The UCSF Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program is devoted to helping young adults born with congenital heart disease — a heart condition that's present since birth — transition from pediatric to adult care. Studies show that these patients benefit from a program that's designed to meet their evolving needs as they reach adulthood. There is only a handful of such programs in the nation.
Our goal is to provide uninterrupted follow-up health care and to maximize patients' quality of life and future potential. We also aim to educate our patients about their condition and promote skills in communication, decision making, self-care, self-advocacy and medical independence.
When you enter the program, cardiologist Dr. Alison Meadows will conduct a full medical evaluation. Meadows will be your primary cardiologist during your time in the program. Before you graduate from the program, Meadows will work with your referring doctor to create a plan for future cardiac care.
During your time in the program we also help you assemble a broader health care team. We provide a list of adult caregivers — such as specialists in gynecology and obstetrics, hepatology and gastroenterology — with a special interest and sensitivity to young adults with chronic medical conditions. We also provide a consult list of non-medical services such as educational, vocational and social services.
The second component of the program is patient education, provided by Meadows and our nurse practitioner. They meet with you and your family, both together and independently. Some of topics we cover include:
Understanding your cardiovascular condition
Understanding major health and life issues, such as:
Other education resources include seminars for young teens and their parents to discuss transition from pediatric to adult care, peer support groups and educational seminars for young adults with congenital heart disease.
You'll need a referral from your child's pediatrician or specialist to make an appointment. Once you have the referral, please call the number below.
Congenital Heart Disease Program
400 Parnassus Avenue, Second Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone: (415) 353-2008
Fax: (415) 353-2334
Hours: Wednesday
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Last updated July 14, 2010
