Thomas D. Ryan, MD, PhD

Biography

I am a pediatric cardiologist with special interests in cardiomyopathy, heart failure and heart transplantation. I also treat patients who have developed cardiovascular dysfunction as a result of cancer or cancer therapies, which is a specialty area called cardio-oncology.

I was drawn to my career as far back as high school, when I was intrigued by the workings of the heart in an anatomy and physiology class. In graduate school, I studied the mechanisms of heart failure, and during clinical rotations in medical school, I found I really enjoyed interactions with pediatric patients. I also valued the relationships I formed with parents and caregivers.

In my practice, I treat each patient and family as individuals who are experiencing their healthcare journey for the first time. Aspects of care that may be routine to healthcare providers can be frightening, frustrating or confusing to patients and families. My job is to explain and advocate for the best care. There is often not a right approach for all patients, but there is a right approach for an individual patient.

I have a particular interest in cardio-oncology, and I am the founding co-director of the Cardio-Oncology Program at Cincinnati Children’s, one of the first such pediatric programs in the country. I also have an interest in genetic cardiomyopathies as well as acquired cardiomyopathy.

I am proud to be a graduate of the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where I earned both an MD and a PhD. I am director of clinical operations for Cincinnati Children’s Cardiomyopathy and Advanced Heart Failure Clinic, and a founding member of the Leadership Council for the Cardio-Oncology Member Section of the American College of Cardiology.

In addition to patient care, I’m engaged in research. I am studying possible avenues for preventing heart dysfunction from cancer therapies. I’m also investigating improved care for patients after heart transplant and seeking a better understanding of cardiovascular disease in neuromuscular disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.