Our History and Mission
The History of Pediatric Heart Specialists
In 1983, Penn Laird Sr., M.D., founded our pediatric cardiology practice with a vision of bringing expert and compassionate heart care to children in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. From a small office at Northwest Highway and the Tollway, we’ve expanded our practice throughout the region and into East Texas. With multiple locations, we’re bringing high-quality heart care close to home for the communities we serve.
In 2001, when Tracy Laird, M.D. and Penn Laird II, M.D. joined the practice, the name was changed from W. Pennock Laird M.D., PA to Pediatric Heart Specialists.
Holly Tomlin became the practice's first nurse practitioner in 2011. In early 2012, Michael Day, M.D. joined the practice, followed by Christy Glasow, M.D. and Shannon Blalock, M.D. in 2013. In 2015, the practice added Ashley Hanson as its second nurse practitioner, and in 2016, Alan Sing, M.D. joined. Andrew Lashus, M.D. joined Pediatric Heart Specialists in 2022.
In 2019, Pediatric Heart Specialists joined Children's Health℠, connecting our patients with exceptional care at the nationally ranked Heart Center, including:
- Advanced cardiac imaging
- Cardiac neurodevelopmental program
- Cardiothoracic surgeons
- Dedicated clinical pharmacy anticoagulation team
- Electrophysiology
- Exercise physiology
- Heart failure and heart transplant medicine
- Interventional cardiology
We’re continuing to expand into newer, larger facilities with room for growth so more children and families have access to high-quality heart care.
Our Mission
“We care for kids’ hearts in a positive and life changing way”— that’s been the mission of Pediatric Heart Specialists from the start.
When a parent learns that their child may have a heart condition, they want answers right away. That’s why we focus on getting your child in for an appointment as quickly as possible.
We care for children from before birth into adulthood, building relationships with them and their families that last for decades. Our team does everything we can to serve your child and family, providing care, education and support every step of the way.