Our Team of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Pediatric Specialists

The Fetal Care Center of Southern California is a partnership between UCI Health and CHOC that brings together all the specialists needed to manage high-risk pregnancies, from prenatal interventions, through delivery, to after birth care. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures the best care for both mom and baby, meaning you’ll consult with any number of our specialists during your visit. Below we’ve provided brief descriptions of some of the doctors you might meet.

Our Specialists

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists, also referred to as perinatologists and high-risk pregnancy doctors, are obstetricians who’ve completed additional years of training to become experts in caring for moms and babies during high-risk pregnancies. They’ll help coordinate your treatment plan from diagnosis to ongoing care after delivery.

Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgeons

Our pediatric general and thoracic surgeons are all fellowship trained in the unique anatomies of children and use the latest, most minimally invasive techniques. If your baby’s condition requires general or thoracic surgery after birth, our experts will work to develop a surgical plan that lessens the effects on your child’s growth and functions. They’ll also help guide your family through your baby’s surgery with expertise and compassion.

Pediatric Cardiologists

Pediatric cardiologists specialize in working with children who’ve been diagnosed with heart defects. Our board-certified pediatric cardiologists have additional training in fetal cardiology. If your baby is at risk of having congenital heart disease (CHD), our specialists will perform an echocardiogram and, if a heart defect is detected, they’ll help develop a treatment plan to ensure your baby is delivered safely and receives the necessary care after birth.

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons

Our pediatric heart surgeons specialize in repairing congenital heart defects in children of all ages and are the only team in Orange County that performs newborn and pediatric open-heart surgery. If your baby’s heart defect requires surgical intervention, our board-certified, pediatrics-trained cardiothoracic surgeons will work with our cardiology specialists to determine a surgical plan for your baby.

Pediatric ENT Specialists

Pediatric otolaryngologists (ENTs) specialize in the care of children with conditions of the ears, nose, throat and related areas of the head and neck. All of our doctors are fellowship trained in pediatrics, bringing an expertise to children’s care. If your baby’s diagnosis includes an ENT condition, they’ll help develop a treatment plan to ensure a safe delivery and necessary after birth care.

Genetic Specialists

Many genetic abnormalities can be evaluated or diagnosed before your baby is born. If your baby is at risk for a genetic condition, our specialists will analyze the fetal genetic tests to determine a diagnosis. They’ll counsel you and your family to understand the results and impact of your baby’s genetic condition.

Pediatric Urologists

Pediatric urologists specialize in the care of children with conditions of the urinary tract system and reproductive organs. All of our physicians are fellowship-trained pediatric specialists to ensure the best care for your baby. If your baby is diagnosed with a condition of the urinary tract or reproductive organs, they will help develop a treatment plan to ensure safe delivery and any necessary after birth surgical and/or medical treatment.

Pediatric Nephrology Specialists

Pediatric nephrologists specialize in the care of children with kidney disease. If your baby is diagnosed with a condition of the kidneys, our physicians will work collaboratively with pediatric urologists to develop a treatment plan to ensure safe delivery of your baby and necessary after birth care.

Neonatologists

Our neonatologists specialize in the care of newborns with complex medical conditions. They are the first line of support in high-risk births. If your baby will require a stay in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), you’ll meet with a neonatologist. They’ll counsel you and your family on what to expect and the care your newborn baby will receive.

Pediatric Neurosurgeons

Neurosurgeons specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the brain, spine and central/peripheral nervous systems. Our specialists bring the highest levels of expertise and experience to even the most complex disorders. If your baby is diagnosed with a condition of the nervous system, our doctors will work to develop a surgical/medical plan for your baby after birth.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic surgeons provide a full spectrum of care for children with disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. If your baby is diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition, our specialists will work with your fetal team to develop a treatment plan for surgery after birth.

Pediatric Plastic Surgeons

Any malformation can have lasting physical and emotional effects on a child. Our plastic surgeons treat even the most complex conditions, with the goal of giving your baby a normal, healthy future. If your baby’s condition requires plastic surgery, our team will develop a surgical plan that expertly guides you and your family through every stage of treatment and healing.

Fetal Nurse Coordinators

Nurse coordinators are registered nurses who specialize in organizing patient care. At the Fetal Care Center of Southern California, your nurse coordinator will be your primary point of contact. They will be with you every step of the way to assist in scheduling all necessary appointments and consultations, support communications between you and your specialists, organize treatment planning between teams and facilitate collaboration with OB/MFM providers for continuity of care and any after-birth interventions.

Your Fetal Medicine Appointment

During your first appointment at the Fetal Care Center of Southern California, depending on your baby’s diagnosis, our team of high-risk pregnancy and pediatric specialists will provide one-on-one consultations to educate you and your family on your baby’s condition and outline expectations for your treatment plan.