Pediatric Cardiac Intensivist Expanding CVICU | New Free Standing Children’s Hospital (2028)
Description
We’ve been engaged to identify Pediatric Cardiac Intensivists for the expanding pediatric CVICU at Ochsner Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, the #1 ranked children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report.
One of the most comprehensive pediatric programs between Houston and Atlanta, this is an exciting opportunity to practice at the only heart transplant and ventricular assist device program in Louisiana, while helping shape the future of pediatric cardiac critical care in the Gulf South.
Why Ochsner Children’s Hospital?
Ranked #1 in Louisiana for the 5th year in a row by U.S. News & World Report and as a top children’s hospital for the 9th year in a row, Ochsner Children’s Hospital was also recognized as a national leader in the 2025-26 rankings, including in Pediatric Cardiology and Heart Surgery. Ochsner Children’s Hospital continues to be a top destination for pediatric care in the Gulf South region through an unwavering commitment to always putting patients first.
Opened in 1942, Ochsner Childen’s Hospital excitedly awaits the opening of its new, state-of-the-art, free-standing children’s hospital in early 2028 on its main New Orleans campus – designed to support expanding programs, advanced technologies, and exceptional family-centered care.
Pediatric CVICU and Congenital Heart Center Highlights
- 12-bed Pediatric CVICU, expanding to 20 beds
- Over 200 cardiac surgical cases annually
- Complex Congenital Cardiac Catheterization program with 400+ cases annually
- Dedicated CVICU team supported by 3 advanced practice providers, with plans for 24/7 APP coverage
- Comprehensive cardiac subspecialty support, including:
- Electrophysiology
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease
- Advanced cardiac imaging
This growing program offers both high-acuity complexity and the opportunity to meaningfully influence program development and team structure.
Comprehensive Children’s Hospital Resources
Ochsner Children’s Hospital is dedicated to children and their families ensuring an ideal experience for all, including:
- 67-bed Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- 14-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (expanding alongside the CVICU)
- 44-bed Pediatric Acute Care unit
- NAEC-accredited Level IV, 4-bed Pediatric EMU
- Dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department
- 24/7 pediatric and neonatal transport teams, utilizing ground, fixed-wing, and rotary aircraft
Ochsner Children’s includes more than 290+ pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists and more than 85 primary care pediatricians across 27 locations in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Academic, Teaching and Research Opportunities
Ochsner Children’s is deeply committed to excellence in patient care as well as academic medicine and faculty development:
- ACGME-accredited Pediatric Residency program
- Teaching responsibilities as well with the Tulane-Ochsner Pediatric Residency Program
- Medical Student education with the University of Queensland
Ochsner Health and Xavier University of Louisiana also recently announced an agreement to establish a joint allopathic College of Medicine, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, which is in the LCME accreditation process currently. The faculty at Ochsner publish hundreds of research papers annually and lead numerous multi-center studies and trials offering meaningful opportunities for scholarly work and academic advancement.
Life in New Orleans
One of the most exciting and historical U.S. cities, New Orleans is both cosmopolitan and laid-back—full of world-class music, dining, arts, shopping and Southern charm. Professional football and basketball, gorgeous parks, year-round festivals, prestigious academic centers and universities, and hospitality await you. It’s no wonder Travel & Leisure ranked New Orleans as #2 in the Best Cities in the United States in their annual “World’s Best Awards” survey in 2025!
If you’re craving the beach, the Gulf shores of Alabama are about two and a half hours away by car; and the white sands of Destin and Seaside, Florida, are just more than four hours away. It’s easy to understand why residents take great pride in calling New Orleans their home. You’ll fall in love the minute you set foot here, both personally and professionally.
Let’s start a confidential conversation! For complete details and confidential consideration, please contact Glenda Church Smith, Principal, Pediatric Search Partners at glenda@pediatricsearchpartners.com, phone (877) 440-3832 or text (214) 850-3094.
