Celebrating Women Leaders in Medicine for International Day of Women and Girls in Science
At Global ARCH, we are honored to work alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring women in medicine who are shaping the future of childhood-onset heart disease care. For International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are excited to share the stories of some of the incredible leaders from our Medical Advisory Council who are not only pioneers in their fields but also fierce advocates for patients and families worldwide. Here, we highlight their stories, motivations, and impact.
We also extend our appreciation to all the remarkable women on our Medical Advisory Council whose contributions continue to advance cardiac care. While we are featuring only a few in this piece, we recognize and celebrate the dedication and expertise of all who are shaping the future of heart health in their communities and globally.
Dr. Liesl Zühlke: It Takes a Village
As a pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Liesl Zühlke understands that treating childhood-onset heart disease is not just about the patient but about their entire support system. “The relationship you build—as soon as there is a diagnosis—is with the family, the community, and the loved ones of the patient—not just the patient in isolation. It takes a village to raise a child—they say—and hence it is an honor working with all the members of the village.”
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Zühlke’s role as a clinician-scientist allows her to empower and support research that can transform lives. “Each day I encounter innovative and impactful research, and it is a real motivator to be part of that research—even in the most tangential way—that will change the lives of those most needing it.”
One of her proudest achievements was organizing the 2013 World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery and inviting patients and families as keynote speakers. “Something new for our community, which I think was a game changer!” Global ARCH co-founder Amy Verstappen still mentions that was where the idea from Global ARCH came from!
Dr. Liza Morton: A Champion for CHD Standards and Mental Health Awareness
Dr. Liza Morton’s journey is both personal and professional. Born with a congenital heart condition (CHD) and the recipient of the world’s first neonatal pacemaker in 1978, she has faced firsthand the challenges of accessing specialized care. “A life-threatening incident in 2010, when I was sent away from emergency care by staff who did not believe that my pacemaker was failing, prompted me to petition Holyrood for healthcare standards back in 2012.”
She spent over a decade advocating for change, and in 2023, Scotland finally published new healthcare standards for CHD. “These standards aim to ensure consistently high levels of care are offered to everyone with CHD. Some key recommendations include enhanced detection rates in unborn babies, improvements during transition from pediatric to adult care, better emergency and pregnancy care, and education of non-specialist healthcare professionals. I was particularly passionate about including a standard on ‘Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing’ to promote a psychologically informed approach to healthcare provision.”
Beyond advocacy, Dr. Morton co-authored Healing Hearts and Minds: A Holistic Approach to Coping Well with Congenital Heart Disease, an evidence-based resource to support those with CHD. “Our book is the first to address the psychosocial impact of living with congenital heart condition. It is full of evidence-based, easy-to-understand information about living with a lifelong heart condition.”
Dr. Fenny Shidhika: Pioneering Pediatric Cardiology in Namibia
Dr. Fenny Shidhika’s passion for cardiology began in medical school when she discovered the biography of Dr. Christiaan Barnard, the surgeon behind the world’s first heart transplant. However, her journey into pediatric cardiology was shaped by a pivotal moment when the late Prof. Bongani Mayosi saw her potential and guided her into the field. “I thought he had made a mistake by suggesting I be the one to go to Red Cross War Memorial Hospital for sensitization in 2009. Certain as he would invariably be then, he assured me by saying ‘I know what I am doing.’”
As one of Namibia’s few pediatric cardiologists, Dr. Shidhika has worked tirelessly to develop the country’s cardiac care system. “We established a congenital heart surgery programme to the country in September 2018, which came alongside with the introduction of congenital cardiac ICU care, in essence, in the country.” Her dedication to sustainable and equitable care drives her continued advocacy and innovation. “The work must outlive us! There is an obligation for all of us to protect our country’s health and social capital!”
Bruna Cury: Empowering Nurses and Advocating for Patients in Brazil
Bruna Cury’s mission at CardioPedBrasil® is clear: ensure that every child with CHD has access to proper diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. “At CardioPedBrasil® we strive to collaborate with volunteers and patient/family organizations to ensure adequate information and opportunities regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of children with congenital heart disease.”
She is particularly passionate about empowering nurses as advocates for patient and family-centered care. “Nurses are key elements in ensuring quality care and achieving favorable outcomes.” Through training and collaboration, she is helping build a stronger healthcare network for CHD patients in Brazil.
The impact of these incredible women extends beyond their clinical practice. They are mentors, researchers, advocates, and pioneers pushing for systemic change in childhood-onset heart disease care worldwide. Their dedication reminds us that science and medicine are not just about innovation and discovery—they are about people, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of better health outcomes for all.
This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate their work, their resilience, and their contributions to the global heart community. We also acknowledge and thank the many other women in our Medical Advisory Council whose contributions continue to drive progress in cardiac care in their local communities and worldwide.
