The Fetal Heart Program team at the University of Maryland Medical Center consists of doctors, sonographers, genetic counselors, nurses, and social workers.
Multidisciplinary Core Team Members
Shifa Turan, MD - Director, Fetal Heart Program
Dr. Shifa Turan is a Sonologist at the Center for Advanced Fetal Care, specializing in prenatal diagnosis. She has special expertise in fetal echocardiography, first-trimester high-resolution ultrasound, and 3-D and 4-D ultrasound. She developed a screening method for congenital cardiac abnormalities using 4-D ultrasound techniques and a Fetal Cardiac Program, making the Center for Advanced Fetal Care at the University of Maryland Medical Center a primary diagnostic and referral center for women at high risk for fetal cardiac abnormalities.
Alicia Chaves, MD - Pediatric Cardiologist
Dr. Chaves is a Pediatric Cardiologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions in infants, children, adolescents, and, in some cases, young adults. Her areas of expertise include general pediatric cardiology, non-invasive cardiac imaging, fetal cardiology, and the care of high-risk and single-ventricle patients. Dr. Chaves is knowledgeable about a wide range of conditions, from congenital heart defects (structural issues present at birth) to acquired heart diseases such as arrhythmias or inflammatory conditions.
Learn more about the Children’s Heart Program at UMMC
Nicholas Pietris, MD - Pediatric Cardiologist
Dr. Pietris is a pediatric cardiologist who specializes in non-invasive cardiac imaging and cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing. He treats children with various heart conditions. He is skilled in assessing heart problems even before birth. The findings from a fetal echocardiogram provide valuable insights that help the cardiologist anticipate potential issues after the baby is born. Following birth, Dr. Pietris or another pediatric cardiologist will monitor your baby's heart health throughout childhood.
Learn more about the Children’s Heart Program at UMMC
Sunjay Kaushal, MD - Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon
Dr. Kaushal specializes in performing surgeries on heart problems in babies and children. He collaborates closely with his team to provide care for infants with congenital heart defects both before and after surgery. Before the operation, he explains the procedure in detail and discusses the expected outcomes.
Learn more about the Children’s Heart Program and pediatric cardiac surgery at UMMC
Colleen Driscoll, MD - Neonatologist
Dr. Driscoll specializes in caring for newborns with serious medical conditions. She and her team will monitor and stabilize your baby while heart doctors and surgeons evaluate their heart. They are equipped to handle any other health issues your baby may have. The team will focus on your baby's daily needs and coordinate the necessary care when your baby is ready to leave the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Dr. Driscoll and her team will also assist in planning the safest time and place for your baby's delivery. Before the birth, they will meet with you to discuss what to expect during your experience in the NICU.
Learn more about the neonatologists and NICU at UMMC
Jen MacHamer, RNC, CCE - Labor & Delivery/CARE Coordinator
Jen is an amazing resource in the Fetal Heart Program, helping you prepare for the exciting journey of childbirth! She provides personalized tours of Labor and Delivery, ensuring every question is answered and you feel comfortable. Plus, her engaging Childbirth Education Programs cover essential topics like Preparation, Breastfeeding, Infant Care, and Safety & CPR. You're in great hands with Jen as you embark on this wonderful adventure!
Austin Janaitis, MS, LCGC
Austin Janaitis is a Prenatal Genetic Counselor who provides comprehensive prenatal genetic counseling services at the Center for Advanced Fetal Care. She discusses appropriate screening and diagnostic options with patients concerned about the possibility of having a child with a birth defect or genetic condition. These concerns may arise from factors such as abnormal ultrasound results, advanced maternal age, a family history of genetic disorders, or medication use during pregnancy.
Kim Greve, RNC, BSN - Program Nurse Coordinator
Kim, your dedicated cardiac nurse coordinator! With her expertise, she’ll assist you every step of the way with high-risk obstetrics, genetics, pediatric cardiology, the neonatal intensive care unit, and cardiac surgery. Kim is here to make your transition to the University of Maryland seamless, serving as your trusted guide and primary contact. You’re in caring hands with Kim by your side!
Fetal Sonographers: Suzanne Jefferies, Kim Monagle, Pragati Sidh, Shohreh Nassiri, Brittany Bolinger, Lindsey Bonomo, and Peccina Maisel, RDCS, FE (Pediatric Cardiology)
Social Work Team: Catherine Miller, Ashley Langmead
Our Nursing Team: Nicole Pedersen, Debbie Kirby, Kim Greve
Shifa Turan, MD and Kim Greve, RNC, BSN