University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital are expanding specialized care, research, and clinical expertise for children facing pediatric pulmonary hypertension and complex cardiac conditions across the Mountain West, according to a September 25 statement.
The expansion aims to address critical regional needs for specialized care through the establishment of the new Gunnar Hyde Endowed Chair in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension at the University of Utah.
The expansion and the creation of the endowed chair are supported by a $10 million gift from Leonard and Tannie Hyde. The family was inspired to make the donation after experiencing the impact of pediatric pulmonary hypertension through the journey of their 5-year-old grandson.
According to Leonard Hyde, the purpose of the gift is to invest in the Mountain West community, recognize the teams at University of Utah Health and Primary Children’s Hospital, and honor the fighting spirit of his grandson.
Dustin Lipson, market president of Intermountain Children's Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital, stated that the Hyde family's generosity will help create hope for children with complex heart and lung conditions by advancing care, research, and innovation.
The newly created endowed chair is intended to support the recruitment, retention, and continued leadership of nationally recognized specialists dedicated to improving outcomes for children living with pediatric pulmonary hypertension.
Liezl Domingo, MD, a pediatric pulmonary hypertension specialist at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital, noted that the expansion will allow the institutions to grow clinical capacity and ensure families in the Mountain West receive expert care close to home.
Pediatric pulmonary hypertension is a rare, progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This condition forces the right side of the heart to work harder to pump blood through the lungs.
As the disease advances, children may experience difficulty growing and thriving, hyperventilation, shortness of breath, and eventually heart failure. While various therapies can improve a patient's quality of life, there is currently no cure for the condition.
Through this investment, University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital intend to enhance pediatric care by recruiting top talent, broadening access to specialized care teams, and advancing care pathways to improve the long-term quality of life for pediatric heart patients.
The initiative focuses on three primary areas: strengthening national recruitment and clinical leadership through the endowed chair, expanding access to specialized care teams and advanced treatment approaches, and supporting research aimed at improving clinical excellence for pediatric heart patients.
