At Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Natalie Shwaish, MD, mends young hearts with dedication and passion. Her journey into medicine began at age four when she declared she wanted to be a “pedianutrition,” blending pediatrics and nutrition. Despite twists and turns along the way, her passion for helping others never wavered. “I think I was born to be a physician,” Shwaish said. Her determination pushed her through medical school, keeping pediatrics in focus.
Initially drawn to surgery, Shwaish realized during her training that her true calling was elsewhere. "I missed spending time talking to my patients and getting to watch them grow up," she explains. Pediatrics felt like home, but her love for solving complex problems eventually led her to pediatric cardiology. "It clicked," she says, describing her first encounter with cardiac physiology.
Shwaish finds immense reward in supporting families through some of their most challenging times. “Cardiac disease in a child is probably one of the scariest things a parent can go through,” she says. Her mission is to ease their suffering, and seeing children grow into strong, resilient young adults brings her joy and pride.
Shwaish says pediatric cardiology requires a collaborative approach involving cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, ICU physicians, specialized nurses, advanced practice providers, dietitians, kidney doctors, lung doctors, GI doctors, neurologists, child life specialists, and social workers. She values open communication and respects the expertise of every team member.
She says parents are also essential partners in their child's care. “Nobody knows their child like they do. We can objectively see the difference in a child when their parent is present, with lower heart rate, calmer breathing patterns, and better sleep.”
She approaches difficult conversations with parents by focusing on clear, understandable explanations and ensuring the discussion happens in a calm, protected environment. Honesty is key, as she believes in addressing the reality of the situation while discussing best-case, likely, and worst-case scenarios. “I try to preemptively answer all the questions that will be swirling around in the parent’s heads as they worry while lying in bed at night trying to comprehend what is happening. I always close with ample time to answer questions. And I will come back to do it all again tomorrow and the next day and the next day if that’s what is needed.”
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