PHOENIX [February 26, 2026] – Phoenix Children’s today announced an expanded leadership team for its Center for Heart Care, reinforcing the health system’s commitment to delivering world-class, comprehensive cardiac care for patients and families. The Center consistently delivers strong patient outcomes across all subspecialties and is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a Top Pediatric Center for Cardiology and Heart Surgery.
As the Center continues to grow in scale and clinical complexity, Phoenix Children’s identified an opportunity to strengthen its leadership structure, enhance collaboration across subspecialties and ensure seamless operations.
“This multidisciplinary leadership model is designed to deepen clinical integration and elevate the experience for patients and families,” said Jason Fraser, MD, Interim Surgeon in Chief, Phoenix Children’s. “By bringing together leaders from the Center for Heart Care’s core subspecialties, we strengthen collaboration and continue advancing exceptional outcomes.”
Expanded Leadership Appointments
Under the new structure, four distinguished physicians have been appointed as co-directors of the Center for Heart Care, each representing a core subspecialty critical to the Center’s success:
- Jeff Hanson, MD, Director of Cardiac Anesthesia
Dr. Hanson is a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist who provides perioperative care for patients with complex congenital and acquired heart disease, supporting high-risk cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology procedures and other advanced cardiac interventions. He plays an active role in training fellows, residents and junior faculty, preparing clinicians to confidently manage complex pediatric cardiac patients. - Josh Koch, MD, Division Chief of Cardiac Critical Care Medicine and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Dr. Koch is a pediatric critical care specialist with expertise in managing complex conditions in both the cardiovascular and pediatric intensive care units. His research focuses on improving neurological outcomes for critically ill infants and children, preventing cardiac arrest and advancing post-cardiac care. - Andrew Papez, MD, Division Chief of Cardiology
Dr. Papez is a pediatric cardiologist who focuses on patients with electrical abnormalities of the heart. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr Papez is double board-certified in pediatric cardiology and adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Phoenix Children’s is the only hospital in Arizona — and one of only 42 nationwide — accredited as an ACHD Comprehensive Care Center by the Adult Congenital Heart Association. - Daniel Velez, MD, Division Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery & Surgical Director of Heart Transplantation
Dr. Velez is a nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon with more than two decades of experience performing complex, life-saving surgeries. In 2018, he led the surgical team that made history by operating on the youngest patient in the world to receive a total artificial heart.
A Leadership Model Designed for Excellence and Scale
This collaborative leadership model establishes shared governance across the Center for Heart Care’s core specialties while ensuring strong operational alignment with Phoenix Children’s Medical Group. The structure enhances clinical coordination, administrative support and long-term strategic planning for a Center that treats some of the region’s most critically ill children.
With a comprehensive team of pediatric heart specialists, the Center continues to provide expert diagnoses, advanced treatment and innovative care across the full spectrum of pediatric heart conditions. The expanded leadership team underscores Phoenix Children’s ongoing commitment to excellence, collaboration and successful outcomes for patients and families.