Dala Zakaria

Dala Zakaria, M.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics — Division of Cardiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), practicing at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. She is a pediatric cardiologist specializing in congenital heart disease, with a focus on single ventricle physiology and Fontan patient care. Dr. Zakaria directs the Single Ventricle Program and the Fontan Multi-Disciplinary Program, the only dedicated program of its kind in Arkansas.

• Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics — Division of Cardiology, UAMS
• Director, Single Ventricle Program, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
• Principal Investigator, National Fontan Outcome Network (FON)
• Principal Investigator, NPCQIC Single Ventricle Database
• Faculty, Fetal Echocardiography Program

Dr. Zakaria completed her medical training at Damascus University School of Medicine, residency at Children's Hospital of Damascus and Memorial University Medical Center, and fellowship at UAMS. She is board certified in Pediatric Cardiology and General Pediatrics.

Her research focuses on clinical and neurodevelopmental outcomes in single ventricle patients, echocardiography, and pulmonary hypertension. She has published extensively on Fontan outcomes, fellowship training, and fetal cardiology. Her recent work explores proteomic changes, neurodevelopmental trajectories, and innovative treatments for Fontan complications. She is actively involved in national collaborative research networks.

Dr. Zakaria’s recent publications highlight trends in pediatric cardiology training, diagnostic innovation in fetal and postoperative cardiology, and long-term management of complex congenital heart disease. Her work bridges clinical care, research, and education, with a strong emphasis on improving outcomes for high-risk pediatric cardiac patients.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Society of Echocardiography
• Fetal Heart Society

Dr. Zakaria is a principal investigator on major national studies including the National Fontan Outcome Network and the NPCQIC. She has not advised formal students listed in the text, but mentors junior colleagues and co-authors in research. She leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to comprehensive care for single ventricle patients, integrating cardiology, neurodevelopment, and advanced imaging.

She is a key member of the Fetal Echocardiography program, providing prenatal diagnosis and consultation. Her clinical work spans outpatient, inpatient, and telemedicine settings, where she performs and interprets transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms.