Yves d'Udekem, MD, PhD

• FARCS, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Australia, (2003-2005)
• PhD, Congenital Heart Surgery, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, (2003)
• Post Graduate, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, London, (1998-1999)
• Post Graduate, Adult Cardiac Surgery, The Toronto Hospital, Toronto, (1994-1995)
• Post Graduate, Cardiac Surgery, Cliniques Universitaires, Brussels, (1993-1994)

Yves d’Udekem, MD, PhD, born in Belgium and holding Canadian and Australian citizenship, began his medical career with early training in cardiac surgery in Belgium and Toronto. He practiced as a cardiac surgeon in Belgium, caring for both adults and children with congenital heart disease. He advanced his training in congenital heart surgery at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London, under the guidance of Professor Marc de Leval and other leaders in the field. Dr. d’Udekem further broadened his perspective through collaborative work and training in South Africa.

In Australia, Dr. d’Udekem was recruited as a pediatric heart specialist at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, a center known for its innovation in congenital heart disease care. He established a strong reputation for clinical and academic excellence, playing a leading role in the development of the Australia and New Zealand Fontan Registry, which has advanced knowledge of single-ventricle heart conditions. Dr. d’Udekem has secured over 14 million Australian dollars in research grants over the past decade and received an additional $550,000 in US funding since relocating to Washington, DC. He has authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications in pediatric cardiovascular surgery.

At Children’s National Hospital, Dr. d’Udekem directs the Children’s National Heart Research Institute, where he organizes an annual research symposium to share advancements and foster collaboration. He has pioneered techniques such as the use of a growing valve conduit made from the atrial appendage and partial heart mitral valve transplantation. Additionally, he initiated the Surgical Boot Camp Series, which brings together leading pediatric surgeons from around the world for hands-on education and training. Dr. d’Udekem is also The Baier Family Distinguished Professor of Cardiac Surgery and serves as a professor at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, contributing to the education of future cardiac specialists.

Dr. d’Udekem is committed to multidisciplinary collaboration and emphasizes providing comprehensive care throughout the patient journey, from outpatient visits and inpatient care to surgery and recovery. His efforts continue to support innovation and education in pediatric cardiac surgery, benefiting patients and advancing the field on a global scale.

Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics - George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences