Many physicians will tell you their work is personal, but for Maria T. Thanjan, MD, Director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at NYP Queens, it is quite literally woven into her heart. “I always knew I wanted to be a doctor,” she says, “but really the reason behind it was I myself had congenital heart disease.” Diagnosed at age five, soon after her family immigrated from India, she vividly recalls hearing her own heart murmur through a stethoscope and seeing the devastation on her parents’ faces. “I’m actually grateful for it. It was the inspiration behind everything.”
Eighteen years ago, Dr. Thanjan began her first role out of fellowship at NYP Queens and never left. “I fell in love with it. I really identify with the patient population because I am the patient population,” she emphasizes. “The best part of my day is reminiscing when a family comes in: ‘Remember when I first gave you that diagnosis and how upset you were? Now look at your child.’ I’ve watched them grow up.”
Dr. Thanjan’s patient Yasin, born with tetralogy of Fallot, became one of the first children in the country to have the Autus Valve. This new expandable valve, which was studied in clinical trials at NYP, is designed to grow as children grow. Today, Yasin is full of energy and pride—he even created a show-andtell presentation about his heart at school. Dr. Thanjan surprised Yasin by joining him to talk to his class.
Innovation like the Autus Valve is made possible because of NYP’s unique cross-campus teamwork. “Even though I’m at Queens, I’m part of the larger Cornell group,” says Dr. Thanjan. “It works beautifully.”
Learn more about For Every Future: The Campaign for NewYork-Presbyterian here.