South Florida Children Available Only at Nicklaus Children's Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute

July 28, 2025 –

Providing a safer, innovative approach to digital imaging for children in Florida is a guiding principle to Nicklaus Children's Hospital’s approach to enhancing care for families. The opening of the new state-of-the-art Nicklaus Children's Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute marks a huge milestone in enhancing diagnostic imaging for children.

Lead Pediatric Spine Surgeon and Researcher, Dr. Jaime A. Gomez, Joins Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

July 17, 2025 –

Board-certified pediatric spine surgeon and researcher, Dr. Jaime A. Gomez, has joined the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital's Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute.

Dr. Thomas Utset-Ward, Pediatric Orthopedic Oncology Specialist, Joins Nicklaus Children’s

April 11, 2025 – Thomas J. Utset-Ward, MD, has joined the Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric orthopedic oncology.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Ranked Amongst Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report

October 08, 2024 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital once again ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 “Best Children’s Hospitals” survey results.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital and iHeartRadio Recognize Student Athletes in South Florida with ‘Play Healthy Athlete of the Week’

September 18, 2023 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with Miami Dolphins Radio Network, is recognizing exceptional high school athletes from Miami-Dade and Broward counties this football season.

Nicklaus Children's is First Pediatric Hospital in South Florida to Offer Innovative BEAR Implant to Treat ACL Tears

July 21, 2023 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is the first children’s hospital in South Florida to offer the BEAR® Implant for treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, one of the most common knee injuries in the U.S.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Ranked Once Again Amongst Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report

June 21, 2023 – Five Nicklaus Children’s Hospital specialty programs are again identified among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023-24 “Best Children’s Hospitals” survey results. No other hospital in South Florida has more ranked programs.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Announces Historic Gift from Citadel Founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin

January 31, 2023 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital received a $25 million gift from Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin will support the new five-story, 127,000-square-foot surgical tower opening in 2024. In recognition of this historic gift, it will be named the Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower. The donation will enhance pediatric care for children in Florida and beyond for generations to come.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital recognized as a NYSS Champion to Promote Participation in Youth Sports

April 26, 2021 – The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased to recognize Nicklaus Children’s Hospital as a National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion. As a NYSS Champion, Nicklaus Children’s has demonstrated its commitment to support safe, fun, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and accessible youth sports opportunities.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Pediatric Specialty Services Again Ranked Among the Best in the Nation

June 16, 2020 – Five Nicklaus Children’s Hospital specialty programs are again identified among the best in the nation, according to U.S.News & World Report’s 2020-21 “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings, posted online today.

Seven Nicklaus Children's Hospital Pediatric Specialty Services Again Ranked Among the Best in the Nation

June 19, 2019 – Seven Nicklaus Children's Hospital specialty programs are again identified among the best in the nation, according to U.S.News & World Report's 2019-20 “Best Children's Hospitals” rankings. Nicklaus Children's has more ranked pediatric programs than any other hospital in Florida.

Internationally Renowned Spinal Surgeon Thomas J. Errico, MD, Joins Nicklaus Children's Hospital

January 07, 2019 – Thomas J. Errico, MD, has joined the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Program’s Center for Spinal Disorders and Pediatric Specialists of America (PSA), the multispecialty group practice of Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

With Limb-Lengthening, Surgery Is Only the Beginning

March 11, 2025 – Liz, who was born with achondroplasia, had limb-lengthening surgery in January 2023 to help her gain more independence and improve her arm mobility. After months of therapy and adjustments, she reached her goal, giving her more freedom to do everyday activities without any limitations.

Improving Children's Lives With Pediatric Orthopedic Care

January 16, 2025 – Since the founding of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, clinicians on staff have worked to ensure quality, advanced orthopedic care for children in need.

Elevating Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery With Precision and Care

November 05, 2024 – The practice of pediatric orthopedic surgery demands not only exceptional surgical skills but also an environment that fosters innovation, precision and family-friendly patient care. The new Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower at Nicklaus Children's Hospital is a testament to this commitment, offering an integrated and comprehensive surgical experience designed for the most complex pediatric surgery cases.

Meet Dr. Utset-Ward: Enhancing Pediatric Orthopedic Oncology Care

November 04, 2024 – Dedicated to delivering cutting-edge cancer care to children, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is proud to welcome Thomas J. Utset-Ward, MD, MBA, to our Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute. Dr. Utset-Ward brings a wealth of experience as a pediatric orthopedic surgical oncologist, specializing in sarcomas, limb salvage and reconstruction, pediatric arthroplasty and general pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Innovations That Drive Pediatric Spine Care Forward

January 09, 2024 – Ensuring your child's healthy growth while seeking care for a congenital birth defect, scoliosis, tumor, or spine condition requires an experienced perspective. Nicklaus Children’s Center for Spinal Disorders, part of the Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute, have lead new treatments and techniques as well as developed best-practice guidelines for these unique disorders.

Innovating Care for Children With Limb Discrepancies and Deformities

December 18, 2023 – At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute, potentially lifelong disabilities are recognized early, often prenatally, and potential intervention opportunities are reviewed with the Family. Limb lengthening and deformity corrections are often complex and affect multiple areas of a patient’s well-being, thus families have access to our multidisciplinary team for support.

The Full Spectrum of Pediatric Sports Medicine Care

November 29, 2023 – Young athletes can succeed only if they can perform at their best. To best meet the current and future needs of young athletes, the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute continues pushing forward as a leader in the sports medicine arena. 

Orthopedic Surgery Program at Nicklaus Children's Provides Glimpse into Orthopedic Careers for High School Students

February 07, 2020 – More than 50 high school and college students had the opportunity to learn firsthand from orthopedic professionals at Nicklaus Children's Hospital as part of the Perry Outreach Program, a conference for high school women who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine and engineering.

JCC Maccabi Games

August 12, 2017 – The Nicklaus Children's Orthopedic Surgery Program proudly sponsored the 2017 JCC Maccabi Games held from August 6-11.

Imaging machine helps diagnosing children with scoliosis with low exposure to radiation

August 02, 2017 – EOS imaging helps diagnose kids with scoliosis and with low exposure to radiation.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Now Offering EOS Imaging Services in Broward County

April 03, 2017 – EOS, an advanced imaging system used in the evaluation of pediatric orthopedic patients, is now available at the Nicklaus Children's Miramar Outpatient Center. It has previously been offered at Nicklaus Children's Hospital's main campus since 2013. 

Hospital Partners with Special Olympics Florida to Provide Free Health Screenings to Special Olympic

March 16, 2015 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital and Special Olympics Florida-Miami partnered to provide sports physicals to student athletes who are interested in participating in Special Olympics games

Why does my child keep getting strep throat?

March 15, 2023 – Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. It is highly contagious and can be easily spread through respiratory droplets and by those who are in close contact with others, such as in school or daycare. To prevent strep infections, parents should encourage good hygiene practices and children should be taught to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. 

A Routine Sore Throat or Something More Serious?

March 03, 2025 – To help you understand your child’s sore throat and determine whether it’s nothing to worry about or worthy of a trip to the pediatrician, we compiled some of the common signs and symptoms to look for.