FON #HeartHero Spotlight: Dr. Janine Arruda
The Fontan Outcomes Network is a community of patients, family members, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and supporters, dedicated to improving the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals with single ventricle circulation. Each month, we feature a member of the community who exhibits heroic qualities in service of this mission as our #HeartHero.
Name: Dr. Janine Arruda
Nominated By: Vicky Gilbey
Reason for Nomination
Dr. Arruda has been my HRHS son's cardiologist for the past 17 years. Actually, she was also his cardiologist in-utero. She has provided exceptional care for my son, but—just as important—she has loved my son as if he were her own. I know she does this for all of her patients as well. When my son was 2 years old and his catheterization was delayed until 8 p.m. on a Friday, Dr. Arruda stayed with me and my husband until 10:30 p.m. when my son was safely out of the cath lab. At this time, she also had small children at home that she hadn't seen all day. She will do anything that is needed to give my son the best care that is possible and I trust her with his life. I will be forever indebted to Dr. Arruda for everything she has done.
Dr. Janine Arruda is the most talented cardiologist that I am so very fortunate to have care for my son. She has an amazing heart and not only cares for my son, but also makes sure his parents are informed and knowledgeable on a very complex heart defect.
About Dr. Arruda
Dr. Janine Arruda is a pediatric cardiologist and the director of non-invasive imaging in the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at the University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital where she specializes in congenital heart disease, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and non-Invasive imaging in congenital heart disease. She previously worked at the Cleveland Clinic for 10 years, earned her medical degree at Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas de Pernambuco in Brazil, and completed post-grad training at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Children’s Hospital of Oklahoma, and Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
In response to her nomination, Dr. Arruda said: “I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to know that Mrs. Gilbey feels supported during a journey that we know is often very challenging not only for the patients but for the entire family. True partnership with parents and caregivers makes a difference and I am honored for the recognition.”
Want to nominate your #HeartHero? Whether it’s a nurse, a patient, a physician, family member, or other, we encourage you to nominate your #HeartHero for the spotlight here.