CHRISTUS Children’s appoints new endowed chair in pediatric cardiology

 Appointment presented to Dr. Ravi Ashwath, division chief of pediatric cardiology 
Ethel and Dr. Richard S. Wayne with Dr. Ravi Ashwath, chair of the Richard S. Wayne, M.D. Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiology
(L-R) Ethel and Dr. Richard S. Wayne with Dr. Ravi Ashwath, chair of the Richard S. Wayne, M.D. Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiology. 

(SAN ANTONIO) – CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation and CHRISTUS Children’s hosted an investiture ceremony to celebrate the appointment of Dr. Ravi Ashwath as chair of the Richard S. Wayne, M.D. Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiology. 

Ashwath is a professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and the division chief of pediatric cardiology at CHRISTUS Children’s. He has nearly two decades of expertise and is at the forefront of advanced medical imaging and surgical innovation. As a visionary leader, Ashwath has transformed the field by incorporating cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and virtual reality into the division practice. His remarkable journey is defined by his unwavering commitment to empowering patients and medical trainees with a deep understanding of complex heart diseases. 

“Dr. Ashwath strives to be a compassionate healer, dedicated educator and pioneering innovator. He inspires generations of medical professionals and brings hope to countless families while continually shaping the future of pediatric cardiology,” said Terry Kyle, president of CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation. “We’re honored to celebrate Dr. Ashwath with an endowed chair in recognition of his dedication to medical advancements and improving the lives of his patients.” 

Ashwath earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in India and completed his pediatric residency at New York Medical College. He went on to pursue a cardiology fellowship at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, where he also served as chief fellow. Further honing his expertise, he trained in cardiac MRI at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard University. He is board-certified in both pediatrics and pediatric cardiology. 

In 2009, CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation and its endowment fund board established the Richard S. Wayne, M.D. Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiology to honor Dr. Wayne’s unwavering dedication, commitment and leadership. Wayne began his pediatric medicine journey at CHRISTUS Children’s in 1972, eventually becoming the regional vice president and administrator in 1995. In September 2008, he transitioned from his full-time administrative role to serve as a pediatrician in the primary care clinic at CHRISTUS Children’s until his retirement in 2024. 

Endowed chairs recognize and foster excellence among medical professionals who are leaders in their field. Clinical, research and educational opportunities for the recipient and the department they represent are supported through the earnings of a permanent fund. CHRISTUS Children’s has 10 endowed chairs. 

About CHRISTUS Children’s 

As part of CHRISTUS Health, CHRISTUS Children’s is a faith-based, not-for-profit hospital serving the south Texas community since 1869. We are San Antonio’s first and only freestanding hospital solely dedicated to the care of children and expectant women. Our 180 pediatric specialists are affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org. 

Share This Post:

Related Articles

CHRISTUS Children’s Selected Among Top Grant Recipients from The Toy Foundation

 CHRISTUS Children’s is one of 20 children’s hospitals and health systems to receive funding for play projects that will improve the care and well-being of pediatric patients  (APRIL 11, 2024 – SAN ANTONIO) – CHRISTUS Children’s is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of a $15,000 grant from The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Children’s Hospital Play Grants program.  The grant will expand sensory-friendly play opportunities for patients at CHRISTUS Children’s, particularly within its emergency services and behavioral health areas. The initiative aims to promote and support a calm and comforting hospital environment. Specialized toys designed for sensory engagement will be purchased and used by child life specialists at CHRISTUS Children’s to provide essential coping support. The sensory safety kits will be distributed to patients for use during their hospital stay, upon discharge, and at home.  “Our child life specialists play such an important role in providing emotional and social support for patients at CHRISTUS Children’s,” said Terry Kyle, CEO of CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from The Toy Foundation that will allow our specialists to continue their impactful work.”  CHRISTUS Children’s is one of 20 children’s hospitals and health systems selected to receive a Children’s Hospital Play Grant. TTF is distributing $389,000 nationwide, marking a significant gesture expected to bring joy and support to approximately 240,000 children.  Play is a powerful tool that can significantly improve the care, well-being, and health outcomes of pediatric patients. Hospitals are reliant on external funding or donations to provide this key aspect of the holistic pediatric care model, and TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program helps fill this need. Focused on supporting hospitals that serve under-resourced communities, where 50% or more of patients rely on Medicaid, the program has delivered the benefits of play to 360,000 children since 2021.  “Play has a profound impact on a child’s healing journey, benefiting their physical, emotional, and educational well-being,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director at The Toy Foundation. “We are pleased to support CHRISTUS Children’s in providing the power of play to help their patients heal and thrive.”  For more information about TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program and to see the full list of 2024 grant recipients, visit ToyFoundation.org.  ###  About CHRISTUS Children’s  CHRISTUS Children’s became San Antonio’s first freestanding hospital solely dedicated to the care of children and expectant women. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, CHRISTUS Children’s is part of CHRISTUS Health. Baylor College of Medicine, one of the top medical schools in the nation, is the academic partner of The Children’s Hospital with 180 pediatric specialists affiliated with Baylor. In addition, community physicians in private practice remain a valuable partner in the care of women and children in our community. We are a health care ministry that works to continually meet the needs of the community to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, following the values and mission of our sponsoring congregations: Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston and San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.  About The Toy Foundation  The Toy Foundation (TTF) is a 501 (c)(3) children’s charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all children in need, TTF works with small, medium, and large companies to create a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play through three program areas – The Toy Bank, Play Grants, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Pipeline Program. Thanks to the toy industry’s support, TTF has delivered play to more than 31 million children in need around the world. 

Read More »