Children's Health

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Program to Expand with Additional Surgeon Appointment

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is making a major expansion in the future of its pediatric cardiac surgery program with the appointment of internationally recognized Marcus Haw, MD. Haw comes to Grand Rapids following 20 years as a pediatric and adult congenital heart surgeon in England. He joins current pediatric cardiac surgeon Neal Hillman, MD, in leading a major program expansion.

“Bringing Dr. Haw to our team will take our cardiac surgery program to the next level,” said Bob Connors, MD, president, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. “Now that we have a new facility, we continue to focus on developing and expanding programs to meet the needs of children and families. Adding a second pediatric cardiac surgeon to our team will enhance our capabilities.”

As many as half the children born with congenital heart defects may require additional surgery and need follow-up for a lifetime. Spectrum Health’s commitment to providing cardiac care for unborn babies through their adult life was a factor in Haw’s decision to come to Grand Rapids. In addition, the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation is currently raising funds to help expand the congenital heart program.

“I am excited to come to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital,” said Marcus Haw, MD. “This organization and staff are committed to a multidisciplinary approach to congenital heart disease. We have an opportunity to grow this program to meet the complex medical needs of many children.”

Haw earned his medical degree at Charing Cross Hospital Medical School in London, England.  He completed surgical training at Charing Cross and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Haw undertook basic research at Harvard Medical School in Boston and was awarded his thesis by the University of London. Upon returning to the United Kingdom, he was trained in adult cardiac surgery at Birmingham, Southampton and the Hammersmith Hospital, and in pediatric cardiac surgery at Southampton and Great Ormand Street Hospital. In 1994, he won a traveling fellowship and visited two U.S. children’s hospitals before taking up a consultant position at Harefield Hospital in London. He also has served as the chief of congenital cardiovascular surgery at the University Hospital of Southampton for the last 15 years.