Mark Vranicar

Mark Vranicar is a Professor and Section Chief of Pediatric Cardiology at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. He also serves as Director of the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Lab and holds an affiliate clinical position with Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia. His academic appointment is in the Department of Pediatrics with specialization in cardiology.

Education:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD), Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, 1992
• BS in Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana, 1987
• Residency: Pediatrics, UCSF Fresno and University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
• Fellowship: Pediatric Cardiology, Washington University in St. Louis; Pediatric Interventional Cardiac Catheterization, University of California San Francisco

Dr. Vranicar's research focuses on interventional cardiac catheterization, 3D modeling in congenital heart disease, management of infants with patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension, and pediatric exercise stress testing. He has contributed to multicenter drug research studies, advancing therapeutic approaches in pediatric cardiology. His work bridges clinical innovation with technological integration, particularly in structural heart interventions.

His most recent publication in 2021 explores the use of ventricular assist devices as a bridge to heart-liver transplantation in patients with Fontan circulation, reflecting his expertise in complex congenital heart disease and advanced mechanical support. The research spans disciplines including transplantation, pediatric critical care, and cardiovascular surgery, emphasizing innovative solutions for high-risk pediatric patients.

Scientific Awards:

• Abraham Flexner Master Educator Award (2014) – Recognizing excellence in educational innovation and curriculum development at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Dr. Vranicar is deeply committed to medical education, teaching bedside clinical skills to medical students, residents, and fellows, in addition to delivering large-group lectures. He has no listed grants, but his participation in multicenter drug trials indicates collaborative research funding. He previously directed the Pediatric Exercise Physiology Lab and the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at the University of Kentucky before retiring from that institution.

He is affiliated with the Pediatric Cardiology team at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center and maintains active clinical practice in Augusta, GA. His dual role bridges academic medicine and clinical service, contributing to both education and patient care in pediatric cardiology.