Medical Specialties 
Cardiac Intensive Care
At Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, a portion of the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) is dedicated solely to cardiac patients recovering from major surgery or critical illness. Here, under the direction of Gerald Lavandosky, MD, Director of Critical Care Services and Medical Director of Cardiac Critical Care, physicians, nurses and other professionals provide around-the-clock care and monitor vital signs until the patient is ready to transition to another unit for recovery.
Intensivists
Physicians who practice exclusively in an ICU are called intensivists. Unlike some hospitals, the ICU at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is staffed 24 hours a day with intensivists who are fellowship-trained and board-certified in pediatric critical care.
Nurses
The ICU at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital has a core group of nurses who specialize in the bedside care and management of infants and children with cardiac problems. Our nurses maintain their competencies in cardiovascular disease and physiology by taking continuing education courses.
Patient- and Family-Centered Care Approach
Our ICU maintains the core philosophy of patient- and family-centered care. Here, we strive to make both our patients and their families feel at ease. Parents are encouraged to stay at their child's bedside and during procedures whenever possible, which helps to alleviate any anxiety the child may be feeling. Moreover, this openness empowers the entire family by providing them with firsthand information about care.
Our ICU is not only equipped with leading-edge technology but also many amenities of home to make patients and their families comfortable.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about the Cardiac Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, please call 954-265-3437.
Tips
- Bring your child's medical records
- Have the name & phone of your child's physician handy
- Let the medical personnel know of any allergies
- Try to leave siblings at home if possible