Dr. Daniel J. Penny named 2018 Helen B. Taussig Memorial Lecturer

Chief of pediatric cardiology among greats to receive esteemed award

HOUSTON – (Nov. 12, 2018) – Texas Children’s Hospital is proud to announce Dr. Daniel J. Penny, chief of pediatric cardiology, as the American Heart Association’s 2018 Helen B. Taussig Memorial Lecturer. Penny received the esteemed award at the AHA’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago, Illinois on Nov. 10 following his presentation: “Working Together towards New Levels of Excellence in the Care of Children with Heart Disease.” Established in 1973, the Helen B. Taussig Memorial Lecture honors those whose work with children born with serious heart defects is lauded.

“I am truly grateful to receive this distinguished award from the AHA,” said Penny. “As a pediatric cardiologist, I believe it is my responsibility to carry on the incredible legacy of innovators such as Dr. Taussig, and it is a privilege to do so at Texas Children’s. Every day, my goal is to enhance the level of cardiology care we provide to our patients.”

Penny was born in Cork, Ireland, where he completed his medical degree at University College Cork, The National University of Ireland. He trained and practiced at top pediatric institutions, such as The Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia before joining Texas Children’s in 2010. In addition to his role as chief of pediatric cardiology at Texas Children’s, Penny serves as co-director of Texas Children’s Heart Center®, which is ranked No. 1 nationally in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Building on the more than half a century of experience in caring for children's hearts, Texas Children’s Heart Center provides the highest-quality cardiac care possible by combining cutting-edge technology with compassion and a family-centered approach.

“This well-deserved honor is another shining example of Dr. Penny’s dedication to our patients and their families,” said Mark A. Wallace, president and CEO of Texas Children’s. “He is a visionary leader in his field, and continues to guide our team as they pave the way in the treatment of children with congenital heart disease.”

Previous recipients of the Helen B. Taussig Memorial Lecture feature pioneers in the world of pediatric heart disease, including Dr. Dan G. McNamara who received the award in 1985. McNamara was Texas Children’s first director of cardiology. Fueled by his immense passion for innovation, McNamara and his team designed and customized the hospital’s first cardiac catheterization lab, which significantly advanced the diagnosis of heart ailments in children. He completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital under Taussig, bringing her vast knowledge to those he mentored at Texas Children’s.

“Dr. Penny exemplifies the best of pediatric cardiology,” said Mark W. Kline, physicianin-chief of Texas Children’s. “Drs. Taussig and McNamara would be proud of the work he and his team are doing to further advance the specialty.”

Learn more about Texas Children’s Heart Center

About Texas Children’s Hospital

Texas Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO for children; has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country, Texas Children’s Pediatrics; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.