Congenital Heart

In recognition of its expertise in serving adults with congenital heart disease, The Adult Congenital Heart Program, part of the Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute, at Memorial Regional Hospital is now nationally accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA).

Memorial Regional Hospital’s program is the only one accredited in Florida and one of 17 in the U.S. The Adult Congenital Heart Association is a nationwide organization focused on connecting patients, family members and healthcare providers to form a community of support and network of experts with knowledge of congenital heart disease (CHD). 

“There are now more adults than children in the U.S. with CHD,” said Mark Roeder, President and CEO of ACHA.  “Accreditation will elevate the standard of care and have a positive impact on the futures of those living with this disease. Coordination of care is key, and this accreditation program will make care more streamlined for ACHD patients, improving their quality of life.”

Memorial Regional Hospital received accreditation by meeting ACHA’s criteria, which includes medical services and personnel requirements, and going through a rigorous accreditation process, both of which were developed over a number of years through a collaboration with doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and ACHD patients.

Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect diagnosed in one in 100 births. There are now more than 1.4 million adults in the U.S. who are currently living with some type of congenital heart defect that requires various levels of care depending on the severity, according to ACHD. 

Memorial Regional Hospital’s Adult Congenital Heart Program treats the whole spectrum of congenital heart disease and its complications in all stages of adulthood.

The program is led by both Larry Latson, MD and Todd S. Roth, MD as co-directors of the Center for Adult Congenital Heart Disease for Memorial Healthcare System. Both are board-certified in pediatric cardiology and are board-certified in adult congenital heart disease. They work in close collaboration with electrophysiologists, high risk pregnancy, advanced heart failure and interventional cardiology physicians.

“This is a huge step for our program, but most importantly a major benefit for the many patients in Florida who suffer from congenital heart disease and have access to a comprehensive program that provides continuity of care and addresses all their issues,” Dr. Latson said. “This is also a major benefit for pediatric patients with congenital heart disease who are living into adulthood and are transitioning into adult care.” 

About the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program at Memorial Regional Hospital

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program is a joint program of Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute and the Heart Institute at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, which allows comprehensive care for the growing population of adults with ACHD.

The team works closely with other cardiologists in the community to ensure you receive high-quality care. To learn more about our program or receive a referral, call 954-265-2243 or 877-265-2243.