A photo of Juan Villafane.

Pediatric Cardiologist, Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Outreach Kentucky

Professor, UC Department of PediatricsProfessor, University of Kentucky

Board Certified

"In my practice, I strive to provide care to the best of my abilities and treat patients and families with kindness and compassion. I like to take into account which medical treatment will be most beneficial to my patients, and I don’t hesitate to consult with colleagues if I feel that by doing so my patient may benefit."

Biography & Affiliation

Biography

As a pediatric cardiologist, I have a special interest in electrophysiology and adult congenital heart conditions.

My passion for cardiology started while I was in medical school. My mentor at that time was a well-known cardiologist who talked with me about congenital heart disease and electrocardiography. I have now been practicing for 40 years, and I still enjoy going to scientific meetings where I can learn about new therapeutic modalities and technical advances.

In my practice, I strive to provide care to the best of my abilities and treat patients and families with kindness and compassion. I like to take into account which medical treatment will be most beneficial to my patients, and I don’t hesitate to consult with colleagues if I feel that by doing so my patient may benefit.

I have received multiple awards from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. I served for three years as governor for the Kentucky chapter of the American College of Cardiology, and I’m active in the American Heart Association at the national, state, regional and community levels.

In addition to helping patients, I have been involved in basic and clinical research for several decades. This includes studies related to the management of syncope, arrhythmias, palpitations and heart murmurs. I have written scientific publications on other topics, including state-of-the-art manuscripts. I was the first cardiac electrophysiologist to report on short-QT syndrome in children, and I have written a number of articles on this topic for major peer-reviewed journals.

In my spare time, I love horseback riding and listening to music. I am involved in a choir that participates in church and patriotic events.

Clinical Interests

Pediatric cardiology

Academic Affiliation

Professor, UC Department of PediatricsProfessor, University of Kentucky

Research Divisions

Cardiology

Education

BS: University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, 1972.

MD: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, 1976.

Residency: Caguas Regional Hospital, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, 1979.

Fellowship: Pediatric Cardiology ,University Pediatric Hospital, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, 1981.

Trainee: Cardiac Electrophysiology with Dr. Paul C. Gillette, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 1982.

Post Medical Training: Fellow in Pediatric Cardiology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 1986.

Publications

Selected Publication

Development of quality metrics for ambulatory care in pediatric patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Villafane, J; Edwards, TC; Diab, KA; Satou, GM; Saarel, E; Lai, WW; Serwer, GA; Karpawich, PP; Cross, R; Schiff, R; et al. Congenital Heart Disease. 2017; 12:762-767.

Cardiovascular Consequences of Childhood Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure: Prevailing Evidence, Burden, and Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Raghuveer, G; White, DA; Hayman, LL; Woo, JG; Villafane, J; Celermajer, D; Ward, KD; de Ferranti, SD; Zachariah, J; Comm, AH A. Circulation. 2016; 134:e336-e359.

D-transposition of the great arteries: the current era of the arterial switch operation. Villafane, J; Lantin-Hermoso, MR; Bhatt, AB; Tweddell, JS; Geva, T; Nathan, M; Elliott, MJ; Vetter, VL; Paridon, SM; Kochilas, L; et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2014; 64:498-511.

Melody pulmonary valve bacterial endocarditis: experience in four pediatric patients and a review of the literature. Villafane, J; Baker, GH; III, AE H; Miller, S; Peng, L; III, BR. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions. 2014; 84:212-218.

Short QT syndrome manifesting with neonatal atrial fibrillation and bradycardia. Villafane, J; Fischbach, P; Gebauer, R. HeartDrug. 2014; 128:236-240.

Hot topics in tetralogy of Fallot. Villafane, J; Feinstein, JA; Jenkins, KJ; Vincent, RN; Walsh, EP; Dubin, AM; Geva, T; Towbin, JA; Cohen, MS; Fraser, C; et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2013; 62:2155-2166.

Long-term follow-up of a pediatric cohort with short QT syndrome. Villafane, J; Atallah, J; Gollob, MH; Maury, P; Wolpert, C; Gebauer, R; Watanabe, H; Horie, M; Anttonen, O; Kannankeril, P; et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2013; 61:1183-1191.

Short QT syndrome in a pediatric patient. Villafane, J; Young, ML; Maury, P; Wolpert, C; Anttonen, O; Hamilton, R; Kannankeril, PJ; Fischbach, PS. Pediatric Cardiology. 2009; 30:846-850.

Small hyperechoic ventricle: a benign foci of the fetal cardiac sonographic finding?. HOW, HY; VILLAFANE, J; PARIHUS, RR; SPINNATO, JA. Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1994; 4:205-207.

Comparisons of the electrophysiological effects of intravenous sotalol and propranolol on the immature mammalian heart. XU, H; VILLAFANE, J; MCCORMACK, J; STOLFI, A; GELBAND, H; PICKOFF, AS. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology. 1989; 13:925-929.