9th Annual Girish Shirali Symposium on Cardiac Care Agenda
Welcome to the 9th Annual Girish Shirali Symposium on Cardiac Care. We are delighted to bring together clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from across the region and nation for two days of learning, collaboration and discussion focused on advancing pediatric and congenital heart care. We hope this symposium provides valuable insights, meaningful connections and inspiration to enhance care for children with heart disease.
About Dr. Girish Shirali:
Dr. Girish Shirali is a nationally recognized pediatric cardiologist, educator and researcher who has dedicated his career to advancing care for children with congenital and acquired heart disease. Throughout more than three decades in pediatric cardiology, Dr. Shirali has been widely respected for his expertise in cardiac imaging, fetal cardiology, outcomes research and innovation in pediatric cardiovascular care. He is also known as a passionate mentor whose leadership helped shape generations of clinicians, researchers and trainees.
The Cardiac Forum, now the Girish Shirali Symposium on Cardiac Care, was created to bring together experts from across pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery to share knowledge, foster collaboration and break down practice silos that can exist between institutions and disciplines. The symposium reflects Dr. Shirali's belief that better outcomes for children with heart disease are achieved when clinicians learn from one another, embrace innovation and work together across specialties. Today, the annual event continues that mission by providing a forum for education, networking and the exchange of emerging ideas and best practices in pediatric cardiac care. The symposium was later named in Dr. Shirali's honor in recognition of his visionary leadership, mentorship and lasting impact on the Heart Center and the field of pediatric cardiology.
Important Information:
Children's Mercy Research Institute Address: 2401 Gillham Rd. Kansas City, MO 64108
Hotel: Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center 2345 McGee St. Kasas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-841-1000
Transportation: We kindly recommend using Uber, Lyft or a taxi for transportation to or from your destination.
Forum Questions:
Rachel Detwiler, Department Administrator (636) 295-1346, rldetwiler1@cmh.edu
Sydney Stroud, Office Manager (785) 410-5936, slstroud@cmh.edu
Wendy Suydam, Administrative Coordinator (816) 516-5835, wfsuydam@cmh.edu
Conference App Information:
Follow these instructions or scan the QR code to download and begin using the CloudCME app: 
- Download the CloudCME Mobile App Enter the organization code: Childrensmercy
- Login using your conference credentials (email and password)
You can find the conference schedule, session handouts, complete activity evaluations, view your profile, access certificates and more on the app.
Attendance Recording:
Text the activity code (4 digits) for each session to 855-966-4664. You will receive a confirmation text message when your attendance has been recorded
First time texting attendance? Scan the QR code for instructions.
Successful Completion Requirements:
- Record attendance as directed
- Participate in educational sessions and activities
- Complete the online evaluation by November 6, 2026
Certificates and Transcripts:
Certificates and transcripts are available on all CloudCME platforms after completing activity evaluations.
CloudCME Website > My CME > Evaluations & Certificates OR Transcript
Agenda:
Monday, Oct. 19
9:30 a.m. Pre-Forum Meetings and Hospital Tour (CMRI 2nd Floor Conference Rooms)
12 p.m. Lunch (CMRI Garden/Outside Auditorium)
1 p.m. Welcome and Housekeeping
1:15 p.m. "Stories That Inspire: Reflections from Pulse of Purpose" Margaret Brimeyer, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC/AC and Megan Jensen, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC
1:35 p.m. “Impact of the Donor Sequence Number on Outcomes and Survival in Pediatric Heart Transplant Patients” Ekaanth Veerakumar, BA
1:55 p.m. “Implementation of Physical Activity as a Vital Sign” Jessica Watson, PhD
2:15 p.m. “Translational Applications of Patient-Derived Cardiac Organoid Models” Scott Younger, PhD
2:35 p.m. Break
2:55 p.m. “Outcomes of Heart Transplantation in Early Childhood” Edo Bedzra, MD
3:15 p.m. “From Tube to Table: A Cardiac CHAMP Approach to Feeding Progression” Sara Crawford, RN, MSN, PNP-AC and Whitney Haas, MS, RD, CSP, LD, CCTD
3:35 p.m. “Fontan-Associated Liver Disease” Ryan Fischer, MD
3:55 p.m. “IMProving DRug dosing and Outcomes for single VEntricle patients with Fontan Associated Liver Disease (IMPROVE FALD)” Jon Wagner, DO
4:15 p.m. Jim & Brian Closing & Invitation to Networking Reception
5:30 p.m. Networking Reception (Pierpont’s Union Station)
Tuesday, Oct. 20
7:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet (CMRI Garden/Outside Auditorium)
8:30 a.m. Jim & Brian Welcome and Housekeeping
8:45 a.m. “More Than Watching Waves. Trying to Steer the Direction of Cardiac Rhythm Care” Nicholas H. Von Bergen, MD, University of Wisconsin
9:30 a.m. “Genetics in the Management of Cardiomyopathies” Naveen L. Pereira, MD, Mayo
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. “Changing the Paradigm with Fetal Cardiac MR” Lorna P. Browne, MD, Children's Colorado
11:15 a.m. “Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Costs and Cost-Effectiveness. A World Atlas” Marcelo Cardarelli, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins Children's Center
12:00 p.m. Lunch (CMRI Garden/Outside Auditorium)
1:00 p.m. “Beyond Breaking Bad News: Communicating Serious News with Compassion, Clarity and Connection” Terra Lafranchi, RN, MSN, NP-C, Boston Children's
1:45 p.m. “How Do We Continue to Innovate (Safely) in Congenital Heart Surgery” Sitaram M. Emani, MD, Boston Children's
2:30 p.m. “Beyond the Angiogram: The New Era of Functional and Immersive Cardiac Imaging” Jenny E. Zablah, MD, Children's Colorado
3:15 p.m. Closing & Good Bye
Speakers:
- Edo Bedzra, MD
- Margaret Brimeyer, APRN
- Lorna Browne
- Marcello Cardarelli
- Sara Crawford, APRN
- Sitaram (Ram) Emani
- Ryan Fischer, MD
- Whitney Haas, MS, RD, CSP, LD, CCTD
- Terra Lafranci, APRN
- Naveen Pereira
- Ekaanth Veerakumar
- Nicholas Von Bergen
- Jon Wagner, DO
- Jessica Watson, PhD
- Scott Younger, PhD
- Jenny E. Zablah Alabi
Continuing Education Credit:
This activity has been approved for:
Children’s Mercy Hospital is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™