Advancing Adult Congenital Heart Disease Care
How Dr. Tara Karamlou Looks To The Future Of ACHD Care:
For Tara Karamlou, MD, caring for patients with congenital heart disease has never been confined to a single stage of life—it’s a lifelong commitment.
As Chair of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at Akron Children’s Hospital and a nationally recognized congenital heart surgeon, Dr. Karamlou brings a deep knowledge and wealth of experience to adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). With Akron Children’s, she’s continuing to build and evolve the program.
“ACHD at Akron Children’s Hospital is a tremendous opportunity for somebody who is motivated and really wants to continue to evolve what is a very good ACHD program into a world leader in ACHD,” Dr. Karamlou shared.
Her vision reflects a broader shift in medicine, one that recognizes ACHD as a critical and rapidly growing area of care.
why achd Matters
Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) refers to the lifelong care needs of patients born with heart defects.
Thanks to advances in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery, more patients now survive into adulthood. But many still require ongoing monitoring, additional procedures or specialized interventions later in life.
Which is why continuity matters.
Akron Children’s currently follows more than 1,200 adults with congenital heart disease, highlighting the need for adult care. Patients benefit from a comprehensive and specialized infrastructure, including:
• A dedicated cardiac catheterization lab
• Electrophysiology (EP) services
• Advanced structural heart imaging
• Congenital cardiac surgical expertise
Together, these capabilities allow providers to deliver precise, coordinated care tailored to each patient’s journey.
“Our entire team is invested in delivering exceptional care to patients across the lifetime,” Dr. Karamlou said.
Leadership Vision & Growth Opportunity
The ACHD program at Akron Children’s is built on a strong foundation, with plans for continued growth. Leadership is committed to expanding ACHD services as part of a broader focus on lifelong care.
For the right physician, joining the program provides the opportunity to grow, expand their clinical capabilities and become a part of team devoted to building a nationally recognized ACHD center.
a comittment to lifelong care
At Akron Children’s, patients are supported through every phase of their journey, from pediatric care to adult management. For ACHD patients, that consistency can be life-changing. It means fewer gaps in care, more personalized treatment and a care team that guides them every step of the way.
why Join Akron Children's
At Akron Children’s, providers find more than just a place to practice—they find a place to grow, contribute and make a lasting impact. If you’re passionate about pursuing a mission-based calling and advancing lifelong care by evolving the future of adult congenital heart disease, start your journey with Akron Children’s today.