News

New Florida Heart Law Highlights the Importance of EKG Screenings for Student-Athletes

July 09, 2026 – Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, Florida’s Second Chance Act will require many high school student-athletes to complete a one-time electrocardiogram, or EKG, before participating in sports governed by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). The new requirement is intended to help detect hidden heart conditions that may increase a young athlete’s risk for sudden cardiac arrest.

Dr. Julie Kantor Becomes Next President of the Miami-Dade County Medical Association

June 17, 2026 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is proud to recognize Dr. Julie Kantor, pediatrician and associate professor of pediatrics at FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, on her induction as president of the Miami-Dade County Medical Association (MDCMA).

Only in Miami: From Croquetas to the Croissant Technique in Pediatric Heart Surgery

May 29, 2026 – At the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Heart Institute, we know Miami has strong opinions about croquetas, pastelitos, and just about every favorite bakery order. But in pediatric heart surgery, there is another pastry-inspired name worth knowing: the Croissant Tricuspid Valve Repair.

Building on Experience: Advancing Robotic-Assisted Pediatric Heart Surgery

May 15, 2026 – At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Heart Institute, we are establishing a formal pediatric robotic-assisted heart surgery program built on existing expertise, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to selecting the right approach for each patient. In robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon remains fully in control, using highly precise instruments and high-definition visualization to perform complex procedures through smaller incisions when appropriate.

Restoring the Heart, Redefining What's Possible

May 01, 2026 –

Families come to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Heart Institute for advanced care, surgical expertise, and hope, especially when facing rare and complex congenital heart conditions. Nicklaus Children’s Heart Institute is also home to some of the most advanced pediatric heart therapies available today. The arrival of two new chiefs, Dr. David Kalfa, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, and Dr. Shyam Sathanandam, Chief of Cardiology, has helped usher in a new chapter of innovation at the Heart Institute.

2025 Annual Report

April 20, 2026 –

Nicklaus Children’s Health System has a proud legacy of caring for children and families in South Florida, and we are focused on what comes next: a future defined by infinite hope for every child we serve. Our mission continues to guide us as we expand access to highly specialized pediatric care with compassion and expertise. In this report to the community, you will see how our teams are advancing care across specialties through expanded institutes, new programs, and continued investment in research and academic collaboration. 
 

Download in PDF 2025 Annual Report (15.8 MB)

Family Advisory Council (FAC) Service Award Presented to Billy Johnston

March 04, 2026 – The Family Advisory Council is pleased to recognize the excellent service provided by Billy Johnston. Billy delivers care to patients and their families throughout the hospital as a Child Life Activity Assistant.

Miami Herald Names Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Miami-Dade’s Favorite Pediatric Hospital

December 18, 2025 – Receiving the Gold Award in the “Favorite Hospital” category of The Miami Herald’s 2025 Miami-Dade Favorites Awards, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has been named Miami-Dade’s Favorite Pediatric Hospital.

Nicklaus Children's Health System Honored with ECRI’s 2025 Healthcare Supply Chain Excellence Award

December 15, 2025 – Nicklaus Children's Health System has been named one of only twelve U.S. health systems to receive the 2025 Healthcare Supply Chain Excellence Award from ECRI, a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing patient safety and quality. ECRI's annual award recognizes U.S. healthcare organizations for achieving excellence in overall spend management and adopting best practice solutions into their supply chain processes.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Receives $7.5 Million State Budget Appropriation to Advance Pediatric Cancer Research

November 25, 2025 –

Family Advisory Council (FAC) Service Award Presented to Dr. David Lowe

November 14, 2025 – The Family Advisory Council is thrilled to recognize the excellent service provided by David Lowe, MD. Dr. Lowe delivers care to our patients and families in the Emergency Department. He is often recognized by families for his thorough and empathetic care.

We’re Not the Only Ones Celebrating Our 75th Anniversary! Snoopy Brings Joy to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital's Patients with Mural

October 14, 2025 – Patients, families and staff at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (Nicklaus Children's) were greeted by a familiar friendly (and fuzzy) face—Snoopy! In celebration of the beloved Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip turning 75 and the commitment to bring joy to others, Peanuts Worldwide and the Foundation for Hospital Art brought “Peanuts PaintFest” to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, which is also commemorating its 75th year as a beacon of hope.

Incredible Advances in Cancer Treatment Through Research

September 16, 2025 – In recognition of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, this issue of the Research Rundown is dedicated to the incredible advances in cancer treatment through research. The Nicklaus Children's Research Institute (NCRI) with the Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute have more than 30 studies that are actively recruiting new subjects.

Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Cancer Registration

August 28, 2025 – The Florida Department of Health and the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) has awarded the Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital the 2024 Jean Byers Memorial Award for Excellence in Cancer Registration. The FCDS recognizes facilities that have met or exceeded the national quality standards for timeliness and completeness in cancer reporting.

Family Advisory Council (FAC) Service Award Presented to Yohann Sandoval, RN

May 19, 2025 – The Family Advisory Council is happy to recognize the excellent service provided by Yohann Sandoval, RN. Yohann delivers care to our patients and families in the Emergency Department. This is what one of the families Yohann cared for shared, “Yohann was literally an angel, he made my daughter very comfortable during a very bad situation. He was kind, funny and very thorough. I couldn't have asked for a better nurse!"

The History of Clinical Trials

May 18, 2025 – Researchers around the world celebrate Clinical Trials Day on May 20 in recognition of the incredible advances in medicine made possible by clinical trials. This observance is timed to reflect the launch of the earliest recognized clinical trial by researcher, James Lind. Published in 1753, Lind's work compared several test groups to a control group, to demonstrate the effectiveness of citrus fruit as a treatment for scurvy.

Nephrology and Gastroenterology Research Roundup

April 22, 2025 – In recognition of World Kidney Month in March and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month in April, this month’s Research Roundup is dedicated to the incredible research being conducted in Nephrology and Gastroenterology. Research in these departments is advancing pediatric medicine affecting thousands of children in the U.S. diagnosed with rare disorders like Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and school-aged children reporting IBS-like symptoms.

Life-Saving Training Comes to Palm Beach County Schools

April 09, 2025 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Heart Institute Project ADAM South Florida implement Project ADAM in Palm Beach County Public Schools to train educators in CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.

2024 Annual Report

April 04, 2025 – What a remarkable year it has been! In 2024, we saw impressive milestones for our health system and, most importantly, the communities we serve. Over the past year, Nicklaus Children’s has been focused on implementing strategic plans and initiatives that continue to enable us to fulfill our mission – to inspire hope and promote lifelong health by providing the best care to every child. Learn more about how we are Building our Legacy as a pediatric health system in this report to the community.

Download in PDF 2024 Annual Report (14.8 MB)

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Nicklaus Children’s Celebrates Match Day 2025

April 01, 2025 – March 21st was a big day for graduating medical school students, Match Day! On Match Day, the National Resident Matching Program released the results to applicants seeking residency positions across the U.S.