Pediatric Cardiology

For more than 60 years, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute has been meeting the needs of pediatric heart patients with a team approach. Our team of pediatric physicians includes Charlotte's only pediatric heart surgeons.

Our philosophy is children are not just miniature adults -- their bodies have unique dynamics and they respond differently to medicine and intervention. We believe it is critical that each treatment be designed specifically for children. Our team of physicians and nurses is skilled in using the most advanced diagnostic and surgical technology available on the tiniest patients, bringing decades of experience and expertise to each patient's case.

Pediatric Team

Dr. A. Resai Bengur
Expertise: Echocardiography, fetal cardiology, congenital cardiac defects

Dr. Andrew S. Bensky
Expertise: Echocardiography, fetal cardiology, TEE

Dr. J. Rene Herlong
Chief of Pediatic Cardiology
Expertise: Pediatric cardiology, echocardiography

Dr. Joseph Paolillo
Expertise: Pediatric cardiology, cardiac catheterization

Dr. Benjamin B. Peeler
Expertise: Pediatric cardiac and thoracic surgery

Dr. Donald A. Riopel
Expertise: Pediatric cardiology, preventive cardiology

Dr. Nicholas Sliz, Jr.
Expertise: Pediatric cardiology, echocardiography

Dr. Richard T. Smith, Jr.
Expertise: Pediatric cardiology and electrophysiology, pediatric heart transplantation

Melissa Day, NP
Nurse Practitioner