Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Driscoll Children’s Hospital is celebrating a landmark contribution from the Dobson Family Foundations, Las Aguilas Enterprises, and individual Dobson family members. This significant multimillion-dollar donation is earmarked to enhance the hospital’s acclaimed Heart Center, known for treating children and newborns with complex congenital heart diseases.
The donated funds are designated for constructing a state-of-the-art procedural suite within the Heart Center. This new facility will encompass two cutting-edge operating rooms, two advanced cardiac catheterization laboratories, and a specialized 10-bed cardiac intensive care unit, all located on the fourth floor of the Pavilion building. Additionally, an expansive 25-bed cardiac intensive care unit will be situated on the third floor, bolstering the hospital’s capacity to care for critical cases.
In a historic move for the institution, the donation will also establish the Harmon and Grace Dobson Distinguished Chair in Cardiac Surgery, a first for Driscoll and the South Texas region. Dr. Stephen Langley, who has been at the forefront of the Heart program since 2019, will be the inaugural holder of this prestigious title.
Dr. Stephen M. Langley, MD, FRCS (CTh), FETCS, Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, expressed his profound gratitude: “It’s difficult to express our gratitude in words. The Heart Center is growing faster than anyone could have anticipated and most importantly we are achieving outstanding results. This donation will usher in a new era for pediatric cardiac care in South Texas.”
“It’s hard to say how grateful we are. The Heart Center is expanding more rapidly than we could have predicted, and most importantly, we are achieving remarkable outcomes. This donation marks the beginning of a new chapter in pediatric cardiac care here in South Texas.”
The Heart Center at Driscoll offers comprehensive services, including pediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery, anesthesia, intensive care, electrophysiology, and innovative imaging technologies. The new Heart Center Procedural Suite will further enhance Driscoll’s specialized care, supporting ongoing growth and adding new services.
According to benchmarks set by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Heart Center proudly ranks among the nation’s leaders in pediatric cardiac surgery survival rates, particularly for high-risk patients. This exceptional track record strengthens the community’s trust in Driscoll’s capabilities.
“This is the most substantial gift dedicated solely to cardiac care in the history of Driscoll,” commented Eric Hamon, President and CEO of Driscoll. “In recognition of the Dobson family’s generous and enduring contribution, the fourth floor of the Pavilion will be named the Dobson Family Cardiac Suite. We deeply appreciate the Dobson family’s support and commitment to our mission.”
Heather Dobson, president of Tres Grace Family Foundation, reflected on the family’s involvement: “Driscoll’s heart program is inspiring. We are honored to support a program that so profoundly impacts the lives of the smallest hearts in South Texas.”
Driscoll continues to lead as the premier healthcare provider for children in South Texas. As a nonprofit entity, it has been serving the community since 1953. Driscoll is now the region’s largest and fastest-growing healthcare system, with plans to open Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley, the area’s first freestanding designated children’s hospital. The Driscoll Health Plan further extends the reach of local physicians and critical healthcare services across Texas.
